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Structural issues cause evacuation of Cambridge condo building for at least a year
A major infrastructure repair project will commence to shore up the building before the end of the year.
Residents of a luxury condominium complex along Cambridge’s Charles River have been ordered to evacuate for at least a year due to structural safety concerns. The iconic, eight-story 1960s building, home to 66 mostly owner-occupied units, must be vacated before construction begins later this year.
Meanwhile, residents of the neighboring Bradbury building, which is part of the same association, will not be affected.
The property management company for the Riverview-in-Cambridge Condominium Association says construction crews discovered structural issues in the condo building on Mount Auburn Street last year during a roof repair project.
The management company stated that the deficiencies, including substandard concrete and improper placement of reinforcing steel bars, had been unknown for almost six decades.
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The rebar, concealed by the concrete it intends to reinforce, was covered by flooring and other finishings.
“Until recently, no one had any reason to suspect the errors that occurred in the original construction,” the condo association said.
During the roof replacement project, core tests of the balconies revealed the misplaced rebar, halting the work and triggering further investigation. A team of professionals, including engineers, architects, construction managers, and other consultants, were brought in for additional testing.
In late October, the team advised the board that the “day-to-day use of the building could potentially create high demand-to-capacity ratios, resulting in the structure being overloaded.”
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With winter approaching, the team warned the board that drifting snow could add “further load and stress to the structure.”
The board then concluded “that in the interest of safety,” the building should be evacuated.
The statement said engineers prepared designs for shoring and permanent repairs. The goal is to strengthen the building while retaining its mid-20th-century architectural features. The repairs will respect the interior spaces.
The board remains in contact with Cambridge officials, and any action taken moving forward will need the city’s review and approval.
In addition, the board and its managing agent are working with residents to find alternative housing.
“The board’s immediate objective is to maximize safety and minimize stress on the building, allowing the project team to develop and implement definitive repairs that will return the Riverview building to service as efficiently as possible,” the statement said.
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