Coleman A. Young Municipal Center Enclosure Consulting

WPM Michigan, an affiliate of Walter P Moore, completed a pre-schematic design assessment of Coleman A. Young Municipal Center that serves as the City of Detroit government headquarters. The building was constructed in 1951 and consists of the Courts Building and the Office Building, with a 14-story connector building in between. On behalf of the City, Hines requested that we evaluate glass breakage that continues to occur on the north and south elevations of both buildings. We reviewed the original drawings and a performed a visual review to evaluate conditions of the glazing assembly and aluminum curtain wall system. We identified potential causes of distress, provided conceptual repair recommendations, and developed a comprehensive testing program. Typical distress items include water intrusion through window assemblies, corrosion of aluminum curtain wall frames, and single pane glazing failures.

WPM Michigan has continued with a visual investigation of the façade. Close-up façade drops from a swing stage verified the conditions of glass, curtain wall frame, and stone panels. The investigation documented a representative sample of conditions to provide insight into appropriate repair and remediation options. WPM Michigan will soon begin water testing, exploratory openings, curtain wall unit disassembly, and material testing. Information gathered from all project phases will lead the recommendations of a full facade re-clad or the ability to salvage parts of the current system while improving the safety and thermal performance.