Lancaster Leaf – Investigating Impending Danger
The Danger
The owners of the Lancaster Leaf Tobacco Company knew they had to take immediate corrective action when they discovered one of their buildings was in danger of collapse. The deteriorating building was constructed as a tobacco warehouse and processing facility.
The Investigation
Our investigative services team determined that the solid masonry building, which had served the company well for over 100 years, was literally falling apart. Due to the construction processes of the early 1900’s, the structure was not designed or built to withstand the stresses imposed on it by extreme loading, temperature fluctuations, height of the building and exposure to extreme weather conditions. Altogether, these stresses had led to the failure of the top twenty feet of the 280-foot long wall.
The Results
The Witmer Group reconstructed and restored the building back to its original structural integrity and aesthetic appeal. Vigilant collaboration, strategic capability and extraordinarily meticulous masonry work were the keys to successful restoration of this building.