Insurance fire investigators have been visiting the fire unit, working to determine the cause with as much scientific certainty as possible. In addition, we are awaiting the copy of a formal report from the Chicago Fire Department which the building’s insurance carrier expects to receive soon, and will be shared with us.
It was reported today, that the investigators will be making one more visit sometime next week – hopefully by Friday January 9th. We do have some additional work needed in the fire Unit before we can finish cleanup at the source of the fire, and do the remainder of what needs to be done in the 4th floor hallway. Basically the investigators have to finish their job, and evidence can’t be trampled on or removed until then. So, we are kind of at a stand still at the moment. They will give a green light to do the remainder of what is needed in the unit once they are done. Then we can move on to final clean up and painting in the hallway.
WE KNOW THE AIR MOVERS ARE VERY LOUD – and especially this time of year its a disappointing annoyance and inconvenience. But, without them the odor and air quality could potentially become unbearable. So, we appreciate everyone’s patience, particularly on the 4th floor while this effort continues.
Once we can, the demo and removal of debris from the bedroom where the fire occurred will take place. Residents can expect when that starts, there will be construction noise.
We will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available.
Let us know if you have any questions or concerns, at parktowercondo-mgmt@habitat.com.
Fortunately, things are winding down for the most part on the 3rd and 5th floor. However, there may be several months of activity on and off on the 4th floor, to get things 100% back to normal.
Insurance adjusters have deemed Unit 409 a “total loss” meaning most if not all of the drywall will need to be replaced. Clean up efforts have continued and movers have already been coordinating a complete pack out of belongings. After that, ServPro will demo the unit and prepare it for reconstruction.
This will be a noisy process, and for residents in and around the 3rd to the 9th floor and perhaps higher, may here construction noise during the day as this effort continues.
We’ve also been advised that the exterior curtain wall and window frame, in the unit and bedroom where the fire was located, may have been damaged. An inspection by the Association’s structural engineer has been scheduled for next week, after which we will get an opinion on conditions. If repairs to the curtain wall are necessary, worst case scenario having entire portions of the window frame being replaced, it could take months.
Unfortunately, window frames and structural parts of buildings such as Park Tower’s curtain wall are not just sitting around on a shelf somewhere. They would have to be custom manufactured; an expensive and time consuming process.
We appreciate everyone’s patience while this effort continues.
Let us know if you have any questions or concerns, at parktowercondo-mgmt@habitat.com.
As we understand it, the Unit Owner of 409 was injured following a fire that broke out in the Unit.
It was explained to us by the fire commander on the scene that it was likely due to a cigarette, though first responders also reported there were candles present. Fortunately, flames appear to have been contained to the unit’s bedroom, but smoke impacted multiple units above, below and on the 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th floor hallways.
To help vent smoke, first responders knocked out the bedroom windows and activated the building’s south stair smoke tower, as they were bringing conditions in the bedroom under control. Some smoke tower windows remain open to bring in more fresh air while our team is continuing their response. We’ve brought in ServPro, who is helping assess conditions, clean up, deodorize and help with gearing up for targeted repairs where necessary.
Our maintenance team and office will continue to be in contact with impacted units, as these efforts unfold.
One thing we observed from this event, that should bring some measure of solace – the fire stayed contained to the bedroom.
We are told thanks to Park Tower’s construction, this is the intended result of the building’s design. Keeping fires contained. In the past two decades, we’ve had 3 residential fires. In one case a Studio (where the resident was killed) and in the others, One Bedrooms – both fires were isolated to the bedrooms (the residents were injured). All alleged to result from a cigarette. And although we had to contend with smoke and some water damage in other locations, the fact flames remained isolated reinforces the notion there is protection inherent to the building’s design.
DO NOT LET THAT FACT DISARM YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!
Events can rage out of control very quickly and become even more chaotic, with little or no notice. There is plenty of such history in Chicago. We’ve seen these types of situations unfold at other high rise buildings, including those with similar construction design. Though we are told the safest place to remain when there is a fire in another location, is your unit unless otherwise instructed or you feel you are in immediate danger, that can change fast given the insidious nature of a high rise fire. There is still more to be aware of.
For example, if you do leave your unit, unlock the door but close it behind you.
Click on the article below for a quick review of our resident procedures for responding to a fire emergency. And to download our full Resident Emergency Procedures Manual, Click Here.
If you have any questions or would like to share any concerns or observation, please contact us at parktowercondo-mgmt@habitat.com.
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