Structural Engineer for Historic Brownstone

Agencie has been hired as design-builder for the gut renovation and 4 story addition to a historic brownstone in Jersey City. The landmarked townhouse was built in the 1830s in Paulus Hook, an area that was previously submerged below the Hudson River.   The geotechnical report, produced by SESI Engineers with soil borings obtained by Environmental Management Consultants, revealed the sub-soil to consist primarily of mushy sand!

Structural Engineer for Historic Brownstone Image
Structural Engineer for Historic Brownstone Image

To achieve load bearing capacity for the addition, Agencie selected to use of Helical Piers by Chance.  Helical piers have been around since the 1800s, and are long shafts at the end of which you’ll find helix plates 8-14″ in diameter. These were drilled down to a suitable soil strata, about 22′ below grade, to achieve a factored working load of 40,000lbs.  The work was completed by Shore Systems LLC in one day’s time.

Structural Engineer for Historic Brownstone Image
Structural Engineer for Historic Brownstone Image