|
November 2, 2006
Mr. Rodney Mohr
Center Street Historic District Association, Inc.
513 Center Street
Mr. Philip Liebolt
Ashland County Historical Society
414 Center Street
Ashland, Ohio 44805
RE: A.N. Myers Home
Gentlemen,
I am aware that an “estimate” of as much as one million dollars to convert and renovate the A.N. Myers home has been attributed to me and/or this company. It is time to set the record straight.
I visited the A.N. Myers home on March 7, 2006. I brought along our Design Manager, Rick Pasa, and we met with Tina Carpenter and John Sidle. We were given a tour of the home and were told of the intended conversion to public assembly use (museum) and comprehensive renovation back to it’s original grandeur.
We presented the challenges of such a project. Things such as asbestos abatement, wet and dry sprinkler systems, floor loading requirements, exit access requirements, elevator(s), fire separation from adjoining properties, ADA upgrades, and ventilation requirements that are all part of a commercial project were discussed. The we touched on the severe deterioration and alterations that have occurred over the years. As both of you know, restoring and replacing quarter sawn white oak trim and paneling, repairing plaster walls and moldings as well as restoring all of the exterior ornamental work that is evident on photographs of the original home are not easy or inexpensive undertakings.
These were all points of discussion during our hour long walk-thru in early March. At the conclusion of our visit, we were asked for an approximate cost of the challenges described above. Our response as we stepped out of the door was, “are you ready to spend $500,000 to $700,000?”
To be clear, your involvement in this project ended that day with that comment. We have never been approached to investigate the project any further or to provide a detailed estimate on a prescribed scope of work. Additionally, to put Mr. Mohr at ease concerning our qualifications to express an opinion, we would be happy to submit a list of references that reflects our significant knowledge and success in the building renovation and conversion business.
We realize that whatever happens to our casual comments as they were recited and exaggerated up and down Center Street is beyond our control. Our hope is now that you are armed with an understanding of the actual events, you will use your positions to set the record straight.
Sincerely,
Jay Myers, VP
Simonson Construction Services, Inc.
|
