City leaders are bringing in a company to assess the damages to the leaking roof of the historic Triangle Cultural Center.
Although the facility itself is an aging structure, the metal roof was installed in 1999. However, building inspector Russ Carter told the Board of Mayor and Aldermen that it is almost literally “raining inside” the building.
“There are several areas in the building where there is leaking,” Carter said, showing city leaders photographs. “Some of the wood is falling from the ceiling. A lot of these are inside the auditorium, where a number of functions are held.”
Carter said there are also some leaks inside the Sam Olden Museum.
“I did notice also in the museum, there is a terrible leak in there over one of the things they have set up…I think this one was World War I items,” he said. “It’s destroying some of the artifacts.”
Carter said there are several chimneys on the Triangle’s roof.
“Possibly, this may be where some of the leaking is coming from,” he said.
Carter said there is a commercial company that would come look at the roof, at no cost. He added that the building is covered under insurance with a $2,500 deductible.
Mayor Diane Delaware said it is imperative that the board act quickly to resolve the issue. She said aside from the historic significance of the facility, there are a number of businesses located inside ranging from a dance studio to an art program.
“It’s actually raining in the building,” Delaware said. “We have got to find out what is wrong with the building. We have got to bring somebody in.”
Carter said the roof itself is in good shape, but the continued leaking will lead to bigger problems.
“Some leaks are going to affect the wood floors, and there is nothing in there but wood floors,” Carter said. “We need an assessment on what is causing these leaks.”
Alderman Gregory Robertson made the motion to bring in a company for assessments and cost estimates. The board carried the motion with no opposition.
