Update on Structural Analysis of Dust Bowl Theatre

Date: October 4, 2017


Mr. Vlaming gave a status update on the structural analysis of the Dust Bowl Theater. He stated a copy of the observation and investigation report conducted by Greg S. Downtown Advisory Commission Meeting minutes Wednesday, September 6, 2017 Page 2 of 4 Broderick, M.S., S.E. with Broderick Engineering LLC is included on the meeting packet. It was determined by Mr. Broderick that the building will require major renovation to be occupied pointing out three of the items that need to be strengthened or replaced (this list is not all inclusive):


  1. The roof trusses are over-stressed, load path connections are missing and there are no visual wall anchors. If renovation is to be performed, they are recommending that the entire roof structure be replaced with new plywood sheathing and new trusses. They are recommending that wall anchorage be installed at 48” on center on all four walls.
  2. The floor framing is over-stressed on the balcony. This can be accomplished with strengthening of the existing framing or new framing. The steps to the projection room don’t meet code.
  3. The exterior walls lack in reinforcing with fiber reinforcing each side of the wall. However, it appears that some of the wall will have a low compressive strength and this option might not be feasible. Another option would be to treat the existing wall as a veneer and install a new steel stud wall on the interior of the space.


In summary, the roof structure, floor structure, and exterior wall need to be repaired, strengthened, or modified. It might be more economical to demolish and replace the building than to repair the existing structure.


Mr. Vlaming mentioned that the Eloy City Council was just made aware of the report at the Council meeting last Monday. Commissioner Damron asked if the City Council had an estimated cost. Ex-Officio Mayor Belloc commented they were looking at about Onehundred and fifty-thousand dollars for a demolition. Commissioner Varela suggested painting the outside of the building and fixing the façade to make it look like the original theater as Vice-Chairperson Myers had suggested at previous meetings. Chairperson Benner commented that Mr. Bill Carnell had mentioned that at a minimum it would take approximately nine-hundred thousand dollars to bring the building up to code. 


Source: DAC-October-2017-Mtg-Packet, https://eloyaz.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2687/DAC-October-2017-Mtg-Packet?bidId=