Approved Project To Replace Original Stand Pipe Valves Set To Begin Monday December 2nd

These are valves serving the fire hose cabinets in the hallways and stairwell stand pipes throughout the building, which could be used by firefighters in the event of a fire emergency.

This was budgeted for 2024 and approved at the August 2024 Board Meeting. This effort is being undertaken because of recent changes in building and fire code enforcement by the City of Chicago. Specifically, the original valves require a tool to open, and because of that they don’t meet current standards. In fact, they could be considered “defective”. Despite even that, new up to code valves will be easier for first responders to access and operate if necessary.

The vendor, Fox Valley, hired to do this work has received all the necessary materials and they are scheduled to begin Monday December 2nd. We expect them to work from the 55th Floor down, beginning at around 9am. They plan to work at a rate of about 15 to 20 floors a day. They expect to be done sometime on Thursday December 5th. However, due to the nature of this type of work it is possible they will run into unforeseen difficulties or conditions. If that is the case, we will keep this post update with any new information.

You will see workers coming and going from the hallways and stairs and you may hear noise as the work their way down each floor.

We appreciate your understanding and patience while we coordinate this very important replacement effort.