UPDATE April 26th

FIRST – We appreciate all Owners and Residents assistance this week – and continued patience. Many residents have dealt with side effects from the water shut offs related to the Upper Loop Project. This has included water pressure fluctuations, inconsistent hot water temperature, clogged screens and aerators, and more. In some cases, no water at all from particular fixtures. Our staff and plumbers have visited over 60 units to address problematic conditions, and we have had to flush EVERY tier’s hot water line, due to debris from the old pipes caught in the stacks.

Above…view of the 55th floor hallway; no ceiling and construction bulbs in place of light fixtures.

Some residents also reported odd colored, rust colored, cloudy, at times odd smelling water. All a result of the loosened rust and sediment from the old galvanized iron lines. AND the most visible evidence most of us will get see, that the lines we are replacing NEEDED to be replaced. While there is no evidence the temporary discoloration or even odd smelling water is unhealthy, it is obviously not ideal. In fact, that’s why iron pipes can be used for plumbing. But all the gunk was previously in the line and no longer exists thanks to the replacement of the iron with copper.

DUE TO THE NUMBER OF UNITS, time constraints and other demands resulting from the project, we are going to be unable to get back to every single resident in person. However, we believe the vast majority of conditions reported to us have been addressed. Nonetheless, we strongly encourage owners and residents to let us know if you are still experiencing any water control or temperature issues. You can do so via e-mail, Click Here, or by calling our office at 773-769-3250.

Above…the Association’s Reserve dollars at work – and what all the ruckus is about. The main line, valves and riser connections all replaced with copper.’

SO WHAT HAPPENED, resulting in so many challenges? Many of the hot water risers were clogged with rust and sediment – which is debris from the lining of the old pipes which loosened and gravity pulled downward into the lines. The debris snowballed in most of the risers and wherever these clumps formed, below that we had reports of everything from low pressure to only lukewarm water, to even lingering reports of water being completely out. Again, this was mainly isolated to the hot water lines.

Think of the risers, like a great big straw you use while you are drinking a milk shake, and a clump of chocolate gets lodged somewhere in the middle of the straw. Some folks are still able to squeeze some of the milkshake out, others not so much.

We did have some cold water issues, but this was primarily clogged screens and aerators.

AGAIN, it is important for you to contact us if you are experiencing any continued difficulties at all.

As Of Wednesday April 24th, our team advises they do not expect any further water shut offs directly related to the Upper Loop Project…

First, we want to thank ALL residents from the 30^th to 55^th floor. We realize yesterday and last night was a struggle for many. We truly appreciate the epic patience and perseverance as we completed the switch-over of the high zone risers to the new main line.  In some cases today, some residents are experiencing the blockage of faucets from rust and sediment in the old line.  IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH WATER FLOW, please contact us right away to get added to our list.

Last night, some tiers – in particular the ’05, ’06, and ’07 lines – were without water until morning. Others suffered the noise from workers above them overnight. We apologize for these conditions, but please understand our team was all hands on deck to get water service back to everyone as quickly as we were able. We did not want there to be noise all night, but water service had to be a critical priority at that point.

Residents who lived here at the time may recall the Lower Loop Replacement Project in the lobby ceiling several years ago. This effort is almost identical, only it is in the ceiling of the 55^th floor. This is an effort only those residents are aware of on a day to day basis. So to give you and idea of the scope and nature of the work we are completing for those who don’t see it when they open their unit doors, that is the closest comparison. The folks on 55 have had quite an experience day to day for several weeks now, and we especially thank and appreciate them for what they are experiencing as we make these important improvements.

To provide at least a general explanation, last night we encountered unpredictable conditions outside of the contractor’s or staff’s control. Had we stopped working overnight, those tiers would still be without water, which would not be tolerable or acceptable. The condition of the pipes our team was disconnecting from were EXTREMELY and in some cases SEVERELY deteriorated. Unexpectedly so. That coupled with the location and physical obstacles made work far more of a challenge than expected.

At this time, we do not expect any further water shut offs. They are certainly possible, but now that the main line and new valves are in place, if necessary any further shut offs would likely be isolated to particular tiers. The planned work that remains:

55^th Floor Demo Old Plumbing – Tuesday April 23^rd thru Friday April 26^th

55^th Floor Insulation Work – Wednesday April 24^th thru Tuesday April 30^th

55^th Floor Reconstruction – Monday April 29^th thru Friday May 17^th

If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail us at parktowercondo@draperandkramer.com or give us a call at 773-769-3250.

Also, get regular updates and other business news, announcements and notices by joining the Park Tower Condo Association e-mail group. Just e-mail us a request to add you!