HSR Update

The CRSA team, with the SLC TV film crew on hand to document any discoveries, conducted an additional investigative site visit last week. The main items on the agenda:

1. Determine the framing layout of the second floor
2. Finish measurements of the basement for floor plan drawings
3. Investigate flooring layers beneath the tile in the kitchen
4. Pull back floor coverings in the library (southeast parlor) to investigate for evidence of a fireplace hearth on the east wall
5. Determine likely original appearance of the rear of the mansion
6. Finish measurements and observe framing layout of the carriage house

FYI: An undated floor plan sketch of the main level is part of the information on file at the State Historic Preservation Office. This drawing refers to the southeast room as the Library, and the west room as the Parlor, so we will use those terms from this point on in our discussions.

Findings:

Library
Removal of the carpet, linoleum, and masonite backing along the east wall in the library revealed the same hardwood flooring found in other areas of the library and main rooms. As there is no evidence of a hearth along this wall, the current conclusion is that there was a not a fireplace located in this room.

Kitchen Flooring
Removal of a tile in the kitchen revealed several layers of flooring material. Underneath the tile were wire mesh and the mortar bed, which was applied atop thick plywood. Underneath the plywood were two layers of linoleum on top of the wood floor. The wood floor is presumed to be the top 1x4 layer of subflooring, indicating that the first layer of linoleum was the original finish for the kitchen.

Next Steps:

A 50% draft report is underway and will be reviewed at the advisory committee meeting next week.
The SEAU group has received the updated framing plans of the mansion and carriage house from CRSA. They are working on their evaluation of the buildings so they can recommend approaches for structural upgrades.