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During the Suffolk City Council work session, Director of Capital Projects Gary Jones provided an update on the Planters Club, a 100-year-old rental facility that has been closed for about a year due to severe structural issues. Jones recounted that during routine maintenance, a contractor noticed a “substantial sag in the main roof structure”, prompting an immediate investigation by Walpert and McFerson.

Structural engineer Marcos Freeman from McPherson Design Group detailed the alarming findings, stating, “The building is literally coming apart.” He explained that the wood trusses, dating back to the 1925 construction, are experiencing “long-term creep,” causing them to sag and pull apart at the connections. Freeman emphasized the severity of the situation, leading to the immediate closure and condemnation of the building due to the risk of truss failure. He pointed to photographic evidence showing separation in the truss boards and web members.

Freeman noted the sagging trusses are exerting pressure on the walls, causing them to bow outwards, rendering the building no longer “plum”. The balcony, supported by rods connected to the trusses, has also sagged significantly. Freeman also noted that the interior columns were improperly supported and that there was significant moisture in the crawl space, with an estimated 50% of the floor joists needing reinforcement due to fungal growth and deterioration.

Two cost scenarios were presented to the council. A full renovation, estimated at $4.5 million, and a replacement “in kind,” approximately $5.16 million. 

Council Member Shelley Butler Barlow expressed sadness at the building’s condition and inquired about its historical significance. Gary Jones responded that the research did not indicate it being listed on either the state or federal historic registers. 

Council Member John Rector echoed concerns about the high cost of renovation compared to new construction, suggesting that a new structure could potentially preserve some of the Planters Club’s unique components, like the balcony. Council Member Timothy Johnson shared personal memories of the Planters Club, acknowledging the emotional attachment but emphasizing the need to act in the city’s best interest.

The project is not included in the current Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), so for the council, there is no immediate recommendation for the Planters Club. However, it will be a subject of future discussions. The mayor and council were reassured that stabilization efforts have been strong, ensuring the building’s immediate safety.