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The Girl Scout Cabin at McKinley Park has been reviewed by structural engineer James E. Tometich of TE Forensics Inc. and claimed the cabin can be saved according to group in support of saving the structure.
“Where it looks right now, we’re saving the cabin, the cabin is structurally sound from the structural engineer,” said President of Girl Scout Cabin fund Tara Kinkade.
The work of TE Forensics contrasts what Veenstra and Kimm, an engineering firm in West Des Moines, provided the Creston Parks and Recreation Board earlier this year. Kinkade said at the board’s Feb 1. meeting Veenstra and Kimm is “not a structural engineer.”
According to Veenstra and Kimm, the utility poles used to build the cabin are in “very poor shape.” Drill holes within the logs showed soft wood and decay.
The cabin’s foundation is a combination of brick and block and a slab on grade. It is not confirmed there are any frost footings under the structure. Frost footings are part of the construction process that protects the building from shifting dirt because of freeze and thaw cycles. The foundation has multiple fractures which are trip hazards.
Shingles on the roof are in “very poor shape and need removed and replaced.”
Electrical wiring throughout the building is antiquated and would fail a code inspection. Bare wire is visible throughout the building.
“This is an area of concern due to life safety issues with access to the public. The state of Iowa preforms electric inspections for the city of Creston, if any electric repairs or alterations are planned they need to be approved by the state,” according to the report.
The building also has various openings that allow weather, animals and insects to enter.
The building does not meet American with Disabilities Act regulations.
In addition to bringing in Tometich, Kinkade is working with consultant Bolinger Solutions, to form case statements and formal statements to help in laying out a foundation to pursue fundraising in support of the cabin.
“The cabin is structurally sound to a degree, that it does need significant work, but it is do-able. The structural engineer is very favorable that he has the professional experience to help us make the connections necessary to do the work that needs done and do it in a logical fashion to preserve the historical integrity, but also create a space that is functional and usable not only for scouts, but the community,” said Jesse Bolinger.
The cabin was made of the 100 year old telephone polls that stood in downtown Creston.
“Its historical, its been a part of Creston for a long time. We have had a lot of former girl scouts reach out to us and have shared their stories. Its been pretty touching, Kinkade said.
Kinkade and Bolinger communicated the desire to turn the main focus of the cabin to a more community wide integration of usage, without removing the historic feature the cabin houses nor its respective parties.
The cabin, a space to be occupied more times than not, whether through community involvement like scout groups or personal usage, like family reunions acknowledged from past years.
“There’s always unknowns, right, you always project higher than lower, and it’s just to early to do it,” said Bolinger.
Associated to funds and fundraising, Bolinger addressed the project is in its infancy stages and that the engineer survey provides crucial information, however there isn’t necessarily a number to applied to the project.
“We want it to be for the community, not just for the scouts,” said Kinkade.
Moving forward Bolinger and Kinkade have not paused in their effects for saving the cabin, they have collected gift baskets, autographed memorabilia, and other items. ‘Save the Girl Scout Cabin’ project is hosting a fundraiser, 5 p.m. dinner and to follow auction held at 7 p.m. Friday, March 4 at the Eagles.