HomeMy WebLinkAboutStructural Engineer Letter
inghouse, PC
P.O. Box 182
Mashpee, MA 02649
Phone: 508-221-2980
Email: jensen@inghouse.net
Web: www.inghouse.net
March 24th , 2026
Project #: ING25022
Town of Barnstable Historic Commission
Attn: Erica Brown (Administrative Assistant)
367 Main Street
Hyannis, MA 02601
RE: Renovation Approach for the Existing Carriage House
Located at 112 Washington Ave, Hyannis, MA
Dear Members of the Historic Commission,
I am writing to respectfully present a proposal regarding the existing carriage house/garage
located at the above indicated project location.
This structure has recently undergone a comprehensive architectural and structural evaluation in
preparation for a full renovation, which includes the introduction of new living space on the first
floor, as well as reconfigured garage space, and a new layout for the 2nd floor living space. As
part of this process, a detailed structural assessment was performed to determine the feasibility of
adapting and renovating the existing building to safely support the proposed use.
Unfortunately, the findings indicate that the building is in a state of severe structural distress.
The existing conditions reveal significant deterioration, as well as undersized, and non-reusable
structural components. Clear evidence of substantial differential settlement and foundation
system failure on approximately one half to two thirds of the existing footprint exists.
Additionally, the current framing system is inadequate to support the required loads associated
with the proposed residential use and new architectural design, and does not meet current
building code requirements for either gravity or lateral structural systems.
Due to these limitations, it would require an unreasonable and impractical amount of re-
construction effort and cost if trying to achieve the proposed architectural design, while retaining
the existing building components. Nearly all current structural components would have to be
enhanced, replaced, or reconstructed in some way, in order to achieve the proposed design.
Systems, which would allow long term security against settlement, e.g. helical pile supports,
would be much more costly and include technically less desirable detailing, if existing building
components would have to be kept in place for re-use.
INGHOUSE 03/24/2026 Page 1 of 2
In light of these findings, we are proposing a full demolition and reconstruction of the structure.
The new construction would occur within the existing footprint and location of the current
building, as previously approved by multiple boards within the town. Importantly, the design will
faithfully preserve and replicate the exterior historic character and architectural appearance of the
existing carriage house, ensuring consistency with the surrounding historic context.
The reconstructed building will be designed to meet all current building code requirements and
will incorporate modern structural systems, including enhanced foundation support such as
helical piles, to address and prevent future settlement issues.
Our intent is to balance preservation with safety and long-term viability—maintaining the
historic aesthetic that contributes to the character of the property and this particular community
neighborhood, while ensuring the structure is sound, functional, and compliant with today’s
standards.
We respectfully request the Commission’s consideration and approval of this approach. We
would be happy to provide additional documentation, or to attend a meeting to discuss this
proposal in further detail.
Thank you for your time and thoughtful consideration.
INGHOUSE
Lars Jensen, P.E., S.E.
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03/24/2026