Women's club infested with crazy destructive species of Formosan termites.

Started by Houseboat Mike, April 27, 2016, 10:19:37 AM

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JaxUnicorn

#15
April 27, 2016, 11:51:10 PM
Quote from: stephendare on April 27, 2016, 03:27:32 PM
The problem is that the building (which was free of termites four years ago) hasn't been infected with regular local variety termites.  Its been infested by a particularly nasty strain of formosan termite.  You can't simply bag the building and fumigate them. They don't breed the way that our indigenous termites breed, and bagging the building kills a generation of them, but even with the most thorough fumigation, the entire building is likely to be reinfested within six months.

Were there no termite inspections done in the last 4 years?  What has the Cummer done to attempt to eradicate the colony?  Why are they willing to treat and save the surrounding trees and not the building?  I want more information.....
Kim Pryor...Historic Springfield Resident...PSOS Founding Member

sheclown

#16
April 28, 2016, 06:17:18 AM
Obviously, the Cummer will not be able to use an excavator to demolish for fear of spreading the infestation. 

What is their plan for hand demolition?

camarocane

#17
April 28, 2016, 07:57:39 AM
That's a good question Sheclown.
What can they do with the existing materials? I know there is a huge market for old timber like that, but if its infested it would probably be best to just burn the stuff. How about the bricks, windows, and other accoutrements? I'm sure they can sell and recoup a small fraction of the money. Shoot, I'd be willing to purchase some bricks myself.

mbwright

#18
April 28, 2016, 08:06:36 AM
It's a shame that Chlordane was taken off of the market.  I know that it persists, and is toxic, but the only product that was really effective.  The entire area should be rightfully afraid, and I would assume not pest company will take any new bonds, or guarantee treatment, since this is in the area.

strider

#19
April 28, 2016, 08:34:28 AM
Anyone who drives across the Main Street bridge into Downtown sees a building many would have said was not salvageable and yet.....

We recently came up with a method to save a badly termite damaged structure and re-purpose it for a better use.  I admit we were not facing Formosa Termites but we were not dealing with an iconic brick structure either or anything like the budget the Cummer seems to have.

Historic Buildings should not be taken down as lightly as they are here in Jacksonville.  So, while it may seem to be an attack on the people running the Cummer non-profit, it is not.  It is a struggle to insure every single historic structure gets it's day in court and if demolition is asked for by anyone, it should be the hardest thing to do period. Since the City itself will not enforce it's own ordinances involving the historic structures in anything but an arbitrary and capricious manor, the public needs to scream loud and long even if it sometimes seems unfair to those wishing to demolish a historic structure.  In fact, the people running the Cummer should be welcoming the conversation as it truly is the only way to vet the request for demolition here in Jacksonville.
"My father says that almost the whole world is asleep. Everybody you know. Everybody you see. Everybody you talk to. He says that only a few people are awake and they live in a state of constant total amazement." Patrica, Joe VS the Volcano.

Captain Zissou

#20
April 28, 2016, 09:51:09 AM
I would love to see this get the same renovation that the bostwick building received, but I'm sure the Cummer has been in touch with them and has determined that this isn't a feasible option.

strider

#21
April 28, 2016, 10:05:16 AM
The issue becomes, what is "feasible" and who determines that?

"My father says that almost the whole world is asleep. Everybody you know. Everybody you see. Everybody you talk to. He says that only a few people are awake and they live in a state of constant total amazement." Patrica, Joe VS the Volcano.

strider

#22
April 28, 2016, 01:02:04 PM
Quote from: stephendare on April 28, 2016, 10:05:50 AM
Quote from: strider on April 28, 2016, 10:05:16 AM
The issue becomes, what is "feasible" and who determines that?

why not reach out?

"reach out" to whom? 
"My father says that almost the whole world is asleep. Everybody you know. Everybody you see. Everybody you talk to. He says that only a few people are awake and they live in a state of constant total amazement." Patrica, Joe VS the Volcano.

strider

#23
April 28, 2016, 03:52:27 PM
It's just that when we have indeed reached out in past owner demolition situations, we were ignored mainly because we represent the alternative when owners want demolition.  I'm having trouble believing this would be any different.

I have informed myself about Formosa termites.  They are nasty and are a great concern.  But other areas of the country are surviving them and other buildings have as well.
"My father says that almost the whole world is asleep. Everybody you know. Everybody you see. Everybody you talk to. He says that only a few people are awake and they live in a state of constant total amazement." Patrica, Joe VS the Volcano.

Non-RedNeck Westsider

#24
April 28, 2016, 05:20:52 PM
Following along and here's my take from the last bit:

Cummer:  We're exploring options, demolition has to be part of the conversation.
Strider:  There are other options.  Talk to me.
Cummer:  We're exploring options, demolition has to be part of the conversation.
Strider:  Why does everyone only want to tear down historic fabric.
Cummer:  We're exploring options, demolition has to be part of the conversation.
Strider: I can't believe they just want to demo.
Cummber:  We're exploring opti....  Nvmd.  You're right.  We just spent millions bringing everything up to date while maintaining the historic fabric of the building and now that we've found a few little buggies, we're using that to justify leveling the whole goddamn thing.


I appreciate the effort that you and yours do in Springfield, Strider.  Because of your group, there IS original stock left, but in this case, I think you're way off base.  Take a step back; a few deep breaths and put the cynicism in your pocket for a few moments.
A common mistake people make when trying to design something completely foolproof is to underestimate the ingenuity of complete fools.
-Douglas Adams

mtraininjax

#25
April 29, 2016, 05:30:30 AM
QuoteMy comments here reflect that I said I would report back from my conversation, which I have diligently done and included some research that I did on my own afterwards.

While I am saddened to learn of the buildings demise, I am excited to know that Jacksonville is now home to many new "termite experts" out here at Metro Jacksonville. Now I know where to come for my Wood Destroying Organism questions on real estate properties.

8)
And, that $115 will save Jacksonville from financial ruin. - Mayor John Peyton

"This is a game-changer. This is what I mean when I say taking Jacksonville to the next level."
-Mayor Alvin Brown on new video boards at Everbank Field

strider

#26
April 29, 2016, 10:08:58 AM
Quote from: Non-RedNeck Westsider on April 28, 2016, 05:20:52 PM
Following along and here's my take from the last bit:

Cummer:  We're exploring options, demolition has to be part of the conversation.
Strider:  There are other options.  Talk to me.
Cummer:  We're exploring options, demolition has to be part of the conversation.
Strider:  Why does everyone only want to tear down historic fabric.
Cummer:  We're exploring options, demolition has to be part of the conversation.
Strider: I can't believe they just want to demo.
Cummber:  We're exploring opti....  Nvmd.  You're right.  We just spent millions bringing everything up to date while maintaining the historic fabric of the building and now that we've found a few little buggies, we're using that to justify leveling the whole goddamn thing.


I appreciate the effort that you and yours do in Springfield, Strider.  Because of your group, there IS original stock left, but in this case, I think you're way off base.  Take a step back; a few deep breaths and put the cynicism in your pocket for a few moments.

From Action News:
QuoteSince it is a historic building, the museum has to work with the state on the demolition, so there isn't an exact date for the demolition, McMath said.

McMath said the plan is to get all of it in motion in the summer, and eventually be able to take advantage of the new building.

Hmmmm.  I have no idea why I would possibly come to think that Demolition has already been determined to be their best course of action......
"My father says that almost the whole world is asleep. Everybody you know. Everybody you see. Everybody you talk to. He says that only a few people are awake and they live in a state of constant total amazement." Patrica, Joe VS the Volcano.

strider

#27
April 29, 2016, 11:29:25 AM
Stephen, you're defending the Cummer when there is no need to. You even changed the name of the thread.  Are you going to get the various news outlets to change the title of their stories as well?

Nice one though.  I asked for the contact info via PM, you reply so you can use it in an attempt at discrediting my post.

Overall, yes, the termite issue is a bad one.  Yes, it may have made the building impractical to save.  Doesn't change the quotes from people involved with the Cummer that demolition is the path they are going to use, or at least want to.

Let's see, a quick couple of minutes on line and we have News 4, FCN, Times Union, WOKV and even the Cummer's own blog stating that demolition is what is needed and going to happen but nice to know they are telling you otherwise.

When I get a done with work, I'll reach out and see what they say for myself.  However, as I think it is best to reach out as PSOS, I will defer to what the others want to do and how they want to do it.
"My father says that almost the whole world is asleep. Everybody you know. Everybody you see. Everybody you talk to. He says that only a few people are awake and they live in a state of constant total amazement." Patrica, Joe VS the Volcano.

TheCat

#28
April 29, 2016, 12:07:31 PM
Quote from: strider on April 29, 2016, 11:29:25 AM
Stephen, you're defending the Cummer when there is no need to. You even changed the name of the thread.  Are you going to get the various news outlets to change the title of their stories as well?

Nice one though.  I asked for the contact info via PM, you reply so you can use it in an attempt at discrediting my post.

Overall, yes, the termite issue is a bad one.  Yes, it may have made the building impractical to save.  Doesn't change the quotes from people involved with the Cummer that demolition is the path they are going to use, or at least want to.

Let's see, a quick couple of minutes on line and we have News 4, FCN, Times Union, WOKV and even the Cummer's own blog stating that demolition is what is needed and going to happen but nice to know they are telling you otherwise.

When I get a done with work, I'll reach out and see what they say for myself.  However, as I think it is best to reach out as PSOS, I will defer to what the others want to do and how they want to do it.

If they are leaning on demolition, instead of fighting to figure the way to save the building and destroy the termites that is a problem.

Steve

#29
April 29, 2016, 01:09:45 PM
^That's making the assumption that the Cummer just started working on this issue earlier this week.
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