Recently, we experienced a serious event that caused extensive damage to the interior of the Ducournau Building located within the Landmark Historic District in the City of Natchitoches, LA. The three-story building was constructed in 1835 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The cause of the damage was the rupture of a hot water heater located inside the attic space on the third floor. The hot water cascaded through a third-floor bedroom, then through the master bedroom a floor below and then through the ceiling of the restaurant located on the first floor. The damage was extensive. The recovery began with the demolition and removal of damaged parts of the structure. The bedroom flooring had to be removed and replaced, including the carpet, floor and subfloor. On the first floor, the entire ceiling had to be replaced, including sound barriers, layers of insulation and HVAC ductwork.
Foster-Somerled Construction was selected to provide the necessary services to restore the structure to its pre-damage condition. Although we had received positive recommendations on this company, we were somewhat anxious about how the restoration project would be conducted and whether the final product would be completed in accordance with our desires and historic restoration practices. We are pleased to report that my concerns were quickly allayed. From the very first day, Foster-Somerled exhibited the kind of professionalism and expertise for which we hoped. Their staff and employees were knowledgeable and courteous throughout. The demolition and removal of all damaged materials was completed within two days and, following the drying of the structure (which took only a couple of days), they really got to work. The work was done in a manner that was sensitive to the special nature of the building. They also understood that it was critical to complete the work quickly in order to allow the restaurant on the first floor to restore service to its customers. At the end of the project, the structure was returned to a condition at least as good as it was before the damage occurred, and in many areas even better. Foster-Somerled also provided a project summary in sufficient detail to facilitate an easy cost recovery from our property insurance provider. We cannot say enough good things about Foster-Somerled. We would not hesitate to recommend their services to anyone who needs construction or restoration services. They were truly a God-send and we will be forever grateful for their efforts on our behalf.
Share this story
