The Sullivan Library Geyser

Sullivan Free Library is a small community library located in Chittenango, New York. Given that this Village is a wonderfully close knit place, this library is a staple in the community. It’s where community members go to read, study, and experience a wide variety of programs such as children’s story time, coffee hour, family movies, and more. In the early 2020’s, Sullivan Free Library realized they needed a better way to access the existing lower level. The building has a very large lower level that can be used for storage, book sorting, preparation for tag sales, etc., however, it was difficult to access. Sullivan Free Library knew to fix this they needed to call Teitsch-Kent-Fay Architects, P.C. to design a new accessible lift to fit within the existing facility

The now-retired Library Director, Karen Fauls Trainor, contacted Brian Manning, C.O.O., to begin plans to install an elevator in the existing building. The goal was for this new elevator to allow convenient access to the existing lower level of the facility. One of the most important parts of designing the installation of an elevator in an existing building is ensuring that it fits within the structure without disturbing any of the existing elements. Our team reviewed the existing conditions and was surprised to find a very well constructed, poured concrete basement, with little to no evidence of moisture infiltration. All of these observations indicated that the proposed work would fit within the existing structure without compromising any of the beams and columns that were already there.

In the following weeks: planning proceeded, construction documents were prepared, the budget was reviewed and approved, and the materials were ordered. While waiting for the delivery of the equipment, the contractor began work in the lower level to install the lift. To do this you have to remove a section of the floor slab for the recessed area at the bottom of the elevator. Measurements were taken, the work was laid out, and construction began utilizing a masonry saw and jackhammer to remove the slab. As the concrete was removed, it was discovered that there were actually 2 slabs, one poured on top of the other, with reinforcing bars in both. This seemed a bit overkill for the application, as in most cases one slab of concrete was plenty. However, since the building had formerly been a bank, it was assumed that this was something to do with reinforcing old bank equipment such as a vault.

The construction work continued until the jackhammer pierced the lower slab. As the saw penetrated the concrete slab, water appeared to be coming through the saw cuts. This is not particularly unusual, but the on-site workers contacted Brian and the contractor’s project manager and asked them to come out and review the situation to make sure they were safe to continue working. By the time the contractors project manager arrived on site, the water was literally spurting out of the 1” hole made by the jackhammer. The water was now starting to fill the basement. Pumps were acquired and hoses directed the water out into the driveway. All of this was occurring during the Fourth of July holiday, which positively meant the building was closed, but it also meant many of the library staff were away celebrating the holiday. Once the site was secured with the pumps, everyone agreed to regroup on site after the holiday.

Everyone arrived back on site on the 5th to take a look at the situation. By that time the water had developed into a small river running down the driveway. Everyone agreed that this was not simply drainage from the recent rains, as had first been assumed. The Village of Chittenango was contacted to determine if there were any municipal drainage lines in the area, as well as the local historians to see if they had any archival information about old drainage lines, etc.. While Dan was walking over to the Village Hall, he noticed a NYS Historical Plaque that indicated “Lateral Canal. Company incorporated in 1818. Canal in use by 1824. Site of Turn-Around Basin for Canal Boat Transportation North to the Grand Old Erie”. This seemed curious enough to take a picture of, and ask the local historian about.

The local Codes Department consulted with the Historical Society and reported back that yes, the site had been the location of a “turn around” for canal boats, and furthermore, the outfall from Chittenango Falls ran underground across this site. This information confirmed the substantial amount of water discovered, but begs the question as to why the sump was empty.

In any event, it became abundantly clear that a recessed floor area was no longer an option for the Sullivan Free Library elevator design. Brian Manning and Rich & Gardner worked quickly to change the equipment to a “pit-less” type of lift. Consultation with our structural colleagues provided an appropriate hydraulic patching compound to fill the hole and stem the flow.

With this new plan in place, the rest of the installation went smoothly, and the project was completed in 2023 allowing the Library the access they needed. The Library to this day still has all of the ancient waterways running underneath it. We will always remember this project especially given it’s not everyday you discover a 19th century subterranean canal.