Widespread Inspections Proposed Following Malden Parapet Collapse

MALDEN, MA — The widespread inspection of buildings with parapets similar to that of the Mount Vernon Apartments could prevent another collapse, Building Commissioner Nelson Miller said. At a City Council meeting last week, Miller said there could be as many as 100 such buildings in Malden.

The March 27 collapse – which Miller described as "sudden and swift" – damaged a nearby traffic light and rained debris on the Salem Street sidewalk.

"It is a miracle that no one was hurt," Ward 5 Councilor Barbara Murphy said.

The investigation into the collapse is ongoing, but Miller said most masonry-related failures can be attributed to water. The apartments were built in 1927, and water can seep into older masonry, deteriorating the mortar and brick when it freezes and thaws, Miller said.

Miller recommended widespread inspections, which he said Mayor Gary Christenson has committed $75,000 toward, based off estimates of 100 buildings at $750 per inspection. He has set a target deadline of 90 days for the completion of a review and identification of potential problem properties.

The apartment building is owned by United Properties, which councilors said has been working with its tenants and the city to find alternate housing within its properties. The bulk of the apartments are studios or small one-bedrooms, so the city did not have to contend with relocating many families, Murphy said.

Ward 3 Councilor Amanda Linehan expressed frustration over United's management of its buildings.

"It gets so tiresome to hear about these buildings getting acquired by the same one or two property owners – the rent goes up, the maintenance issues are not addressed," Linehan said.

The issues are typically not as significant as the structural integrity of a parapet, but rather a leak in the roof, a stuck door or no working heat. But it is indicative of a problem of the buildings not getting regular maintenance, she said.

An independent engineer hired by United Properties is reviewing the building and conducting demolition to expose problem areas, Miller said. The engineer's report will recommend next steps for the future of the property.

"At this point we really have no idea," he said. "There is no shortage of possibilities."