Officials study lapses surrounding health district building’s flaws

Las Vegas building and safety officials are trying to piece together how their predecessors failed to see that the Southern Nevada Health District headquarters was on the brink of collapse.

Building inspectors in previous years were unaware that the Shadow Lane building lacked an internal support system though three additions were built over the course of two decades.

The health district's short-term goal is to lease office space in the next few weeks or months until a permanent facility is available. The long-term goal is to have a new central location by July 2013.

At a health district board meeting Monday night where no action was taken, engineers with Walter P. Moore and Associates, who studied the structure, said to repair, rebuild or replace the 60,000-square-foot building would cost from $16.2 million to $18.5 million in construction costs alone. That does not include temporary relocation or moving costs.

Health workers and clients did not know their safety was at risk until a structural assessment of the 50-year-old building was released last week.

Now, Las Vegas building and safety officials are reviewing the report and the building's history, city spokesman Jace Radke said. City officials will ask a second engineering firm to review the findings.

Health district management shut down the building last week because of structural issues including fractured walls, cracked joints and deteriorating ceiling braces.

NO 'DIAPHRAGM'

The building was constructed without a "diaphragm" to support structural stress, deformations or displacement caused by wind or earthquakes. In recent years, attempts had been made to shore up the structure, but engineers wrote that repairs might require more money than the building is worth.

The county facility is in Las Vegas city limits and is under the control of the health district. At an emergency board meeting last week, it was discovered that there is no formal document that divides the responsibility for building upkeep and safety among Las Vegas, Clark County and the district.

Commissioner Mary Beth Scow, who sits on the health board, said she was concerned the building's flaws were not noticed sooner.

"There was work done on this building at points along the way, and it wasn't caught," Scow said Monday.

In 2008, Commissioner Lawrence Weekly questioned whether the facility could withstand an earthquake.

Scott Weiss, then-administrative director, said that would depend on the earthquake's power because the building was constructed using now outdated seismic standards, according to board meeting minutes.

INSPECTION, RENOVATION HISTORY

City building inspectors initially examined the facility in 1964. The building was renovated three times with additions constructed in 1973, 1991 and 1997. Projects included more office space, two courtyards and electrical and plumbing upgrades.

It's unclear whether inspectors studied each project separately or inspected the entire facility once the additions were completed.

About 200 employees worked at the main building. Some have been moved to other buildings. About 30 workers were placed on paid administrative leave while expected to remain on call because they can't access files and equipment still in the building, health district officials said.

LEGAL MATTERS PENDING

The building closure followed a legal dispute between the district and the county over funding for a replacement headquarters. The health district said commissioners failed to provide $15.9 million in required funding. Another lawsuit was filed by the health district against the county over whether the district can own real property.

Both matters are pending in court.

Scow said she and fellow board member Commissioner Chris Giunchigliani are in a unique position because of the lawsuits.

"Until those are cleared up, it's hard to know what direction to take," Scow said

Contact reporter Kristi Jourdan at kjourdan@reviewjournal.com or 702-455-4519.