Re.: Dollar Tree D10236 Startown Crossing, Newton, NC Structural Report on Findings, Site Visit (September 21, 2016)

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1 508 Baylor Court Suite C Chesapeake, VA phone fax Mr. Steven McMahon Manager of Architectural Services Dollar Tree Stores, Inc. 500 Volvo Parkway Chesapeake, VA Re.: Dear Steven: Broyles and Associates, P.C. visited the above referenced property to ascertain the structural condition of the building and provide a survey of the floor and roof framing. This report serves as a summary of our findings and recommendations for repairs. EXISTING CONDITIONS: The proposed Dollar Tree is located in a rural community to the Northwest of Charlotte, North Carolina. The proposed Dollar Tree space is located on an end of a strip shopping center anchored by Food Lion. The last two spaces on the right side (looking from the parking lot) have been identified as potential spaces for Dollar Tree (See Photo #1). The shopping center is fairly new approximately 8 years old according to the Food Lion manager and is in excellent shape. The proposed Dollar Tree space consists of two distinct spaces. The last space on the end is approximately 60 feet wide by 125 feet long and is clearly an addition to the shopping center. The smaller space which measures 20 feet wide by 70 feet long is part of the original shopping center and is separated by a demising wall on the left side from its adjacent space of similar proportions. The most glaring aspect to taking both spaces for Dollar Tree is the fact that there is a 12 differential height different in floor elevation from the smaller space down to the lower addition. That can be easily seen from the front elevation (See Photo #2). The end of the original space consisted of a 12 CMU wall that currently extends past the roof line separating the spaces. This demising wall was furred out for the larger space with 6 metal stud framing. Measuring both side of the wall, we were able to determine that the total wall thickness consists of 12 CMU with ¾ hat channels with 5/8 gypsum board (original construction) and 1 air space, 6 metal stud framing with 5/8 gypsum board (newer addition) (See Photo #3). The 12 height differential will need to be addressed both architecturally and structurally. Perhaps, new interior ramps will need to be provided up to this elevation if the smaller space is used as a stockroom ph fx dbroyles@broylesandassociates.com

2 Page 2 of 14 The smaller 20 feet wide by 70 feet long space was designed with two (2) structural 16 deep beams spanning across the space (left to right). These beams support 20 deep bar joists (rear) and 10 deep bar joists (front) that are spaced at 4-0 on center supporting a wide rib metal deck (See Photo #4). The roof slopes from front to rear of the space approximately 1-3 ½. The W16 beams bear on the aforementioned 12 CMU bearing wall. If this wall is removed, we will need to provide steel columns at these locations to support the roof framing. Also, please note that there is a section of CMU parapet wall above (transition from the original to the addition) which will need to be maintained (See Photo #5). This will require new steel beams to be located along this demising wall supporting the weight. The bottom of steel beam elevation is approximately ¼ AFF so that the new framing would have to be below this elevation. Obviously, the amount of demising wall to be removed will determine what length of steel beams above. There are two (2) small Trane RTU s located on the roof of the smaller proposed Dollar Tree space. Neither unit has steel angles supporting the curb (See Photo #6). These will need to be provided once we proceed with the structural design. With regards to the larger 60 feet wide by 125 feet long addition, there are two Trane units on its roof (See Photo #7). These RTU s are located close to steel beams that transverse across the space. Both of these units appear to be original to the building. The framing of the addition is a unique. There are two (2) 36 steel beams (W36X135) beams that span approximately 64 feet across the building (spaced around 40-8 on center) (See Photo #8). These beams support 24 deep bar joists spaced typically at 5-0 on center and metal decking. The bar joists span front to rear of the addition (approximately 2-2 ½ drop in elevation). What is unique about this is the fact that there are no interior columns. The 36 deep steel beams are the largest steel beams ever encountered supporting roof framing for a commercial shopping center. Each beam weight approximately 8,640 Lbs. At the left side of this space (along the demising wall), steel columns support these beams (located inside the 6 metal stud furring wall). Each of these columns will need to remain. So, in conclusion, there will be a minimum of four (4) columns that will need to be located between adjoining spaces (2 existing columns supporting the 36 beams and 2 new columns at the W16 beam location from the smaller space). Please note that these beam (column) locations are shown in our field notes. The front wall construction of both spaces consists of 6 metal stud framing and steel beams spanning across the storefront. The 6 metal stud framing extends past the roof line and forms the parapet wall above (See Photo #9). In the case of the larger addition, there are two W16 beams located above the storefront (one at the roof and one just above the glass storefront). Also, please note that there are 2 HSS6x6 columns in the front wall (either side of storefront). This needs to be considered if the front door location is moved. In the rear of the larger addition, there is a concrete loading dock slab (See Photo #10). This slab is approximately 16 to 20 above grade on the outer edges. It has perimeter turndown slab edges based upon our observation. The concrete appears to be in excellent shape and there is enough room for trucks to back up to it on site.

3 Page 3 of 14 Also, there is a chained fence trash enclosure in the rear of the addition (See Photo #11). There are no structural concerns with its present condition either. CONCLUSION: Structurally the space is in excellent condition. There are no structural deficiencies noted (either original construction or addition). The main items that are of concern centers around the grade differences between the spaces and the support of the masonry demising wall between them. In addition to the two new steel columns along with the two existing columns are necessities to support the structural loadings. Additional columns may also be needed depending upon the loading and amount of demising wall to be removed. In addition, structural support under the RTU s will need to be provided (none exist now). Depending upon new RTU locations, additional reinforcement may also need to be provided. As mentioned above, interior ramps may need to be looked into regarding the difference in floor elevations. We do not recommend raising the floor elevation in the addition due to the fact that it will require adjustments in door thresholds where product currently enters the space (addition). Sincerely, BROYLES and ASSOCIATES, P.C. Donald L. Broyles, P.E. President /dlb

4 Page 4 of 14 Photo #1 The proposed Dollar Tree space is located on an end of a shopping center two distinct and separate buildings. Please note that there is a 12 height differential from the original building (left) and larger addition (right). The space had previously been occupied by Dollar General.

5 Page 5 of 14 Photo #2 Sidewalk slopes down from original building approximately 12 down to addition.

6 Page 6 of 14 Photo #3 6 metal stud wall is visible with 5/8 gypsum sheathing on existing (original) 12 CMU wall. Wall serves as demising wall between two retail spaces.

7 Page 7 of 14 Photo #4 W16 beam bearing on 12 CMU wall. Please note that bearing plate measures 1 X 8 X8. These beams will need to be supported with steel columns if bearing wall is removed. Also, wall above (parapet wall) will need to be supported with steel beams along wall for length removed.

8 Page 8 of 14 Photo #5 Section of parapet wall (left side of photo) will need to be supported with beams if lower portion of wall is removed.

9 Page 9 of 14 Photo #6 Perimeter of RTU is not supported by angles but is simply resting on the metal deck.

10 Page 10 of 14 Photo #7 Existing RTU s above larger addition. Both units are believed to be original. Both units are located adjacent to large W36 steel beams.

11 Page 11 of 14 Photo #8 36 deep steel beam supporting bar joists along demising wall between retail spaces. Beam spans approximately 64 feet.

12 Page 12 of 14 Photo #9 W16 beams support roof framing and brace storefront below at front of space. HSS6X6 columns are located within front 6 metal stud wall. Front of building consists of 6 metal stud framing and brick veneer.

13 Page 13 of 14 Photo #10 Concrete loading dock slab located in rear of addition. Also, fenced in trash bin is located in rear of space.

14 Page 14 of 14 Photo #11 Fenced in trash enclosure with concrete slab and bollards. The enclosure and slab appear to be fine.