THOMASVILLE — City Hall is weeping inside, outside and below.

The three-story 144 E. Jackson St. structure has moisture issues resulting in plaster damage on exterior walls and stormwater intrusion into the basement.

Plaster is peeling from exterior walls in auditorium lobbies and from the ceiling in the balcony lobby.

Lynn Williams, assistant city manager, told Thomasville City Council members Wednesday a new HVAC system installed in 2017 should address problems with ceiling condensation.

However, Williams said, because of moisture intrusion on exterior walls, an investigation into the cause is needed.

At a 7 p.m. Monday meeting, council will consider an investigation into humidity and moisture problems. A proposal has been requested from Jinright, Ryan and Lynn Architects & Planners. The cost of the investigation, including engineering and a roof inspection, cannot exceed $36,500.

City hall construction — at the site of the original city hall — began in 1938 and was completed in 1940. The 29,464-square-foot building was renovated in 2000.

After the Wednesday council meeting, Mark Harmon, city building chief, said City Hall has moisture infiltration in and around pre-cast architectural elements on the exterior, including front columns and some eave projections.

“All of those are pre-cast concrete, and they are laid as the brick is being laid,” Harmon said. “All masonry becomes more porous with age.”

Seepage also is occurring in roof drains.

Stormwater runoff is entering the City Hall basement.

“At some times, there will be a foot or more of water in the basement,” Harmon said. 

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820