Though I am not an architect nor in the construction trades recently I mentioned in passing references
views that generally challenged accepted references regarding the USCF decision to construct a building for its use as a headquarters at the
new location of Crossville
Tennessee
. I write this at the bequest of Mr.
Sam
Sloan
who expressed that it was generally accepted within USCF circles that such a building would be constructed of masonry and be of a permanent
long lasting nature rather than frame stud construction. This is the culminative result of information, belief and knowledge, and further
research relating to the matter.
AS this article includes photographs in support of what is said it is posted in full on pushedpawn.org
Firstly when I was informed by
Sloan
that those who approved such a decision did so without out the presentation of a formal business plan, firm competitive estimates of the
work required for such a building, and a feasibility study regarding costs. The projected estimate of $600,000 of which I view as overly
expensive where I can acquire for cash a numerous solid brick structures which could be made feasible for less than one third the cost.
|
|
Not by any means the only building |
My references stated strong views doubting a building as they wanted could be constructed as they wished of anything more than a frame
structure with a minimum of masonry work, which traditionally is the form of general construction native to the trades in local area where
buildings are never really built to last.
I previous reported at the request of online email group inquiry of Dr. Frank Brady regarding Crossville Tennessee, that the Crossville
local market was limited by nature of its size which I feel would be taxed to find the qualified crew and material to build such a building
except at inflated prices.
I though I have worked nominally in the construction field (many years ago) my inflated ego that lends me to think I'm qualified to discuss
such issues is that they are necessitated by my financial constraints and limitations.
Last year in researching the acquisition of a building for my own I came across a brick building that was once an small opera house in a
small town of a rural areas that was offered to me for a mere dollar by that small town. The contractual terms they required were that I
install a new roof within the first three months, requiring conformity with local law and building construction codes (ipso facto local
labor not mine).
The particulars of that small building additionally required I replace a staircase that once was connected the second, and third floors
which no longer existed, chase out pigeons roosting there, and rewire the whole place.
To say the least I thought the terms were unreasonable and geared more towards a larger scale regular construction venture with a crew who
would be interested, while I as a single guy seeking a homestead project for sweat equity for prohibitive precluded from any opportunity.
Goes to prove something sounding too good to be true, as the expression goes was probably too good too be true.
Though Crossville
Tennessee
is less expensive than many metropolitan areas but due to its limited size and therefore of a limited local labor market I foresee many
construction problems.
Distictively
Crossville
Tennessee
has an unemployment rate which is lower than the national average and therefore having a more competitive labor market
than nationally, in a small town the USCF wishes to construct a 6000 sq foot building (approx. 60+100+60+100 feet of brick to construct the
outside perimeter of that building requiring minimally 3200 square feet of masonry at a cost of over $12. per sq ft which does not include
the internal retaining walls needed for a sound structure and comfort as generally I am opposed to sheet rock construction.
Brick masonry
CSI 04-210 Craft@Hrs Unit Material Labor Equip Total
Standard size brick with running bond, including brick at $.30 each and mortar at $6 per CF. Add the cost of ties, reinforcing and
scaffolding, using small tools.
In the Crossville area $600,000 typically represents six one family houses as the Median home value is $104,700
Lasting a Median age of homes 19.0 years per with a financial Home appreciation of 4.7% as opposed to the nationanwide median home
appreciation of 12.3% lasting 27.8 years meaning houses there are general constructed there cheaper and built less to last than the
nationwide average.
Comparatively compared to Sunnyside queens
New York'
s $448,900 Median Home value, 60 years Median age and
14.7% appreciation it is below standard.
Compared with buildings in
Newburgh
New York
12550
area
that have:
Local Regional National
|
Median value |
$246,500 |
$213,100 |
$185,400 |
|
Median age of homes |
44.0 |
28.2 |
27.8 |
|
Home appreciation
|
15.1% |
14.6% |
12.3% |
Overall Crossville's buildings are less expensive but also less well constructed therefore in the long term are more expensive perhaps
due to their rapid depreciation 2.5 to 3 times higher from other areas of the country when even compared to other small towns in the
northeast.
This strongly indicates the Crossville construction market will be unable to adequately provide the construction expertise, materials,
services etc from local resources which are needed to build such a building in an adventure which will hidden costs and drive the prices up
if it is attempted to deviate from the norm available in Crossville
Tennessee and which would be better invested in another area.
Finally a $600,000 investment in Real Estate invested in Crossville Tn compared to Newburgh NY
Crossville TN will appreciate 4.7% on an average 19 years totaling $1,462,913
Newburgh NY will appreciate 15.1% on the average 44 years totaling $442,181,281
Bottomline Crossville is a very poor investmment. Andrew Zito.
|
