RFB General Contracting Services - 4322 Aldine Ave - Marshall School

STABILIZATION ASSESSMENT
MARSHALL SCHOOL BUILDING
4322 Aldine Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri
Prepared for:
St. Louis Development Corporation
St. Louis, Missouri
One Campbell Plaza
St. Louis, Missouri 63139
April 30, 2026
314-781-7770
Project No. 26058.01
ENGINEERING A BETTER WAY

SLDC MARSHALL SCHOOL BUILDING
TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .............................................................................................................. 1
A. Purpose ...................................................................................................................... 1
B. Existing Conditions ..................................................................................................... 2
C. Recommendations ................................................................................................... 2
I. MARSHALL SCHOOL INSPECTION AND STABILIZATION REPORT ...................................... 4
A. Introduction ............................................................................................................... 4
B. How CDG's Findings Were Developed ................................................................... 4
Scope and Methodology of Investigation .............................................................. 4
Limitations and Assumptions..................................................................................... 5
C. Visual Observations: Exterior, Interior, and Roof ..................................................... 5
Exterior ........................................................................................................................ 5
Interior ........................................................................................................................ 7
Roof and Attic ........................................................................................................... 9
II. RECOMMENDATIONS.......................................................................................................11
A. SCOPES OF WORK - SUMMARY ...............................................................................12
Site Work ....................................................................................................................12
Moisture Protection ..................................................................................................12
Building Security .......................................................................................................12
Interior Cleaning .......................................................................................................13
B. SCOPES OF WORK - LIST OF TASKS ..........................................................................13
Site Work ....................................................................................................................13
Moisture Protection ..................................................................................................13
Building Security .......................................................................................................17
Interior Building Cleaning .........................................................................................19
III. CONCLUSION ...................................................................................................................19
APPENDICES
A - Photos
B - National Register of Historic Places
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SLDC MARSHALL SCHOOL BUILDING
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
A. Purpose
In April 2026, St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC) requested the assistance
of CDG Engineers, Inc. (CDG) to assess the condition of the school structure at
4322 Aldine Avenue in St. Louis, Missouri. To meet that need, CDG's on-site
assessment and this resulting report examine the building to propose solutions for
stabilizing it in the near term. This could allow rehabilitation in the long-term future.
This report fulfills SLDC's needs through the following analysis and
recommendations. It focuses on securing the building shell from moisture and
from unauthorized intrusion.
North elevation - main facades with decorative entrance intact. This is the side with the most vegetation.
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SLDC MARSHALL SCHOOL BUILDING
B. Existing Conditions
The exterior of the Marshall School presents a masonry structure with brick and
stone facades and original wood-framed windows. The roof, heavily damaged,
consists of composition shingles draining to gutters and mixed aluminum and
copper downspouts.
Interior construction includes partitions with non-combustible brick cores, plaster
finish on metal lath, steel stair structures, wood trim, and institutional toilet rooms.
(See Figure 1) A basement mechanical plant provides heating via a gas-fired
boiler and fan.
Later additions (suspended ceilings, recessed lighting, and network cabling)
have been largely removed or destroyed by scavengers. (See Figure 2) In
basement areas, damaged suspected asbestos-containing pipe insulation
presents a significant life safety hazard, ultimately requiring remediation.
Despite theft, moisture intrusion, and systems loss, the primary structure (masonry
shell and framing) remains generally robust, though localized structural,
environmental and system deficiencies are substantial.
Upper floors are compromised, with mounds of fallen plaster, roof breaches, and
prolonged moisture intrusion causing localized structural deterioration at the
attic level. (See Figure 3)
The building is historic. The Marshall School (1900) is listed on the National Register
of Historic Places for two reasons: its role as an elementary school and center of
black culture in St. Louis during the years of school segregation; and second, for
being part of a trend that changed how schools were built across the United
States Built at the peak of the career of its architect, famed St. Louis education
design pioneer William B. Ittner, it is significant for fire-resistant construction, large
windows for daylighting, wide corridors and stairs, and an open "E-plan" for
ventilation. Prior to Ittner's work, these features were not generally combined as
successfully in public schools. The building may be eligible for historic tax credits.
C. Recommendations
To address the primary goals of mitigating threats from the physical environment
and unauthorized intrusion, the recommended work is organized into four
categories aimed at stabilizing the structure, limiting deterioration, and
maintaining a secure condition.
Site Work addresses immediate risks to structural integrity. Trees and ivy near the
Aldine Avenue entrance that threaten the foundation should be removed with
care to protect adjacent construction
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SLDC MARSHALL SCHOOL BUILDING
Moisture Protection is the most critical scope for preventing ongoing
deterioration. The roof structure should be stabilized through repairs to rafters,
beams, masonry supports, and decking, followed by installation of cost-effective
roofing to protect exposed areas. Drainage improvements, including new gutters
and downspouts connected to the storm system, are needed to direct water
away from the building. Exterior walls and windows must be fully weatherproofed
through closure, repair, reglazing, or boarding, along with repair of damaged
metal window covers. Moisture already within the building should be reduced
through debris removal and a period of ventilation prior to enclosure.
Building Security focuses on limiting access at lower levels. Doors should be
verified as secure, and damaged or cut metal window cages repaired or
replaced. Remaining protections should be reinforced as needed, and some
openings secured with metal barriers or tamper-resistant boarding to deter entry.
Interior Building Cleaning involves removal of debris and abandoned materials
from all areas, with basic cleaning to reduce moisture retention and support
ongoing stabilization.
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I. MARSHALL SCHOOL INSPECTION AND STABILIZATION REPORT
A. Introduction
Constructed at the turn of the twentieth century, the Marshall School is listed on
the National Register of Historic Places for two reasons: 1) its role in St. Louis'
African American educational and cultural history during segregation, and 2) its
innovation by educational pioneer architect William B. Ittner. Ittner's designs
advanced fire-resistant construction, natural lighting, and ventilation in school
buildings across the United States. The property may qualify for historic tax credit
programs.
South Elevation - faces parking lot. Ittner's "E-plan" features are evident: protruding building masses that
allow for ventilation in three 'wings' of main building. Modern addition (interior basketball court) appears
on north (left) side.
B. How CDG's Findings Were Developed
Scope and Methodology of Investigation
This assessment was undertaken to arrive at minimum measures required to
secure the building envelope and, hopefully, its long-term future. It is based on a
visual, non-destructive walk-through of the site, including both original and later
construction (the assembly space/gym), exterior elevations, the interior of the
four main public floors, the basement/mechanical areas, and accessible
roof/attic spaces. Observations were made using ambient and portable lighting,
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SLDC MARSHALL SCHOOL BUILDING
with photographic documentation to record construction characteristics,
apparent distress, environmental conditions, and the extent of vandalism and
systems removal (e.g., lay-in ceilings, lighting, and cabling).
Findings presented in this report are based solely on conditions that were visible
and safely accessible at the time of the visit, supplemented by information
provided by the owner's representatives and prior site personnel. This preliminary
assessment is only intended to provide observations, analysis, and general
recommendations regarding building stabilization.
Limitations and Assumptions
No materials were removed, no finishes dismantled. This assessment is limited to
conditions observed in accessible areas at the time of the site visit. Concealed
conditions, including structural elements, building systems, and potential
hazardous materials were not investigated and may differ from those observed.
No structural analysis, material testing, hazardous materials sampling, or code
evaluation was performed. Potential health risks include substances such as
black mold and other growths that were not within the scope of this investigation,
and the possibility of engaging qualified testing agencies should be considered.
Reported conditions, including what appears to be damaged asbestos
insulation and removed building systems, reflect observations only;
environmental evaluation, abatement design, and cost analysis are beyond the
scope of this review. Conditions may change over time due to weather, site
activity, or unauthorized access. Conclusions and recommendations are based
on professional judgment applied to limited field observations and should be
verified through further detailed investigation as needed.
C. Visual Observations: Exterior, Interior, and Roof
Exterior
The Marshall School is a masonry school building with brick exterior walls and
areas of decorative stonework at key elevations and entrances. Original wood-
framed windows remain on entire elevations. Roof drainage is handled by gutters
feeding copper downspouts, most of which have been removed. The highly
damaged hip roofs are covered with asphalt/composition shingle roofing with
numerous voids in the shingle roof. Piles of loose shingles were observed in the
parking area.
Overall, the original exterior construction is robust and typical of early
20th century institutional work. Despite localized storm, theft, or vandalism-
related losses, much of the original envelope (i.e., brickwork, stone detailing, and

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SLDC MARSHALL SCHOOL BUILDING
wood windows) remains fundamentally sound. (See Figure 4) It appears that the
brick exterior is in good enough condition to serve as a secure building shell to
protect against weather and other threats. Future tucking pointing will be
required but is not necessary for short-term preservation.
However, as a future occupancy opportunity, much construction from windows
to entrances in all areas (i.e., exterior, interior, and roof) will require replacement
or repair prior to legal occupancy. (See Figure 5) This report, then, focuses on
securing the building shell for a near-term future with no legal occupancy.
Specific Observations
1. Primary Wall Materials and Openings
a. The style is Italianate and features decorative brick courses, stone
entrances, cornices, terracotta pilasters, and capitals, most of which are
in fair-to-good condition. (See Figure 6)
b. The exterior walls are typical three-part Italianate facades design with
brick masonry rusticated "base" (grade level), brick "middle" of second
and third levels (the main entrance stairs rise from the sidewalk to the
main doors at second level), and an upper "penthouse" top section
(fourth level). The three sections are delineated with decorative
cornices. Many wall expanses are in good condition but with
considerable weathering at edges and sills. (See Figure 7, Figure 8)
c. The original exterior windows appear to survive though in fair-to-poor
condition. The lower two floors' windows are fitted out with metal
protective coverings. Those coverings are mostly intact though
vandalized and penetrated in places. (See Figure 9) Glazing is mostly
intact. Wood sashes are very weathered and those that are in place
(large majority) could be operable (based on attempts with a few of
them). Perhaps a few dozen wood window sashes around the building
have been destroyed or removed. (See Figure 10)
d. Grade-level doors and entryways are in fair-to-poor condition but are
working as barriers to entry.
2. Gutters, Downspouts, and Roof Edge
a. The building has stainless steel gutters of recent vintage at the roof edge.
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SLDC MARSHALL SCHOOL BUILDING
b. A few copper downspouts may still be present from the original
construction although most downspouts are relatively new and are
metal or PVC. Overall, the recently installed system is very interrupted
and discontinuous, with missing gutters and downspouts and should be
replaced when the roofing repairs are made.
Interior
Interior construction reflects early 20th-century institutional design, including
plaster-on-metal-lath assemblies, wood trim and built-ins, and steel stair systems.
(See Figure 12 and Figure 13) Non-combustible brick wall cores were identified in
damaged classroom areas. These may be typical throughout, creating an early
fire-resistant egress system.
Classrooms and corridors retain historic features, while later additions (i.e.,
suspended ceilings, lighting, and network systems) have largely been stolen or
removed to for their valuable materials. (See Figure 14) Basement mechanical
spaces contain legacy heating and electrical systems, apparently with
damaged asbestos-containing insulation present. (See Figure 15 )
Moisture damage is mostly confined to the fourth floor and attic (See Figure 16
and Figure 17), though a recent storm caused occasional leaks at lower levels
during the walk-through. This was primarily in the newer assembly/basketball
court wing, where water dripped onto the court roughly 8 hours after heavy rain.
(See Figure 18 and Figure 19)
Vandal access is evident at the lower south facade, and a possible second-floor
cut-out may have been created to drop stolen materials to grade. Significant
evidence of the presence of scavengers remains (i.e., tools, clothing,
refreshments), though there is no indication of habitation or sleeping use. (See
Figure 20)
Despite extensive finish loss and systems removal, the primary structure remains
robust, except where affected by moisture or deliberate damage.
Specific Observations
1. Partitions, Finishes, and Surfaces
a. Walls and ceilings are predominantly plaster on metal (wire) lath, with
exposed mesh visible at failed areas and brick core construction. (See
Figure 21)
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SLDC MARSHALL SCHOOL BUILDING
b. Original finishes and fixtures include:
(1) Wood trim at doors, windows, and chalkboards
(2) Wood-framed chalkboards, including low-mounted boards in
classrooms (See Figure 22)
(3) Built-in casework and teacher storage units
c. Historic institutional materials remain in select areas:
(1) Real cork bulletin boards
(2) Polymer or marble toilet partitions
(3) Limited decorative detailing at stairs and larger rooms
(See Figure 23)
d. Many finishes are deteriorated or missing due to vandalism and
prolonged exposure. Most floors are covered with debris of either plaster
from walls or tiles and fixtures from ceilings. (See Figure 24)
e. While structural soundness is generally good, finishes on the interior,
except for most wood trim and built-ins, are in very poor condition. Paint
is peeling, steel is rusting, and floors are damaged and worn.
2. Doors, Windows, and Casework
a. Interior doors are primarily solid wood with dark-stained wood frames,
typical of the period.
b. Built-in casework includes:
(1) Teacher lockers and storage integrated into walls
(2) Classroom cabinetry associated with original school use
c. Overall condition ranges from fair to heavily damaged or missing in
several places.
3. Structural and Service Spaces
a. Basement mechanical areas include:
(1) Gas-fired boiler or furnace
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