Martha’s Vineyard Hospital’s Windermere Nursing and Rehabilitation Center ‘s porch roof collapsed Wednesday morning when a worker was standing on it to replace the second story windows. Fortunately no one was injured and the man was able to propel himself through the window opening to escape from falling.
When the 10 by 12 foot section of roof tore away from the siding it damaged part of the fire sprinkler system which resulted in flooding 2 long term care apartments.
An Oak Bluffs building inspector and structural engineer hired by Windermere determined the roof problems were due to the porch not being properly attached to the 19 year old building.
According to newspaper archives, Facility Design and Management of Andover designed the building and general contractor Congress Construction Company of Danvers built it.
”We were very lucky”
Tim Walsh, Martha’s Vineyard Hospital chief executive officer said “We were very lucky. In a way it’s a blessing. Nobody was hurt and we discovered the problem. This could have happened when somebody was sitting on the deck.”
Hospital officials closed off access to all the porches until they are inspected and either determined to be safe or after roof repair.
The windows were being replaced as part of the hospital announcement in February that the Nursing and Rehabilitation Center would be receiving major renovations. $3 million to fund a complete remodel of the hospital’s rotting wooden exterior and worn out rooms and furniture.
Part of the renovation includes replacing all windows, exterior doors, decking and siding and is scheduled to be completed by September.
