The Exodus II property was formerly used as a multi-unit residential care facility. The building on the property included three separate additions built at different times. The project included rehabilitation and redevelopment of the former care facility into transitional housing and support services and, ultimately, provided 203 housing units for individuals experiencing homelessness. Of those, 167 units are for permanent supportive housing, 30 units for recuperative care and six units of transitional housing for veterans. The building was split into two uses, both managed by our client. The first use offers transitional housing, recuperative care, an office space as the new headquarters for our client, and a walk-in medical clinic for those experiencing homelessness that will be operated by Hennepin County. The second use offers permanent supportive housing via rental assistance from both the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority and Hennepin County.
Braun Intertec completed environmental assessment activities of the property, including investigations to identify, quantify and delineate the extent of asbestos-containing materials, lead-based paint, and the potential for soil and soil vapor impacts related to on-site and adjoining recognized environmental conditions. Assessment activities also included testing for radon in the existing building prior to the start of construction to determine if radon mitigation would need to be incorporated into the final construction design.
The radon testing completed by Braun Intertec was conducted by a National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP) certified radon measurement specialist who was also a Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) licensed radon measurement professional. Based on the results of the radon testing, elevated radon concentrations were identified in the east addition of the building, while the north and west additions had radon concentrations below the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) action level. Based on the radon testing results and planned use of the property, the Braun Intertec NRPP and MDH-certified radon mitigation professional, designed radon mitigation systems that included an active mitigation system for the east addition and passive mitigation systems for the north and west buildings. The passive mitigation systems were designed with the ability to add fans and make them active should future radon testing demonstrate elevated levels.
As part of the design process, our team conducted diagnostic testing to determine the appropriate layout of the radon mitigation system components and provided review of contractor submittals for the installation of the radon mitigation system components. Braun Intertec conducted oversight during the installation process, provided the final review of the installed system components, and prepared an Operations & Maintenance (O&M) plan for the mitigation systems.
Radon testing and integration of the mitigation system during construction will reduce potential dangerous exposure to building occupants and the burden associated with post-construction mitigation for the client. Post-construction radon testing is planned following project completion in 2022.
For any questions on radon testing or mitigations for an existing property or new construction, please contact us using the form to the right.
