Keeping water out of the Fox

Some of the work ahead at the Fox is in the spaces between the bricks.

On November 11, McKinstry submitted two repair proposals for the theatre’s northwest corner: replace missing mortar in the brickwork and regrade the adjoining alley to improve stormwater drainage. Both address a problem that has persisted during construction: water getting into the building.

During her September 30 site visit, architect Natalie Lord of Form+Works documented continuing water entry near the northwest corner. Open mortar joints and water ponding in the alley were identified as possible sources. Temporary measures had helped reduce the water entering below the stage doors, but the problem remained.

The proposed masonry work would replace missing mortar, with analysis of the existing mortar to help match the repair material. The separate grading proposal would direct alley stormwater past the building. Together, the proposals aim to reduce water reaching and entering this part of the theatre.

These are targeted repairs at one corner. The architect has asked the project team to confirm the extent of the work and how it fits within the existing construction contingency. The proposals do not establish approval or completion of the repairs, and they do not cover the full exterior masonry rehabilitation discussed in earlier plans.

Basement drainage is another part of the work ahead. The construction plans include a French drain and sump pump to handle water that enters below the stage. Repairing the outside wall and improving drainage around it would address water before it reaches that interior system.

We will share another update when the scope and approval are confirmed. For now, the new proposals give the team specific repairs to review as it works to protect the Fox’s brick walls and the spaces below the stage.

Read the earlier story about the Fox’s foundations, and follow the Phase 2 work.