Repair Update on Red Brick Wall around Sand Lake Hills

In April of 2021, Sand Lake Community, Inc. hired an Engineering firm to study the structural integrity of the red brick wall along Dr Phillips Blvd and Wallace. With significant concern about its appearance and structural integrity, the goal was to determine if repair of the wall is possible.

Some images (not all) of the deterioration of the red brick wall

(These are only some of the cracks and damage along the wall between Sandberry and Southwest Middle School)

Sections of the wall were analyzed along Dr. Phillips Blvd and Wallace Rd. The Engineer studied (both) the street facing side and then entered from the owner’s side and studied from that side as well. The points of decay and characteristics of failure were consistent from both sides. The study revealed significant erosion over the years. Excessive wind, heat and rain has caused the rebar to expand. The expansion of the rebar has caused the brick to crack and erode. The Engineer did not recommend a patch job because

Visually, it will not look good
a patch job is only surface related and is not a structural remedy.

The engineer recommends construction of a new wall.

Proof that the structural integrity is not safe

In June of 2021, a Prius ran into the wall off Dr Phillips Blvd and with minimal impact the wall came crashing down. As you can tell from this image, there is minimal damage to the Prius which the owner was able to drive off on their own.

View the complete study from the Engineering company here.

Demo and construction of a new wall is a significant project due to the impact of the homeowner’s that border the wall. The core team continues to figure out a pathway forward on this matter. More to come.

Our hope and our Ask

For the last few years the Sand Lake Community organization has operated with a small budget that has been provided by 75 homes or less inside Sand Lake Hills. This year we are operating with less than 75 home contributions, but we are continuing to do what we can with what we have. Our organization is only as strong as our resources, so we are asking all to come together to help support revitalizing our community. If half of the neighborhood contributes the minimal $150/yr we will be operating with an annual budget just short of $70,000. This results in massive improvements and upkeep and helps bring the values and curb appeal of all of our homes up.

We would love to replace the walls, instill monthly maintenance around common areas and incorporate security for the community – These efforts require financial help and we hope you will choose to support these goals.

Contribute

Your $150 annual contribution can be done through PayPal by clicking here or by sending a check to 7512 Dr. Phillips Blvd., Ste. 50-633, Orlando, FL 32819