Expert Structural Engineering Consulting

Chris Hartnett & Associates provides expert structural engineering evaluation and design of existing and historic building that is client-focused and cost-effective. Our projects range from small (helping a client add rooftop equipment) to providing lead structural design for large, complicated buildings - existing and new.

Chris Hartnett & Associates employs state-of-the-art forensic investigation, We specialize in the detection and identification of building defects or failures, then diagnose the causes and adverse effects of the issue. We design remedies, based on a knowledge of material behavior, applied forces, and environmental impacts. 

Services

  •    Structural Design: Existing and New Buildings

  • Forensic Evaluation

  •    Repair & Stabilization

  •    Rehabilitation

  •    Renovation

  •    Restoration    

  •    Adaptive Reuse

Project Types

  •    Commercial & Residential

  •    Municipal Buildings

  •    Large & Small Industrial

  •    Houses of Worship

  •    Libraries

  •    Theaters

  •    Agricultural

Special Expertise

  •    Historic Wood

  •    Archaic Floor Systems

  •    Metals - cast-iron, wrought-iron, early steel

  •    Early proprietary concrete systems

  •    Archaic stone and brick masonry

  •    Theater design

  •    Barns and Agricultural buildings

Liability insurance

   $1 million/$2 million (higher available upon request).

Projects of all sizes and conditions

  • Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center Building 45 (Power Plant) Evaluation, Milwaukee, WI

  • Deere Webber Building Façade and Parapet Repair, Minneapolis, MN

  • Faribault Woolen Mill Repair and Renovation, Faribault, MN

  • Fox Theater Assessment, Stevens Point, WI

  • Goodrich-Ramus Historic Gothic Barn Adaptive Reuse, Eden Prairie, MN

  • Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church Evaluation, Renovation and New Addition, Minneapolis, MN

  • House of Hope Presbyterian Church Bell Tower Reconstruction, St. Paul, MN

  • Ironworld Discovery Center Forensic Investigation, Virginia, MN

  • Lyric Theater Evaluation, Virginia, MN

  • Midland Granary Evaluation, Sturgeon Bay, WI

  • Minneapolis Municipal Building Renovation and Green Roof Reinforcing, Minneapolis, MN

  • Minnesota State Capitol Renovation Historic Preservation & Renovation, St. Paul, MN

  • Nestle USA - evaluated and modified existing industrial roof for new rooftop equipment, Fremont, MI

  • Noerenberg Barn South Wall Structural Evaluation, Three Rivers Park District, Wayzata, MN

  • Oliver Faribault House Historic Structure Report, Three Rivers Park District, Shakopee, MN

  • Orpheum Theater Balcony and Facade Reconstruction, Minneapolis, MN

  • Pantages Theater Renovation, Minneapolis, MN

  • Pillsbury A-Mill Forensic Investigation and Adaptive Reuse Study, Minneapolis, MN

  • Schmid Farmhouse Ruin Preservation, Minnetonka, MN

  • State of Minnesota Governor’s Residence and Carriage House Renovation, St. Paul, MN

  • State of Minnesota State Office Building Preservation and Repairs Predesign, St. Paul, MN

  • Thermo-King Headquarters - modifications to existing industrial building, Bloomington, MN

  • University of Minnesota Eddy Hall Renovation, Minneapolis, MN

  • University of Minnesota Old Main Combined Heat and Power Repowering, Minneapolis, MN

  • Washburn Crosby A-Mill Ruin Wall Evaluation Project, Minneapolis, MN

  • Xcel Energy Service Center - Truck garage, office and lab buildings (adaptive reuse and precast new construction), Minneapolis, MN

 

We employ a four-step process:

  1. We collaborate closely with the design team and the owner to discern your needs and to help guide the design towards a successful outcome. 

  2. We discover the building through a thorough review of historic documents and a close investigation and measurement of the structure. Lab and material testing is employed, as needed.

  3. Our design supports the architecture, is constructible, fits within the project budget, and meets the client's needs.

  4. We work with the contractor during construction to respond to existing conditions and modify designs, as required.