After much planning, retrofitting the Summit Ridge Condominiums high-rise in East Moline with a fire sprinkler system is finally under way. The 12-story concrete building containing 66 one-, two-, and three-bedroom units was constructed between the late 1960s and early 1970s, before fire sprinklers were required by code. Discussion about this retrofit began almost 30 years ago.
According to East Moline Fire Department Battalion Chief Derrick Anderson, the history of the attempts to retrofit the building was presented at a city council meeting in February 2022. Costs and a problem with a fire pump leak were some of the challenges, however, the right decision-makers were present at the right time to initiate the project instead of delaying it further.
Phase one of the retrofit project was completed in September 2023. It involved installing a new fire alarm system, installing fire sprinklers throughout the common areas, including hallways and stairwells, and replacing the fire pump and FDC connection. Everything for phase two has been approved and is ready to go, pending funding. It will involve installing fire sprinklers in every residential unit and connecting to the fire alarm system.
Chief Anderson informed residents that retrofitting the Summit Ridge Condominiums is vital for life safety. “One resident pointed out that it is a concrete building and it is not going to burn. I said, ‘you’re right, the building will probably stand, but you and all of your stuff will be gone.’ When I was blunt, the resident admitted he didn’t think of it that way,” Chief Anderson said. “The process has resulted in a safer building for occupants and responding firefighters.”
Congratulations to East Moline Fire Department officials for persisting in their efforts to complete this retrofit in a high-risk building. The increased fire safety will benefit the lives of residents and responding firefighters alike.
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