fireplacechimney

huangyhg

fireplace/chimney
i've got a fireplace (multiwythe brick) that goes up two stories (firebox on first floor, fire box on second floor) built in the late 30's.  g'damned architects want to remove the first floor fireplace, and leave the second floor fireplace.  the ceilings and walls are all finished, so i have no idea how this fireplace is really constructed (including the hearths).  although it is against code to have combustible framing within 2" of the fireplace, i have seen many hearths (even in newer houses) supported by wood framing.  anyone have any sketches or info on how fireplaces were built back then with the hearths, or any general fireplace construction practices back in the 30's?
try an old architectural graphic standards.
if owner is serious, then there will have to be a certain amount of destructive inspection.
the few i have seen are constructed from the ground up. the first floor brick supports the second and the chimney.  they just offset the first floor flue to run both flues in the same chimney cavity.
can you just remove the hearth and cover the first floor fireplace with a false wall?
tell the g'dm architect nnnoooo