Construction for Week of 9-27 to 10-4-10

New windows were installed on the east wall of the Town Square facing into the courtyard. Compared with the previous, smaller, single pane windows that were in roughly the same location, the new window wall features double doors with brass hardware (that match the Main Entrance and Westmaple Entrance), tinted glass to preserve the carpet and furnishings and substantial improvement in insulation value that will reduce our energy consumption while at the same time providing more natural light.

With a little imagination one can begin to see what the interior of the new Town Square will look like in two months. The first photograph below shows the fireplace -- the bright green drywall is the hearth seat and the fireplace rises between the two steel columns. The second photograph show a large opening which will ultimately be the central serving area in the Town Square with a large kitchen island and long serving counter accessible from either side.

The third photograph is the view of the Town Square upon entering the new main doors, with the courtyard visible on the far side of the room.

Work started this week to install new roofing shingles on the west end of the newly renovated music wing. Due to a lack of insulation and venting many years ago, the roof was in need of repair. The underlying issues have been addressed (all new ceiling insulation in the music wing, with open vents) and now the new roof is being installed to match the new gym and main entrance roof areas.

The two week schedule for 9-27-10 through 10-11-10 is as follows:

Stage addition completed and fully operational

West Maple Classrooms complete and fully operational

Music Wing complete and fully operational

Site improvements

. Complete Asphalt at Main Entrance
. Complete landscaping

Town Square
· Main Level
· Complete main floor ceiling framing
· Complete main floor ceiling mechanical, electrical
· Inspection process
· Begin drywall operations
· Begin layout for room finishes
· Lower Level
· Continue with room finishes
· Exterior
· Complete stone cap and window sills
· Install aluminum door systems

Interior infrastructure
· Minor wall repairs and painting
· Complete South stairwell
· Ceiling pads Lower Level classroom corridors
· Begin existing stairway infill

Courtyard Restoration Begins

Steps are being taken to return the courtyard to it's former beauty. With input from our Garden Club the landscaper has been able to make great strides this past week.

The brick pavers have been laid around the new stairs from the Town Square. Trees have been trimmed to provide a more open view across the space. Planting soil has been added to provide our gardeners the opportunity to complete the courtyard plantings. Finally, new stone is being added at the base of the retaining wall that lines the south (lower level) wall of the courtyard. Surrounded by brick, the courtyard is typically a "hot spot" in terms of water needs. A new rain sensor will be added to the courtyard irrigation system to protect our plantings.

Will there be ducks in our future?

Step Right Up ...

New stairs that provide access from the town square to the courtyard were poured this week. The main entrance and town square have been elevated to the same level as the sanctuary. This will eliminate the narrow stairs that funneled worshippers to and from church in the past. But this means we now need new access to the courtyard. The forms were built and the stairs were started this week. Note that access to the courtyard is still possible without navigating stairs via the Great Room.