Construction Phase II

We've had a couple clear days here in Lincoln, so we've got the forming in place for the new front walk and stairs:

It's been pretty rainy here in Lincoln during week 24, so there won't be a lot of progress outside. So let's start this first picture with a quiz: what's missing (besides the front steps)?

If you noticed the ugly black railing from the flat roof was gone, you're correct! It's thankfully down and headed for the scrap yard where it belongs:

Week 23 brought a lot of rain, so it seems apt to see progress on the new storm-water system for the basketball court:

Week 22 brings significant changes outside, especially to the front of the house. The existing walkway and stairs have been removed, which means we're using the back door until the new concrete is poured:

The basketball court is also being prepared for new concrete after additional earth is removed to bring the elevation down to be even with the side door:

Week 21 begins outside, where you can see the steel workers have been busy building the platforms to connect the relocated fire stair to the new fire exits:

Additionally, the forms are coming off the new retaining wall for the basketball court:

Beta may be nowhere near the Sandhills, but a large crane was spotted in the back lot today. I promise that's my last fowl joke for this post. The pick today was for both moving the fire escape stairwell, and loading the new HVAC equipment on the flat roof. Brother Drew Stange was on-site to oversee the operation and took these great pictures for us:

Despite the recent weather, week 20 was all about progress outside. The new retaining wall around the basketball court has been poured, you can catch a glimpse just under the rain tarps:

The week 19 update starts off on the main level, where the wood floors in the living room have been patched. We aren't refinishing all of the original wood floors, but specific high-traffic areas are being patched and brought back to life:

Up on third floor, the first of the floor tile is being laid in the restroom:

It's hard to believe we're already on week 18 of the renovation on our historic chapter house. Up on third floor, drywall finishing has begun with the first coat of joint compound:

The electricians have also started pulling wire into the conduit installed during the rough-in phase:

Week 17 may have brought some rough weather here in Lincoln, but that hasn't slowed the masons down at all. They're just about finished filling in the brickwork, and after a bit of weathering it'll be hard to spot their work (which of course is the idea):

Up on third floor, the drywall is all up and the taping crew should be starting soon: