Hollow Metal Doors

The rear entrances are also nearly complete. The hollow metal doors were installed, as were the frames for the transoms above. The opening you see on the right was also delivered, but it didn't fit and needs to be re-manufactured.

Windows in the Rear

Now the drama is happening. Windows (and doors) were also installed in the back of the building. These make a huge visual upgrade. Perhaps it is because you stand closer to the building when in the back....but the effect is real. I love it.

Windows in the Front

I came home early to catch up on some building stuff including letting you see what has been happening. It occurs to me now that so much is happening, I can't really catch you up. But I'll try......

The windows were installed this week. I was looking at old photos, and I'm not sure the windows make as dramatic an impact as I had imagined. At least not from far away. I had imagined an immediate "oh, wow! Look at those nice new windows!" kind of reaction. But not so much.

However, there are some benefits that you might not see in the photo:

• There are panes in each frame. Sounds like that would be consistent with before but some of the windows were broken out. This is the first the building has had fully glassed windows.
• The panes are double glass giving extra insulation
• The hardware makes cleaning the windows simpler and more efficient to use
• They haven't yet been finished or painted

So maybe the dramatic appeal will happen. I'm still excited.

Oh, and ask Keith Freeman to tell you about "trying". He'll give you a good story about Bear Bryant.....

Two floors become one

I really like this shot because it shows the relationship between both floors. On this floor is the closet on the left, bathroom/shower behind that and then utility closet on the right with the stairwell coming up to it.

In front of me is the loft opening to the second floor. I love the way you can see the entire space.

The windows are set to come in this week, as are the stairs up to the roof. Following that will be the roof-structure which will finally dry the place in. Southern thunderstorms drive me crazy knowing the rain is soaking my new (old) floors.

Flooring material and 3rd Floor Design

(click photos to enlarge)

The framing is complete and the flooring has been laid. The stairs are nearly complete.

This is an excellent shot of the 3rd floor. The opening nearest me will be the stairwell up and down. The framing on the left is for the closet (big). Just behind that where you see framing on the floor is the shower (big). The framing on the right will be a utility closet.

Can't wait to see the stairs.

Framing: The Design Takes Shape

David's framing work is moving along. It's excellent. It's exciting.

I'm standing here on the second floor near where the bathroom will be looking toward the front of the building. Above you see the suspended hallway; the stairwell up will be to the left of this photo, and the open loft cutout to the right.

The framing header that is going across the photo is a steel I beam with wood in the middle to frame against. The beam is attached to the walls with anchors that are bolted in.

The woodpile to the right is material to be reused.

Below is another view but now from the 3rd floor (same back wall but now opposite corner). Here David is walking across the hallway; stairs will be to his left. Stairs up to this floor is the opening below his feet. Notice above, a framing structure where he is beginning to frame the opening to the rooftop. I think it's gonna be real cool having stairs stacked. The view from the top clear to the bottom will be very excellent.

Note, the new floor joist you see were required because the old stairwell used to come up here. So, the need to frame that opening, and non-code framing from before required completely new framing to go in. Every other joist will have another attached to it making the floors more rigid.

The New Train Station

Visiting the new train station makes me:

1. even more excited for Durham's potential and
2. wanting to ride and encourage transportation by rail

The place is beautiful. The train pulls up under a metal awning, with awning escorting you to the door of the station. At the door is signage welcoming you to Durham. The outdoor signage is plain in an old school, yet new kind of font. Very simple. Very cool. Inside (photo) the place is awesome in the same juxtapositional (sp?) way. The place seems like it could have been there for 100 years, yet you are certain it's new.

Old photos hang on the back wall showing Durham architectural, train and cultural history. Simple signage shows the Amtrak route and fare options. Benches beg for you to read the paper while donning hat and trench coat.

Thanks, Durham. Thanks, Amtrak. All aboard for a day in Charlotte.