Blue Tarp = Rooftop Structure

(you might click the photo to enlarge)

Ok, the rooftop structure is taking shape. Framing is complete and Tyvek is wrapped around it. The photo was taken last weekend when rain was expected, so the structure was covered by a big blue tarp.

Of things fire and contractural

Remember that feeling of having an eyelash in your eye? You know, so painful you can't keep your eyes open to get it out.....crying, excruciating pain? Then, you get the lash out and look at it on the end of your finger and wonder how such a small thing could have caused so much discomfort?

That is what contract issues are like during construction.

For 2 months I've been selecting fire/security vendors.....listening to experts.

• "You need a commercial system."
  
• "No, you only need a residential system since you are living in the space."
• "You need a hybrid - commercial on the first floor, residential on the remaining."

They talk to other experts. They talk to me (moron). They provide estimates. Then, just when I'm about to make a decision and get over the hurdle, the lash moves to the other part of my eye causing me to wince and start the whole process all over.

And, I have a contract where security and fire equipment are documented. The contract is signed and payment agreed upon. Why the heck don't I just say, "you know, I thought I could solve this problem but I can't. You guys install the system you priced in the contract and I'll be happy."

The next time I'll say that.......real early. So early I'm already saying it. Don't come at me with more decisions that appear as they should have been made before we ever signed a contract!

Yeah right! I'll get a full more lashes in my eyes before this one is over.

Rooftop Construction

Work, life and building decisions are getting in the way of progress documentation. Oh, and taxes. This has been an extremely challenging year of administration related to taxes owed to the US and Canadian government. Alas, these are not related to Downtown living so I'll keep those stories for my All Things Inevitable blog......

Construction started last week on the rooftop structure and deck. Here are the beginnings of that work; the metal framing that will support it all. Notice the natural slope of the roof. We intend to maintain that by suspending the deck structure above the roof, allowing water to run freely below. Suspending the decking will also keep weight off the roof framing and allow for a level walking surface.

Here is a view from down the street; an area called Five Points. The big blue tarp is the rooftop structure you see framed above. I have one of the best views of the Hill Building (the building with the flag) because my roof is 40' above views from the street. Much more to follow on the rooftop as construction continues.

Holes in Roof = Rain on Floors

You ever notice that when you cut holes in your roof, the rain hits your floors?

Of course not. You're not stupid enough to cut holes in your roof. And if you did, you'd have a plan to repair it straight away.

Not me. My plan was to cut a hole in the roof and then figure out how to build a structure on the hole to keep the rain out. But it takes time to figure it out. And there are approvals to be had. And materials to hoist onto the roof. And temporary structures to build in failed attempts to keep tarp down. But rain water fills up tarp, forcing it to sink into the hole and let the water in.

The project is going well despite some hurdles.......

I wanna know, have you ever seen the rain
Comin' down on a sunny day?

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.....