More Storefront: Comparison to Last Year

Yesterday I referenced the construction look. Today, we're going into the WayBack Machine to the time in July of 2008 when the building was purchased.........

On July 13 of 2008, I compared the then storefront as "a face only a parent could love". I didn't love it so it received a makeover. Click the link above to see the comparison photo and then tell me what you think.

All the windows have been replaced. They look original, but are double paned and swing in for maintenance and cleaning ease. The oval windows above were repaired but not replaced. The glass remains in each of those panes.

The street-level front is all new. Instead of an overhang, there is now windows out to the sidewalk. Doors were placed on each side of the central window (commercial door on the left, residential on the right). The doors were set back to meet code and to not impede pedestrian traffic. A steel beam spans the length, with 2 others for vertical support.

I especially like that the lines of the building now are contiguous from ground to roof. It gives an appearance that there may be vertical supports rising 40' up. Nice work to the folks at Center Studio.

Welcome to 308westmain street

I loved the artist storefront, but it got old. And made a lasting impression. Let's hope the "you never get a second chance to make a first impression" isn't true in Durham.

Let's start anew. Durham, this is the new storefront to welcome folks to 308 West Main Street in downtown. We've added much glass to bring the outdoors in, and the indoors out. Window seating or ample visibility for your retail merchandise.

The entrance is tucked neatly off to the side to allow visitors a chance to gather themselves before entering and exiting.

From indoors a large window was installed to provide a view looking west down main street toward Five Points.

This milestone makes me smile. I hope you enjoy and come by for a visit.

Skylight, Sky Bright

Here's a view of the skylight above the master shower. That is the skylight, not just a hole. The skylight is clear so the clouds, or voyeurs, can be seen plainly.

The pipe will one day accommodate the rain head. On a cloudy day you can shower in the rain.......

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?