THE DAY AFTER

...the completion of the cabinetry installation the painters are in full swing. They are currently removing all the cabinet doors and covering all the drawer hardware so that they may begin applying the primer to all the new wood work. The last portions of the interior carpentry trim are being done today just ahead of the industrious painters.

Planning ahead is always a good thing. One of the requests from the staff was that we provide extra deep window sills (called windows stools in the industry) so that the children may place small plants on them. We have done exactly that.

While the work moves ahead inside, the outside is moving on as well. The demolition required for the new universally accessible sidewalk has been completed. The fence installers have now placed the posts for the courtyards and will be moving ahead next week. The iron, chain link and wood fences are all included in the next step of our exterior work.

And what would the blog be without an update on the Library. It is really a wonderful space.

THE SECRET OF MY SUCCESS

It isn't really a secret. A great team makes it all work.

The ceiling grids are almost complete which now allow us to have the Solatubes installed as well as fittings for the HVAC system as you see below. This image also indicates the final placement of the cubbies with clear access to the Children's Kitchen. Most of the interior doors are also in place.

Speaking of cubbies, the final sets have been installed in the BAC. You can also see the half light doors that will allow classroom observation without interruption.

With the bulk of the interior carpentry completed the painters are now working hard to prepare the millwork. Sanding, caulking and filling all occur even before the priming begins. Then the painters go back and start the prep for the application of the finish coats. One of the crews are shown working in the BAC.

A glimpse at the many systems that will be hidden behind the new ceilings.

Even without the heat being on, the insulation is keeping the building far more comfortable on these cold mornings then might be expected. I am as excited about the new operating systems for the building as I am the Library (we all have our 'hot buttons').

RISKY BUSINESS

Risky business indeed. Yesterday was gutter installation day. With the colder temperatures came high winds which made carrying and installing the seamless one piece gutters very difficult. Especially on the South side of the building. Imagine attempting to put up a single aluminum tube 80' long in the wind. But the installers did it and the gutters look great. The section you see being prepared below is tied into the drainage system to help keep Miss Sarah's courtyard dry.


The kitchen and storage cabinetry has been installed in the classrooms with the top trim in place. The cubbies are being assembled in single large units and are being set as well. The quality of the cabinetry selected by the Board is really extraordinary. With drawers that fully extend and are supported by heavy ball bearing drawer guides, we can expect them to really perform. Dovetailed drawer boxes will last easily the lifetime of the school. German engineered adjustable hinges will make maintaining the operation and appearance of the cabinets themselves possible. No more sagging doors that fall off! As you can see below, there is no shortage of enclosed storage for the classrooms. The assorted mismatched cupboards have seen their last days.

The custom cabinetry for the Director's Office is also now in place. From Miss Christa's desk she can easily see everything. The office also allows for comfortable meetings with parents.

Miss Tamara's desk in the reception area is also in place. The sun-filled reception room is ideally suited to her bright personality.

So many great things are going on. Work continues at a great pace under Dale Buchanan's leadership. There is not a day that goes by that something new and exciting is added. We are very excited about the exterior painting. Once complete we will certainly post the photos here.