FNB: Committed to Doing it Right

Yesterday (Thursday) I had a very productive meeting with a interesting group of people: a carpenter, a mason, a lumber guy and a window guy.  We each came to the table with our backgrounds and talents.  The thing that we have in common = making this project the best it can be.  The great thing about working with thoughtful and talented people is their commitment to doing it right; I am very proud to be working with this group!  Thank you Craig Siebenaler, Daniel Hammond, Greg Shoup and Chris Pfleghaar.

We met to talk about the windows - just ONE of the challenging parts of this project for multiple reasons: 

1) none of the original windows exist on our building.  We do, however, have examples of the original look right next door at Hammer Athletics (photo at right).

2) the original openings have been compromised - even to the point of completely blocking them up...

3) we really don't know the condition of the openings until they are all opened up

We met to form a plan for the windows - how will they be installed, what will the details look like, how much material, how do we keep the water out?  The good thing is that, spending the time to discuss all of the options and important information, we came up with a very good solution which will realize itself here in the next few months.

In order to have this conversation, though, we needed to open up the walls and ceilings to look at all sides of those openings.  The first photo shows the inside of an opening that was completely blocked up - this one stays that way.  The second photo shows the inside of an opening that was fitted with a MUCH smaller window and then bricked the rest of the way up.  See how much higher the ceilings are in the oldest part of the building?

A few frustrating observations:

1) For all the effort to lower the ceilings, in this apartment there was no insulation installed.  What a waste of all that space!

2) They used Belden brick in these openings - for those who don't know, Belden brick is some of the best.  So they used high-quality brick on the outside but installed no insulation in any of these openings.

Our forebears spent a lot of time and energy to retrofit this building while leaving out the most important part - the insulation.  I'm so glad we have the opportunity to do it right this time - with the help of some thoughtful contractors!