March 12, 2010 – 10:44 am
Our workers completed the foundation for the small addition at All Flex in Northfield. It was good that the addition was not any larger, as we were able to work under the tarps and get the foundation completed in spite of some wet weather.
We have moved inside on the trenching project. All Flex uses all sorts of processing materials that they pipe from area to area. With installation of some new equipment they needed the existing concrete floor cut out and a concrete trench constructed. We’ve removed the floor and poured the base of the new trench and are ready to install the sides.
We had ServiceMaster at our East side Northfield new home project yesterday cleaning and polishing. They do a fine job making sure the home is in move in condition for the owners.
It really struck me how nice and light the home is. Even
with cloudy skies and drizzle yesterday the house had a very warm feeling. Some areas, such as the staircase, are flooded with light creating an interplay of shadows and designs on the balusters. Other areas, such as the eating nook, create a real cozy feeling.
The kitchen incorporates honed black granite
countertop work areas. Most of the granite countertops we install is polished. This honed surface doesn’t reflect light and creates a softer appearance. The honed dark granite creates a nice contrast with the lighter bamboo countertop used on the island.
The fireplace is a three-sided gas unit. It was not embellished with extra materials, just wrapped with oak to match the bookcases that surround the unit. Being able to view the fire from three sides is a nice feature.
We completely finished one elevator that we have been working on at Carleton College. The project involved a complete modernization of the existing elevator including a new car,hydraulic cylinder, controllers, equipment, doors, etc. The existing elevator had been a freight elevator only. These projects involve an incredible amount of work and coordination of trade partners and state elevator inspectors working with us. The end product looks great and will allow students and staff to use the elevator as a passenger elevator. Our work included locating and installing glazed clay tile blocks to match the existing work in some locations. The end product looks great and should serve the college well for decades.
We are doing some repairs at the Three Links apartments in Northfield. The structural floor base in
the hallways had some deficiencies in it. We removed the existing carpeting in the halls and discovered that the underlayment had not been attached properly to the structure. This allowed the underlayment to pull up from the substrate, creating ‘waves’ that were difficult for people to navigate. Our solution has been to screw the substrate directly to the structural members of the floor system. This greatly stiffens the floor and eliminates waves and gaps. We are then installing new carpeting over the flooring. There are quite a few hallways in this large building, but it seems to be working well to take sections at a time and complete the work.
When we were in Atlanta last week I was really struck by the geometric lines and designs of the newer buildings downtown. Atlanta has a lot of construction from the 1960’s on. In fact I heard some complaints from some of the local folks that Atlanta destroyed some of their fine historic buildings in the 1950’s and 1960’s, including the movie theater that had the original showing of Gone with the Wind.
But the new buildings do have some wonderful architecture. I especially liked the Marriott Marquis with a fantastic atrium. When you look up from the main level it is an absolutely spectacular sight. The undulating lines of the floor levels are beautiful. It has a very organic feel to it. The elevators operate on the ‘spine’ in this photograph.
The High Museum of Art has an atrium that creates a multitude of geometric designs. The glass roof on the structural supports allows the light to filter through to people sitting or walking below it. 
The Westin hotel is another building with a lovely atrium area. The structural supports, while not transparent like the Marriott, create a truly breathtaking appearance with ambient lighting playing against the columns.
We did enjoy visiting the historic Fox theater. This is a 1920’s era movie house that was constructed using a Moorish theme common to theaters at that time. It is still in use as a theater hosting a wide range of productions.
I thought the ticket booth just off the front sidewalk
was striking in its design and function, allowing easy access to all sides.
We are helping out All Flex with a small addition to
their manufacturing plant. They needed the work done right away so we fought the cold a bit last week to get the excavation work completed. We erected a shelter over the excavation to keep soil from freezing and keep our block layers warm while working. Today with the bright sun it is quite toasty under the plastic shelter.
February 18, 2010 – 1:08 pm
February 15, 2010 – 12:56 pm
We are busy at work finishing The Crossing condominium units. The flooring is being installed by Bierman’s Flooring. This unit has nice laminate wood flooring in the kitchen and into the living room. This flooring goes well with the cherry cabinets. After the flooring work is completed we install wood baseboards at the perimeter.
The granite countertops were installed last week. An undermount stainless steel sink
was incorporated into the granite countertops. Granite makes a wonderful countertop material. It tough, doesn’t scratch easily, and doesn’t absorb most liquids. I like the natural look of cut stone.
The owner selected cherry finished hardwood for the doors and trim in the condominiums. We installed a 15 light glass French door between the living room and the study. This allows light to pass through but keeps out sound when closed.
The bathroom in the unit incorporates a wall hung water closet. This is a very nice
feature in that it makes cleaning the floor much easier. As in the other areas, the vanity is has a cherry finish.
February 12, 2010 – 11:12 am
Our workers completed the foundation for the small addition at All Flex in Northfield. It was good that the addition was not any larger, as we were able to work under the tarps and get the foundation completed in spite of some wet weather. 
We have moved inside on the trenching project. All Flex uses all sorts of processing materials that they pipe from area to area. With installation of some new equipment they needed the existing concrete floor cut out and a concrete trench constructed. We’ve removed the floor and poured the base of the new trench and are ready to install the sides. 
