 |
| Digging for the grade beam at the front of the building. This will allow us to install the steel beam to support the patio and executive offices. |
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Construction Continues...
We continue to make progress at the site. Now, if the weather would help us out a little! :)
Friday, January 28, 2011
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
The Second Floor
The new floorplan calls for us to build out the second story of the building. The way the building sits now, it is a full story on the first floor and a little less than 1/2 of a story on the second floor. The construction teams are through the majority of the demolition and are now beginning the prep work necessary for the second story build out.
On the above illustration you can see where the existing second story is by looking at the right hand, bottom corner of the floorplan and following the thicker diagonal line. Everything beyond that line is where the build out of the second floor will take place.
The old staircase approach to the second floor.The above space will sit between tenant space and the TrueNorth office space once the building is completed.
A contractor erecting the floor fill-in's for the second story build out.
On the above illustration you can see where the existing second story is by looking at the right hand, bottom corner of the floorplan and following the thicker diagonal line. Everything beyond that line is where the build out of the second floor will take place.
The old staircase approach to the second floor.The above space will sit between tenant space and the TrueNorth office space once the building is completed.
The old 'server room.'
This corner of the building will be finished out for other tenants.
A contractor erecting the floor fill-in's for the second story build out.It will be interesting to watch how the building starts to take on new a new look as the build out takes place, completing the second story. We look forward to making our mark on this historic downtown building, watching with anticipation as our vision comes to life!
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Amongst the Rubble
As stated in the last update, demolition is taking place at the new location and it is happening fast! In a bittersweet moment late last week we watched as the infamous "library staircase" came down.
This was a defining moment for us in this process. It was a moment of saddness as we watched the historical stairs being torn down, but it was a moment of excitement as it marked the first big sign of change...it means revitalization, rebuilding, progress.
What a sign! Right there in the rubble lay "Start Where You Are!" What a profound statement, not only for those of us at TrueNorth and the journey that we have been on, but for the whole city of Cedar Rapids. It is a reminder that even though the flood set us back, we are in the process of rebuilding to come back better than ever!
This was a defining moment for us in this process. It was a moment of saddness as we watched the historical stairs being torn down, but it was a moment of excitement as it marked the first big sign of change...it means revitalization, rebuilding, progress.
Click above for a video of the main floor - caution turn volume down
As we were finishing up our time at the building right at the bottom of our feet, all alone, sat a dirty old VHS tape. Curious to know what video it was we dusted off the label to find this...
What a sign! Right there in the rubble lay "Start Where You Are!" What a profound statement, not only for those of us at TrueNorth and the journey that we have been on, but for the whole city of Cedar Rapids. It is a reminder that even though the flood set us back, we are in the process of rebuilding to come back better than ever!
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
"Demolition"
Demolition: the events to begin the prep work in order to prepare a location for construction.
"Demolition" on our new site is set to begin this week. We are excited for our first official step into making this building our own. Below are a few more "before" pictures as we embark on our journey to discover the "after."
"Demolition" on our new site is set to begin this week. We are excited for our first official step into making this building our own. Below are a few more "before" pictures as we embark on our journey to discover the "after."
A shot of the exterior "before."
Stuck in time. A clock on the wall that remained after the power was lost during the flood.
Where our new "outdoor terrace" will be located.
Let the "demo" begin.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Excited to Proceed!
City officials met with individuals from the Regional FEMA office today and both parties have settled on a reimbursement related to the new library. As Duane mentioned in the last email, the city and the library board have remained committed to relocating to our site. This is good news…. and based on today’s meeting, we expect our transaction will move forward as previously agreed.
We will work over the next couple of weeks to finalize all documentation and discuss timelines for the project. We had continued to make some progress in the past few weeks. Although we were proceeding cautiously, we were able to make decisions regarding the exterior as well as the interior design structure. This information will be valuable and our next step is to evaluate the budget as well as the timeline.
We are proud to be associated with a team at TrueNorth that continues to give the proper attention to our clients and our colleagues. Thank you for your efforts and focus during this uncertainty.
For more information, please visit:
http://www.kcrg.com/news/local/Cedar-Rapids-Library-To-Return-To-TrueNorth-Site-103555099.html
We will work over the next couple of weeks to finalize all documentation and discuss timelines for the project. We had continued to make some progress in the past few weeks. Although we were proceeding cautiously, we were able to make decisions regarding the exterior as well as the interior design structure. This information will be valuable and our next step is to evaluate the budget as well as the timeline.
We are proud to be associated with a team at TrueNorth that continues to give the proper attention to our clients and our colleagues. Thank you for your efforts and focus during this uncertainty.
For more information, please visit:
http://www.kcrg.com/news/local/Cedar-Rapids-Library-To-Return-To-TrueNorth-Site-103555099.html
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Schematic Design. Check!
We have completed schematic design for the exterior and are closing in on final schematic design for the interior. YEAH!
The programming team has spent many hours this past month evaluating the best options for our professional office space. During schematic design we were able to start with our “wish list” and then scale back in order to align with the cost and space restraints.
September will mark the “construction design” phase. The goal during construction design is to work out details and prepare for blueprint development. We will discuss such things as: windows vs. walls, height of ceilings, entry areas, exits, access to printer , etc. Once we have finalized the details, the information will then be turned over for the development of blue prints. In addition we will start evaluating the pricing of the overall project. This project is much like building your own home, there are upgrades and additional amenities which you can consider. There will also be some items which we will consider optional. Optional items may be in the initial build out, or they may be completed at a date in the future.
The last thing we are starting to work on is our workstation options and general office furniture.
As you may have read, the city is still working on several details in order that we can finalize purchase terms for our current facility as well as the library. Although there appears to be a delay, city officials are confident these issues will not be obstacles and should not be cause for alarm.
I would, once again, like to thank each of you for your feedback and trust in the team who is working on this project. We continue to be excited and energized by the project and are confident we will have a “Beyond the Expected” facility.
As a preview, see the rough sketches of the outside of our building below.
_Page_4.jpg)
The programming team has spent many hours this past month evaluating the best options for our professional office space. During schematic design we were able to start with our “wish list” and then scale back in order to align with the cost and space restraints.
September will mark the “construction design” phase. The goal during construction design is to work out details and prepare for blueprint development. We will discuss such things as: windows vs. walls, height of ceilings, entry areas, exits, access to printer , etc. Once we have finalized the details, the information will then be turned over for the development of blue prints. In addition we will start evaluating the pricing of the overall project. This project is much like building your own home, there are upgrades and additional amenities which you can consider. There will also be some items which we will consider optional. Optional items may be in the initial build out, or they may be completed at a date in the future.
The last thing we are starting to work on is our workstation options and general office furniture.
As you may have read, the city is still working on several details in order that we can finalize purchase terms for our current facility as well as the library. Although there appears to be a delay, city officials are confident these issues will not be obstacles and should not be cause for alarm.
I would, once again, like to thank each of you for your feedback and trust in the team who is working on this project. We continue to be excited and energized by the project and are confident we will have a “Beyond the Expected” facility.
As a preview, see the rough sketches of the outside of our building below.
_Page_8.jpg)
_Page_6.jpg)
_Page_4.jpg)
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