Preparation for build out begins!

The construction crew continues to pour concrete today.  The section below shows a section of the first floor celing that has to be filled in, in order to begin building out the rest of the second story.

The front of the building continues to change.  They have placed several steel beams to brace the structure for the second story build out.



Before 

After



Design, Check!

Our design meetings are officially complete and work around the building is in full swing.   With our tight deadlines the construction crews are taking advantage of the weather any chance they can get to do exterior work.    

The first "sign" of TrueNorth

 Prepping the front for the second story build out

Placing a structural beam

 Today the contractors are pouring concrete to fill in two holes in the second floor.  One of the holes is where the old stairs used be and the other hole is being filled in to allow for the second story build out to take place over the current rooftop.



Ready for concrete

We have just a few more exterior decisions that need to be made, but we are looking forward to the buliding taking on a whole new look, day by day!

Construction Continues...

We continue to make progress at the site.  Now, if the weather would help us out a little! :)

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.

A Sneak Peek!

A sneak peek at our "vision" for the building!

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.

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!

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.

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!

"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."

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.