Continued Progress

Here is the aerial pictures from just a few days ago. It is simply amazing how much work they are able to do in just a few short weeks.

The project continues on schedule and the completion date of August 1 (move in August 15) seems a reality with each passing week.

South Entrance

By the end of the week the south entrance to the new building (facing Westheimer) has started to take shape. The entrance (while not the main entrance) is the private door for the youth room.

The space has been created to draw focus and attention to the campus. In the picture you can see the cross shaped window on the left (one of many in the new building). The strong angle and porch are actually being covered with a rich blue siding which will be a strong accent on the building. Above the door is another very large window. Finally, on the right hand wall there will be raised letters identifying Memorial Lutheran Church and School.

While the space sits back from Westheimer (a bit) it will certainly help draw attention to our campus and the exciting work taking place among us through the gospel.

Music Room Windows

On Friday afternoon the frames for the large A-frame shaped windows in the music room were installed. While we are not using the old glass from the A-frame, we have kept the same dimensions from the old into the new. This is one of those special bits that helps tie the old and new together.

So what has happened to the A-frame glass? The glass has been shipped to Concordia, Seward where the art department has been disassembling and cleaning the glass. Just a few weeks ago we received one-hundred crosses that have been made from the glass. These crosses are the size that could be hung in a window or on a wall for display. They should be made available in the coming weeks.

May the Lord bless this space as we make a joyful noise unto Him.

Special Helper!

Today "Bob the Builder" accompanied me to the work site. While he isn't very excited about the building he certainly likes the heavy equipment (he must have gotten this from his mother).

New Web Cam!

Check out the new web cam location. The camera has been moved to the interior of the building. The camera is mounted on the west wall of the fellowship hall. If you tune in (during the day) you will most likely see working being done inside the building.

Brick, Brick, and more Brick

Now that the masons have a feel for the building . . . the brick work is coming along quickly.

This afternoon they have prepared the entire North side of the building for brick. My guess is that this will be finished in the next few days. Again, the match to the existing brick is wonderful.

Glass Installed

Today has seen the installation of all the exterior glass. The colors are beautiful: blue, green, and bronze. With all the exterior work being done the look and feel of the building is really coming together.

Air Handlers

The finish work on the interior air handlers in being done. The pipes are being insulated and everything is being connected. There is only one unit waiting to be installed over the new school office. Again, the chilled water system is going to be a great addition to the new building.

Glass Delivered

Today all of the glass was delivered to the site (except for the three large windows in the music room). They also began installation late this afternoon. They hope to have all of the glass installed by the end of the day tomorrow. The process goes quickly but many of the pieces are large and very heavy (making them difficult to handle).

Old and New

Today the first of the brick was laid. You can see (in the picture) the new pillar sitting next to the old brick.

A lot of time and effort was expended in trying to match the brick. The brick is a soft Mexican brick which reflects the natural colors of the clay. The brick is handmade and show the inconsistencies which come with the old style of brick making. The masons are paying careful attention to also match the size of the mortar joints and the raking of the brick. So far, so good!

Parking Lot Ready

The new parking lot (on the Westheimer side) is ready for use.

While the lot is not finished the base rock can be parked on. Today they are preparing two sidewalks (east and west sides of the sanctuary) so we can safely walk from the lot to the sanctuary. Happy parking!

Preparing for Brick

This morning the brick crew has been on site getting the exterior walls ready for the brick work which will begin on Monday morning. The plan is that the work will only take about three weeks. While there is not a large amount of brick on the exterior of the building (so many beautiful windows) there is a significant amount of brick work on the interior of the space.

A Rare Moment!

Today I was able to catch Wyatt (our Fretz Supervisor) working on the site. This is holy week so miracles are bound to happen!

I have had a great time working with Wyatt these last several months. The daily litany contains the question of how much work will be happening today. The usual response, "they don't pay me enough to work!"

Wyatt has tirelessly overseen the work at the site. These last days (with so many different trades all working at the same time and often on top of one another) have kept him on his toes. He is certainly not afraid to roll up his sleeves and get to work when needed (even if I did make him pose for this picture!).

Sheet Rock Party!

I know that we have a "Sheet Rock Party" scheduled for April 12 but trust me when I say the party is already in full swing. No one will need to bring along their screw-driver and dry wall screws.

Early this week a semi-load of sheet rock arrived on site. The last two days we have really seen the interior spaces coming together. The fellowship hall and the classroom wing is where all of the work is taking place.

Windows (with glazing) are going in around the building and the brick is supposed to arrive today. Finally, the work on the water and gas line is being completed. They have waited for the building to take shape before installing the final piping that will connect the old and new structures.

Walking Tour

Yesterday, for the first 30 minutes of bible class, we walked through the building. Paul Lodholz led the tour and was able to explain the details of the space as everything is coming together. People were visibly excited about the new space and the new programs that will fill the building. I continue to pray that the Lord will lead us as we prepare for this new chapter in the life of our church and school.

Early this morning (Monday) the last of the major mechanical components arrived on site, the fire sprinkler system. This will be the first (and only) building on campus that is equipped with a sprinkler system.

Work is also continuing on the installation of windows and other interior space detail. On the outside the final prep work is being done for the installation of the brick. If all goes according to plan the exterior of the building will really come together in the next three weeks. Over the weekend the last of the main roof was installed. There is still plenty of roofing detail to be finished but everything is under-roof so that work can continue rain or shine.

HVAC Installed

The HVAC is nearly complete (at least from my view). Earlier this week they lifted the large blower units into their attic spaces. They have been working all week to fit the piping that is needed to connect them to the chiller system.

This new (high-tech) system is certainly going to be a special addition to this new space.

Interior Build Out

Each day the interior of the building takes better shape. Most all of the rooms and spaces are now framed (the exception is the school office space which is still awaiting a column and beam).

The front parking lot received several loads of rock today. The plan is that we will be able to use the lot on Easter Sunday. Between now and then they will be compacting the rock and allowing it to settle.

Come and See

The work is progressing so quickly that still pictures really cannot begin to tell the whole story. Each day brings something new on the site. Today the foundation ledge is being prepared for the exterior brick which they will begin laying in the coming days. Framing of interior spaces continues along with all of the mechanical, electric, and plumbing work. I know that the web cam is quickly becoming useless so we are planning to move the camera to the interior of the building so you can more easily see what is going on.

I would really encourage you to simply drive by a couple times a week. You will not be disappointed.

Roof Work Begins!

Work is progressing quickly now that the roof installation is in full swing. More and more of the building is being covered up which also means that work can continue inside (rain or shine). By Sunday I hope that over half of the building will be undercover.

The parking lot is also on the schedule to receive rock late this week. This means we can use the lot in the coming week.