Sunday, June 21, 2009
First Reservation?
I've been contacted by someone wanting to rent 1318 for several days while guests are in town. Now I need to talk to the PM to see if the place will be done by mid-August.
Monday, June 15, 2009
They all start with "T"
Talked with the PM today and here's the basic info: we are going to talk on Thursday to wrap up a few things and get the ducks in a row. The construction company is going out of business, so I'm going to find out how everything else will be handled. That's why things haven't been finished as quickly as we all would like. Taking the construction company out of the picture is for the best, but I'm wondering where the rest of the work will fit. There's not much work left, so it really shouldn't be long until it is done...famous last words.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Bricks and Ethics
Some of you may not have all the details on "brick rustling", so here are a couple of resources:
"Brick Rustlin' on the Rise"
"How Brick Thieves Do It"
"Cut Off, Cut Down"
The bricks are still there this morning, likely due to the onslaught of rain. PM said he could build a barrier of some kind for the bricks so they are less noticeable and harder to take. He's supposed to be over today.
Oh and I was so pleased last year with the contracting company, but I'll say that it is certain people that make it a good experience. The PM is fabulous and has the ethics that we should all desire for ourselves and others. I could keep you highly entertained with the drama, but I have to get going on my paying job...
"Brick Rustlin' on the Rise"
"How Brick Thieves Do It"
"Cut Off, Cut Down"
The bricks are still there this morning, likely due to the onslaught of rain. PM said he could build a barrier of some kind for the bricks so they are less noticeable and harder to take. He's supposed to be over today.
Oh and I was so pleased last year with the contracting company, but I'll say that it is certain people that make it a good experience. The PM is fabulous and has the ethics that we should all desire for ourselves and others. I could keep you highly entertained with the drama, but I have to get going on my paying job...
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Behind the Times
I owe you all many updates... here goes:
The House Tour: it was a rousing success with probably 300 folks enjoying 1318! I'm not sure of a final count on ticket sales, but there were a ton of people checking out the community. 1318 was well-received among practically everyone that visited. Of course there were a few naysayers, but that's to be expected. A couple of choice comments: "You're going to need curtains." (From an older gentleman that only made that one comment as he walked out the door.) "One question: WHY?" (My response, much to the joy of his fellow tour-goers: "Because I wanted to and I wasn't afraid.") I got a lot of wonderful comments about the openness, height, natural light and ambiance. Overwhelmingly, the crowd loved the space, intention and art! The Wyllie's artwork was, simply put, amazing! They worked so hard to pull together a fantastic show - and they succeeded. The art was beautiful and the space, even if it wasn't finished, demonstrated how it can showcase art. (If you didn't get to see their art or saw it and missed that chance to buy a piece - or two - let me know and I'll connect you with them.)
The After-Tour Party: Fun! Met many new neighbors, visited with existing friends/neighbors (note that I didn't say "old" neighbors) and enjoyed some food and adult beverages. And for those tour-goers who only saw stacks of drywall as part of the work-in-progress, you missed a huge opportunity. We used stacks of drywall for tables as well as chairs that night. We rehabbers are resourceful. And, if you must know, the bathroom worked fine.
Construction: Need you even ask? Two weeks ago, the Project Manager said it would only be 7-10 days until completion. Will this project ever end? Will I ever really get to throw the VIP/Sneak Peek event in the fall? Will the intern ever actually get to work inside 1318 instead of his dorm room/apartment/a coffee shop/the library/anywhere with a table, chair and internet access?
Brick rustling: Yes, I'm serious. There was a knock at the door today and someone told me there were guys loading up the bricks (stacked neatly by the side of the building) and asked if the PM or I had given permission. Of course not! Went outside to see for myself and quickly called the Project Manager to see if he had given permission. Nope. I called the cops. Long story short, thanks to a great neighbor and knowledge of where previous brick rustlers sell stolen bricks, the guys were caught and made to return the approximately 400 bricks. They insisted some contractor guy gave them the okay to take anything they wanted. In the words of Alicia Silverstone, "As if!" Now I have 10 days to press charges. They were about $350 short of a felony, so they'll just get fined.
Opening Event: Planning for the Fall.... thinking big!
The House Tour: it was a rousing success with probably 300 folks enjoying 1318! I'm not sure of a final count on ticket sales, but there were a ton of people checking out the community. 1318 was well-received among practically everyone that visited. Of course there were a few naysayers, but that's to be expected. A couple of choice comments: "You're going to need curtains." (From an older gentleman that only made that one comment as he walked out the door.) "One question: WHY?" (My response, much to the joy of his fellow tour-goers: "Because I wanted to and I wasn't afraid.") I got a lot of wonderful comments about the openness, height, natural light and ambiance. Overwhelmingly, the crowd loved the space, intention and art! The Wyllie's artwork was, simply put, amazing! They worked so hard to pull together a fantastic show - and they succeeded. The art was beautiful and the space, even if it wasn't finished, demonstrated how it can showcase art. (If you didn't get to see their art or saw it and missed that chance to buy a piece - or two - let me know and I'll connect you with them.)
The After-Tour Party: Fun! Met many new neighbors, visited with existing friends/neighbors (note that I didn't say "old" neighbors) and enjoyed some food and adult beverages. And for those tour-goers who only saw stacks of drywall as part of the work-in-progress, you missed a huge opportunity. We used stacks of drywall for tables as well as chairs that night. We rehabbers are resourceful. And, if you must know, the bathroom worked fine.
Construction: Need you even ask? Two weeks ago, the Project Manager said it would only be 7-10 days until completion. Will this project ever end? Will I ever really get to throw the VIP/Sneak Peek event in the fall? Will the intern ever actually get to work inside 1318 instead of his dorm room/apartment/a coffee shop/the library/anywhere with a table, chair and internet access?
Brick rustling: Yes, I'm serious. There was a knock at the door today and someone told me there were guys loading up the bricks (stacked neatly by the side of the building) and asked if the PM or I had given permission. Of course not! Went outside to see for myself and quickly called the Project Manager to see if he had given permission. Nope. I called the cops. Long story short, thanks to a great neighbor and knowledge of where previous brick rustlers sell stolen bricks, the guys were caught and made to return the approximately 400 bricks. They insisted some contractor guy gave them the okay to take anything they wanted. In the words of Alicia Silverstone, "As if!" Now I have 10 days to press charges. They were about $350 short of a felony, so they'll just get fined.
Opening Event: Planning for the Fall.... thinking big!
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