The post you've been waiting for... FRAMING!

OK, we are SO sorry! When we returned from our Florida fundraising trip (30hr+ drive each way), we went to the property and took in all of the progress that was made in the 10 days that we were gone. Then, we relished in it and all of the pictures we took that day. Now that the shock of it all coming together is starting to wear off a little bit, we are ready to share all of them with you!

But first…

A beefy telehandler and a construction dump truck arrived at the property, looking ever so majestically at our own private mountain. Then, on January 20th, we received 2 semis worth of building materials from DC Structures, pre-cut, pre-drilled, beautiful Douglas fir, ready to be put up like a massive lego set. The fun part? They couldn’t make it up the road so we had to unload everything right on the side of of Rt. 16. From 8AM until just after 7PM we were out there babysitting our materials, no food, no bathroom facilities…it was a blast! Here is what it all looked like:

We had two trailer loads left, but it was after dark, and since it was too dark to drive to the property safely (and not hit a tree, go off into the pond, etc.,) we were afraid we might have to spend the night watching the last bit of materials until our framers came back the next morning. Well, they decided to double stack all of them and caravan with us up there one last time. Stacking that last pile of materials was heart attack-worthy. So naturally, we had to document it for the coroners.

As you can see for yourself, we have an EPIC team, led by Curt Horstman from Spearfish. Johnny, the telehandler operator in the video, has obviously got some serious skills.

Anyways, the following week, they started on the crawlspace TGI system. Apparently we definitely over-engineered it…but you never know when a West-coast style earthquake is coming, right? Not to mention, the subfloor will need to support the weight of two grand pianos. (Now is a great time to make your donation of a Steinway or two!) It is tax-deductible after all… :) Think about it!

Alright…here is a little sneak peak.

Are you ready for it?

And a few more, because, why not?

That is Brett Walfish (Executive Director) standing in a window for some perspective! Our framer suggested we put a basketball court in the Grand Dining Hall…we think some incredible chamber music this summer will do the trick :)

Until next time!