An Update from Richard

Demolition and stabilization have started.
Ummm. Excuse me Richard - but have you already gone towards the light?
These guys are serious about preserving every savable inch of this historic building.
Watch this video to see Richard on a mission.


Richard's Notes 12/15
We had a strong week at 701. I feel good about what has been accomplished and look forward to diving into next week.

This week at 701 - Week 3 - 12/18/06

Three main areas of work.
1. Floor and roof stabilization. I would estimate that this task is 90% complete and will be completed in the beginning of the week.

2. Demolition on the east side:
a. Front - one last floor and roof section.
b. Rear - one last roof section.

3. East exterior wall stabilization. This wall has been significantly weakened and a strong wind storm could bring it down. It will be reinforced until the new steel structure is put in place. Pole bracing will be erected at intervals on a diagonal both inside and outside of the building.

Some interesting finds for the week:
An exterior entrance to the basement was discovered.
An old stairwell (with no stairs) was found on the left rear.
There is an area on the back right where you can see water in the basement. The reason became clear this week as to why - there is no floor. There used to be a floor - beam pockets can be seen.

Hood Construction should be wrapping up this first phase by the end of this next week. Hopefully our soil testing and engineering can proceed quickly so that Hood can start flying steel in during the early part of March.

Blessing 701

Local ministers and neighbors gathered today to bless 701 Whaley.
The prayer:
"God whose word suffices to make all things holy, pour out your grace upon this building , so rich with past blessings, and grant that all who come and go through its doors might, with grateful heart and in keeping with your law and will receive from you, its Maker, health in body, protection of soul, and richness of your blessings now and in the days to come..."

A Short History of 701 Whaley

Watch this short clip on the history of the Pacific Mills Community & 701