September 29, 2026

Not as many updates since our last one, but we’ve wrapped up underground plumbing inside the basement and it passed state inspections. This week the excavated floors will be prepped for concrete. This includes installing vapor barriers and gravel. This is essential in not just typical prep for concrete floors, but will be one piece of the puzzle in mitigating moisture and humidity issues for our new archive space. The concrete floors will be polished, which is imperative in an archive so that no dirt and dust can collect in the pores of the concrete. Polished concrete is also not porous, so it allows for easier cleaning and holds up longer over time. 

Last year during construction planning we had to decide between exhausting the HVAC out of the foundation which would mean we would need to core drill through the very thick foundation or exhaust out of the windows as we had prior. We chose to core drill through the foundation after having a historic compatibility report done on our proposed work. These reports are needed when a registered landmark building is being renovated to ensure that all work meets the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Historic Rehabilitation. When a registered historic property receives any federal funding for the project, it triggers Section 106 review. We had a historic compatibility report done as a precaution in case we would later be subject to Section 106 review. Section 106 is absolutely vital to protecting the nation’s cultural heritage.

The new windows are ready for installation, but those won’t go in until after concrete has been poured. Framers will be installing the window bucks in advance of this work though. 

It is exciting to think that in a matter of weeks we will have floors! After concrete, the framers will get to work building the walls for the bathroom, kitchen, and main office. 

(Photo credits: Phil Armstrong)