Temporary Scrim

It proved quite difficult to find the appropriate stone to complete the historic facade, so after a power wash, a scrim was purchased to  gussy up the place while we located the materials. These pictures were taken in January of 2008:

Goodbye Stair Tower

In March of 2007, the front stair tower was demolished. This is done in an effort to restore the façade back to the way it was during the 1920s through the 1960s. These photos were taken on March 20, 2007 and March 22, 2007.

               

       

Watch This Space…

Just a couple of quick updates as I try to get together with my photographer (Chris Kessler, SAS ‘01) to document the House once again.

Since the last post, the house has continued to undergo some more changes. Most notably, the front stair tower has been removed and the front facade has been cleaned, revealing beautiful stonework that has not been be appreciated in some time. Also, a bar has been built in the basement and some more furnishing have been purchased for the brothers.

Settling In

The Brothers moved into their newly renovated house over the first weekend of December 2006. Quickly thereafter, Happy Hours were again a regular Thursday occurrence and bands began gracing the living room with their presence. Though very happy with their newly purchased bedroom furniture, the Brothers had to make due with only the very basics throughout the rest of the house. Slowly but surely, more amenities are starting to appear in the House common areas. These pictures were taken on February 28, 2007:

   

   

   

House Dedication

During Penn’s 2006 Homecoming weekend, we held a reception in the nearly finished house where we honored those who were generous enough to donate money towards our renovation and refurnishing efforts. Food was consumed, drinks were imbibed, foosball was played, and brothers were reconnected during this emotional event. Though the house was still one month from being occupied, the Alumni who attended were very happy to see the progress made and reminisce about old times. The following pictures were taken at this event on October 28, 2006:

 

  

  

 

 

Finishings

Though we have again experienced some minor delays, the work is progressing. Sheet rock and joint compound are complete and we are looking to begin putting the finishing touches on the house. These pictures were taken in late September 2006:

   

 

Sheet Rock!

Another two weeks has gone by and even more progress has been made. The brothers are back on campus and have been temporarily moved to Hill House until 3914 Spruce is finished and the proper inspections are complete. We are hoping this will be about a month. The house is really starting to look like a living space and not just a construction site. At this point, everyone is eager to see a finished project. And now, the pictures (taken August 28, 2006):

  

 

The End Is In Sight

So much has been completed in the past 28 days. The new staircase is complete, new windows are in, HVAC ductwork is all but complete, bathroom plumbing is roughed in, telecommunications wiring is going in, and insulation is being laid. I could go on, but I will let the pictures speak for themselves (taken August 13, 2006):

      

Stairs

A week and a half has gone by since the last post and in that time framing on the 4th/3rd/2nd floors and the stairs to the 4th floor (Heavens) have been completed. Also, we see the first rise of stairs for the new staircase in the center of the house. These pictures were taken on July 18, 2006:

 

 

Rough-In

We were able to document more progress on July 6, 2006. Four more workers have been added to the efforts to ensure we are on track for September 1st completion. Framing is complete on the 3rd floor and commencing nicely in all other areas. The 2nd/3rd floor electrical rough-in has started and new treads/landings have been added to the rear stairtower.