Well it has been a long time since I have blogged on this site and felt I should pipe in some latest updates.
on October 30, 2010 on All Hallows eve we hosted a "first annual" (hopefully) costume party at The Lodge. Over 30+ attendees all clad in costumes ranging from The Flintstone Family, Gnomes, Convicts, witches, and a chilean miner came to celebrate and enjoy the eerily haunting lodge. The band, As Is, a local r&b band played their hearts out and I must say this auditorium is going to ROCK when we are officially open. The acoustics in this hall are Dy-No-Mite (as JJ would say). Wow, that was a deepcut reference? anybody remember him? But I digress...
As for the renovations, we have just filed our paperwork to create a 501c3 nonprofit entity as this seems the most logical and prudent way to organize this business. Through the 501c3 we can raise the necessary funds from federal, state and local sources to complete the extensive renovations needed. By latest estimate, our restoration budget is approx. $500k. This is a bare bones estimate, not including any salaries or labor costs (for lodge employees). The bulk of the work needed includes: addition of 8 restroom facilities on the first, second and third floors; complete rewiring and electrical power box upgrade/replacement; HVAC installation on all floors; balcony railing system including stair rails; exit and aisle lighting installation; kitchen rehab and upgrade; theatre seat purchases along with banquet table/chairs and other accoutrements; lighting and sound system purchase and installation; and on and on.
There are numerous other "little" items but these are the primary biggies.
I am awaiting my architect to come and survey the property and prepare architectural drawings of "as is" condition and then with the necessary upgrades and additions needed.
I blast out to those in the sound of my voice to spread the word if you know anyone who wants to sponsor any or all of the above restoration project, checks are highly welcome. We have launched a theatre seat purchase program where you can get involved for a very low cost ONLY $250. Purchasers will receive a plaque with their name on it hung on the chair and/or a Donor Wall in the theater. You will also receive preview purchase ability once we have show tickets go on sale and free tickets to the Gala Opening Night event and reception. This is a lifetime membership that you are purchasing as early benefactors. Subsequent offerings of sponsorship will be on an annual basis.
If anyone knows a corporation or individual that wants the "Naming Rights" of one of the theatres this is also an option. Do you want this theatre named after you, a loved one or a favorite company? Please call us to discuss.
Anyway the work continues and I promise to be more diligent with updates to come.
Drew
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Friday, June 11, 2010
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
theatre seating YAY!
Okay so I won the bid on 500 theatre seats (good news)!!!!
Bad news (or possible bad news)
1) i have to drive to wilmington and unbolt them from their current location and haul them up. Thank goodness I have a good crew that will go with me.
2) this theatre has been closed up so the word is that they have "a little mold on the vinyl"....Now we will see what the true definiition of a "little mold" is?????? are they in fact usable with a bit of washing or are they totally destroyed......more news to follow on this.
However, seeing as I only paid $0.25 a piece for the seats and I can pick and choose which seats to unbolt I may get 200-300 good ones...???
Tuesday is trip day to Wilmington to pick them up.
Bad news (or possible bad news)
1) i have to drive to wilmington and unbolt them from their current location and haul them up. Thank goodness I have a good crew that will go with me.
2) this theatre has been closed up so the word is that they have "a little mold on the vinyl"....Now we will see what the true definiition of a "little mold" is?????? are they in fact usable with a bit of washing or are they totally destroyed......more news to follow on this.
However, seeing as I only paid $0.25 a piece for the seats and I can pick and choose which seats to unbolt I may get 200-300 good ones...???
Tuesday is trip day to Wilmington to pick them up.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Wow! Where have I been?
Okay so it has been some time since I last posted on this blog and I do apologize. Has been somewhat of a whirlwind. However, we had our "unofficially official" opening at THE LODGE on Friday night. We had a group of friends in town for the memorial day weekend (approx. 25 or so). So, we took advantage of that and had a black tie gala at The Lodge. We began with a special screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show then segued into a local R&B band "As Is" and danced all night. I must say the band was kicking and the sound quality in this room is suberb!! This will definitely be a "listening room". the band toned down the amps to the lowest possible setting and it was dynomite. Will post pics and iphone video for all to see.
Minus AC in the building was a bit on the hot side and only compounded by the extended dancing we were doing....in our tuxedos and evening gowns.
Also, had a great conversation with electricians from north raleigh who came up and are going to see, based on codes, how best to rewire the building. And whether or not they can integrate the existing fuse panels (the old system) but updating it with safety bars and precautions. God wiling this will work and we don't have to completely replace with new boxes..
More exciting news is that I am bidding now on 400+ theatre seats at 25 cents per. they are in a theatre in NC that is being demolished and they have to go. They have high backs and are vinyl on top and cloth material. There may also be other theatre equipment to be had including 35mm projectors and platters, theatre screens and curtains. I will go down there this week..if bid successful to procure my lot. I have to unbolt seating myself and transport but for 25 cents per seat am happy to do it. Will post pictures soon of the seating.
YOGA ROOM A SUCCESS!! We had 3 straight days of yoga classes run by Brenda in the new Yoga room at the Lodge. we had 12 yogis in the class day one and 10 the 2nd and 5 the 3rd. (the diminishing #s were due to folks leaving enfield and heading back north after the weekend not due to weak backs and post drunken revelry!)
Have an architect from Tulane Architecture school coming up in June to draw up plans "as is" and proposed in order to prepare renovation plans.
Also, our 501c3 application has begun to apply for nonprofit status. Any board member potential yall know of....
thanks
stay tuned
Drew
Minus AC in the building was a bit on the hot side and only compounded by the extended dancing we were doing....in our tuxedos and evening gowns.
Also, had a great conversation with electricians from north raleigh who came up and are going to see, based on codes, how best to rewire the building. And whether or not they can integrate the existing fuse panels (the old system) but updating it with safety bars and precautions. God wiling this will work and we don't have to completely replace with new boxes..
More exciting news is that I am bidding now on 400+ theatre seats at 25 cents per. they are in a theatre in NC that is being demolished and they have to go. They have high backs and are vinyl on top and cloth material. There may also be other theatre equipment to be had including 35mm projectors and platters, theatre screens and curtains. I will go down there this week..if bid successful to procure my lot. I have to unbolt seating myself and transport but for 25 cents per seat am happy to do it. Will post pictures soon of the seating.
YOGA ROOM A SUCCESS!! We had 3 straight days of yoga classes run by Brenda in the new Yoga room at the Lodge. we had 12 yogis in the class day one and 10 the 2nd and 5 the 3rd. (the diminishing #s were due to folks leaving enfield and heading back north after the weekend not due to weak backs and post drunken revelry!)
Have an architect from Tulane Architecture school coming up in June to draw up plans "as is" and proposed in order to prepare renovation plans.
Also, our 501c3 application has begun to apply for nonprofit status. Any board member potential yall know of....
thanks
stay tuned
Drew
Monday, March 29, 2010
Plaster! Plaster! Plaster!
Welcome back. It has been some time since I last posted as we have been travelling north to the metropolis of New York. We rest when we are in New York like taking a bike ride up the West St bike/jogging trail in NYC on a glorious saturday morning!
Well, we arrived back in Enfield NC several nights ago and, as naturally, we immediately began to work. Myra stayed by the house to get our 2nd floor bedrooms and bath in shape and ready for painting (alot of cleaning)!
I began to tackle the "Yoga/Dance Studio" room which has one far wall that has crumbling plaster and a ceiling with some crumbling plaster pieces. I used a grinder to cut out a square section of the two ceiling areas that needed replacing. With Harry's (the carpenter) help we hung two new sheets of sheetrock and attached them. I got out my handy dandy trowel and drywall plaster and started to work. When you see the pictures you will understand my craziness. Upon scrapping the "loose" plaster, chunks of the topcoat plaster just fell right off. Pretty much the entire top half of both walls (on either side of the chimney stack). Thus, I had to cake on drywall compound over the entire wall. plus, the ceilings. Harry told me about a product called STRUCTO-LITE (great name eh!) which is a heavy duty base coat plaster for filling in sizable cracks and holes in the wall. But of course, this product is not available anywhere close by and in fact noone around here ever heard of the stuff. I googled US gypsum company that makes it and found a distributor, C&K Supply in Greenville NC. After calling to insure they did have it I took a drive today of about an hour in the pouring rain! Biblical that is!
But alas I got the stuff and brought it back and will start this process tomorrow. Meanwhile I continued my drywall compounding throughout the lodge including the yoga room, banquet hall, hallways and even in the theatre balcony area. I was a man on a mission to plaster the world...okay just the lodge but after a while it felt like I was plastering the world.
But now pretty much all the cracks and gashes in walls are covered and walls should be ready for priming and painting. Still need to do more plastering (probably with Structo Lite on the north wall of the theatre balcony. There was a lot of moisture damage here and I may take the plaster walls down in the balcony and apply a moisture barrier to the brick and then mount sheetrock/plaster back on top.
Did also find some old historic archive info from the old Enfield Progress papers about the dedication and opening of the Masonic Lodge in 1925. Will probably post some of this stuff tomorrow or by the weekend.
Until then, Get Plastered!!!
Drew
March 29, 2010
Well, we arrived back in Enfield NC several nights ago and, as naturally, we immediately began to work. Myra stayed by the house to get our 2nd floor bedrooms and bath in shape and ready for painting (alot of cleaning)!
I began to tackle the "Yoga/Dance Studio" room which has one far wall that has crumbling plaster and a ceiling with some crumbling plaster pieces. I used a grinder to cut out a square section of the two ceiling areas that needed replacing. With Harry's (the carpenter) help we hung two new sheets of sheetrock and attached them. I got out my handy dandy trowel and drywall plaster and started to work. When you see the pictures you will understand my craziness. Upon scrapping the "loose" plaster, chunks of the topcoat plaster just fell right off. Pretty much the entire top half of both walls (on either side of the chimney stack). Thus, I had to cake on drywall compound over the entire wall. plus, the ceilings. Harry told me about a product called STRUCTO-LITE (great name eh!) which is a heavy duty base coat plaster for filling in sizable cracks and holes in the wall. But of course, this product is not available anywhere close by and in fact noone around here ever heard of the stuff. I googled US gypsum company that makes it and found a distributor, C&K Supply in Greenville NC. After calling to insure they did have it I took a drive today of about an hour in the pouring rain! Biblical that is!
But alas I got the stuff and brought it back and will start this process tomorrow. Meanwhile I continued my drywall compounding throughout the lodge including the yoga room, banquet hall, hallways and even in the theatre balcony area. I was a man on a mission to plaster the world...okay just the lodge but after a while it felt like I was plastering the world.
But now pretty much all the cracks and gashes in walls are covered and walls should be ready for priming and painting. Still need to do more plastering (probably with Structo Lite on the north wall of the theatre balcony. There was a lot of moisture damage here and I may take the plaster walls down in the balcony and apply a moisture barrier to the brick and then mount sheetrock/plaster back on top.
Did also find some old historic archive info from the old Enfield Progress papers about the dedication and opening of the Masonic Lodge in 1925. Will probably post some of this stuff tomorrow or by the weekend.
Until then, Get Plastered!!!
Drew
March 29, 2010
Sunday, March 7, 2010
3rd floor Bar & Hallway 90% done
another Myra Wirtz Fine Art masterpiece!
what a team!!
a princess and her chandeliersWell the 3rd floor "entryway" (the hallway and bar area) is now 90% complete. We still have to hang the chandeliers (wait til you see them below), install window treatments, add a bar (oh, and put in new refrigeration and electric for the bar).....but the repainting is complete!
The chandeliers were a GREAT find at the Spring Hope NC furniture auction last night. We had a great day trip to the Wilmington NC area and ate lunch along Front St (on the Cape Fear river) at ELIJAH's. This is a great spot. We had oysters elijah which are rockefeller ish with a hot crab dip on top. YUMMO!!! Then I had a soft shell crab sandwich which was rocking!! We then went to visit and pickup some of Myra's art being stored by Dana & Joy (Dana is our friend Dede's sister). We met their ADORABLE 5 year old boy named Spencer! and through him we found out everything we need to know about sharks! This kid has it down and knows them all! What a great (AND VERY SMART) kid! Looking forward to watching him grow as we are watching our own nieces and nephews grow and mature into amazing teenagers and adults.
Anyway back to the auction. ON the way back we stopped in at 7pm (we got there at 7:30 as it was a 2 hour ride back from Hampstead NC). We marked a couple items including a great bar with granite top (we couldn't get them to sell that for less than $300 and we were too cheap to spend 300 on it...but maybe next time..)
Great auction house although you have to weed through ALOT of "interesting" things including a reproduction of an antlered sconce????? very strange looking and there was an antlered chandelier that was particularly gaudy! (but and here is the funny thing....someone BOUGHT them!!)
So enjoy our pics as we pack up and head north back to NJ/NY to get some real work done. We shall be back sometime in April.
Andrew
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Continued painting
Well we spent Friday priming and painting the 3rd floor hallway (stairwell and entryway to the bar area). I typically do the "grunt" work of the primer and base coats as I have the strength to use the heavy industrial size roller on the long pole. Then once dry Myra follows me and does the creative faux coats to the walls. I say that I do the "unskilled" labor and Myra is the "skilled" labor! it is a great team though and we work together extremely well.
Found out more info which I will post as a pic. Larry Armstrong, the atty, came over with a Masonic chronology of their meeting notes and there was a picture of the lodge being built in 1925. In the picture are several folks in suit and tie in front of only one story of the lodge. It says the cornerstone was laid in 1924. So, I am narrowing down a history of the building and need to spend time at the Halifax Library and Hysterical Society to get more pictures and details. We have the wall of Masonic Grand Masters hanging in the conference room and there are approx. 20 or so missing. Relatives through the years have taken their fathers and grandfathers (and greats) pictures down to bring home. I am going to try to at least see if we can get copies so that we have a full set of all the Grand masters for this lodge to hang in our "Masonic Museum".
Found out more info which I will post as a pic. Larry Armstrong, the atty, came over with a Masonic chronology of their meeting notes and there was a picture of the lodge being built in 1925. In the picture are several folks in suit and tie in front of only one story of the lodge. It says the cornerstone was laid in 1924. So, I am narrowing down a history of the building and need to spend time at the Halifax Library and Hysterical Society to get more pictures and details. We have the wall of Masonic Grand Masters hanging in the conference room and there are approx. 20 or so missing. Relatives through the years have taken their fathers and grandfathers (and greats) pictures down to bring home. I am going to try to at least see if we can get copies so that we have a full set of all the Grand masters for this lodge to hang in our "Masonic Museum".
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Busy day today
Started off early with two gentlemen from the NC Historic Preservation office to tour the lodge and discuss establishing the building as a historic landmark. We walked through and discussed some of the features of the building and what may or may not have been original. In fact, I had of the opinion that the building was an Art Deco building. However, they seemed to think it was more of the Beaux Arts period. I"m not too sure what this period was so will have to google that.....hmm.
Interesting contacts from them about our house history and the lodge history and they will send some architectural plans and historical info via email and regular mail.
Next, was a contractor (GC) from Wilson NC who came by (Heather) to gain our business in conducting the complete rehab of the property. Again, we walked through and discussed ideas for historic paint samples, restroom facilities, lighting, hvac and other use adaptations. Should be interesting to get a proposal back from them (although the next step is for her to come back with her team to do an extensive analysis of the building to put forth a comprehensive building proposal.
got a quote back from jerry the architect in Raleigh with a $7k number to create arch drawings of the entire 22k sq foot facility. (Now is that a big facility?)
Finished off the day putting the base coat on the 3rd floor hallway (after having scrapped and spackled the last 2 days). Now the 3rd floor from the stairwell into the Bar area will be freshly painted and prettied up. Pictures to follow.
for dinner, we had been turned onto by two different sets of people, a restaurant in Rocky Mount called CUVEE. (love the name). The place is in a little strip mall and has approx. 15 -20 tables and probably does a decent lunch/takeout/catering business. Had a great wine selection including a "Curious Beagle" cabernet from Paso Robles. Was an outstanding bottle of wine with lots and lots of complexity and texture...oh is this a wine blog? no...no..just enjoying some of the finer things in life.
Anyway tired out and calling it a night. Up early to meet the elevator man to come fix the elevator (again). A problem with the CAM shaft (not sure what that is but hey?)
Drew
Interesting contacts from them about our house history and the lodge history and they will send some architectural plans and historical info via email and regular mail.
Next, was a contractor (GC) from Wilson NC who came by (Heather) to gain our business in conducting the complete rehab of the property. Again, we walked through and discussed ideas for historic paint samples, restroom facilities, lighting, hvac and other use adaptations. Should be interesting to get a proposal back from them (although the next step is for her to come back with her team to do an extensive analysis of the building to put forth a comprehensive building proposal.
got a quote back from jerry the architect in Raleigh with a $7k number to create arch drawings of the entire 22k sq foot facility. (Now is that a big facility?)
Finished off the day putting the base coat on the 3rd floor hallway (after having scrapped and spackled the last 2 days). Now the 3rd floor from the stairwell into the Bar area will be freshly painted and prettied up. Pictures to follow.
for dinner, we had been turned onto by two different sets of people, a restaurant in Rocky Mount called CUVEE. (love the name). The place is in a little strip mall and has approx. 15 -20 tables and probably does a decent lunch/takeout/catering business. Had a great wine selection including a "Curious Beagle" cabernet from Paso Robles. Was an outstanding bottle of wine with lots and lots of complexity and texture...oh is this a wine blog? no...no..just enjoying some of the finer things in life.
Anyway tired out and calling it a night. Up early to meet the elevator man to come fix the elevator (again). A problem with the CAM shaft (not sure what that is but hey?)
Drew
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Finished ANOTHER ROOM
Okay the "majestic bar" room (ie. name of room not determined but we are taking it from the "bar majestic" in Jersey City for now) is NOW FINISHED!! Well, a little gold tint to add to the curved ceiling but basically done.
My little Myra worked her tail off in about a week to get this room ready. See Facebook (lodge at roanoke valley) for pictures until I update here. Meanwhile I met with elevator man to get elevator working and Econ Dev and tourism board pres of halifax county to get grant monies and network with the Halifax development and tourism folks. There are monies available based on the # of jobs you create in a 2 year period. I plan on hiring at minimum 50 FTE per event (ie. security, parking detail, hosts, ushers, ticket takers, etc) and believe I can generate approx. $480k in annual salary paid to enfield/halifax county employees. I think this is a significant boost to the income generated for this little town. I am awaiting the grant application to be sent and will have to delve into it to apply for funds by May 1.
I also have a GC from Wilson NC coming out tomorrow and hope to get a thorough proposal from them to completely rehab and renovate the entire structure including complying with code and ADA issues. I want to get "green" estimates from at least 3 GCs to determine how green a renovation job I can get for this building. I would like 100% green and enviro friendly but I will see what the professionals tell me tomorrow and in days to come.
I am extremely tired and will keep this short but suffice to say was a great day at the lodge and a feeling of accomplishment with the Majestic bar room. Today we started on the 3rd floor hallway outside the bar area leading to the stairs and was covered in white plaster from the sanding and spackling that was done.
Drew
My little Myra worked her tail off in about a week to get this room ready. See Facebook (lodge at roanoke valley) for pictures until I update here. Meanwhile I met with elevator man to get elevator working and Econ Dev and tourism board pres of halifax county to get grant monies and network with the Halifax development and tourism folks. There are monies available based on the # of jobs you create in a 2 year period. I plan on hiring at minimum 50 FTE per event (ie. security, parking detail, hosts, ushers, ticket takers, etc) and believe I can generate approx. $480k in annual salary paid to enfield/halifax county employees. I think this is a significant boost to the income generated for this little town. I am awaiting the grant application to be sent and will have to delve into it to apply for funds by May 1.
I also have a GC from Wilson NC coming out tomorrow and hope to get a thorough proposal from them to completely rehab and renovate the entire structure including complying with code and ADA issues. I want to get "green" estimates from at least 3 GCs to determine how green a renovation job I can get for this building. I would like 100% green and enviro friendly but I will see what the professionals tell me tomorrow and in days to come.
I am extremely tired and will keep this short but suffice to say was a great day at the lodge and a feeling of accomplishment with the Majestic bar room. Today we started on the 3rd floor hallway outside the bar area leading to the stairs and was covered in white plaster from the sanding and spackling that was done.
Drew
Monday, March 1, 2010
First Problem...
Elevator was working fine (naturally) when the elev repair guy was here and it worked for over a week without a hitch. In fact, it was super fast getting up and down. Well, just yesterday it started acting up. It would bypass the 2nd floor and when it would arrive at its floor the inner door would only partially open. This is a problem as the door does not open enough to signal the exterior door that that car has arrived. As such, you can not open the exterior door. Kind of a problem. Fortunately, in the interim we have the elev. key and it can be opened this way.
Elevator man chris came by today and assessed and thinks has something to do with the CAM but he can not fix alone (of course) and needs two people. So, Dave & Chris coming back tomorrow (allegedly) to troubleshoot and test everything out. Okay, so how does the elevator inspector inspect and pass the elevator and it now does not work???? Hmmm....
Anyway, moving inside Myra is finishing the final coat of the 3rd floor "Majestic Bar" (not Bar Majestic for those of you who are familiar with that JC landmark. I will upload pics once the room is finalized. I think we have enough of the "work in progress" pics. this room REALLY is going to be VERY NICE. The color is perfect and very warm and inviting. That gal is pretty darn good!!
I myself was back in the dustbowl continuing to sort through Miscellany and am ready for my 3rd garbage truck to be sent over tomorrow for loading. Found a set of some very cool baby bottles made of glass...Obviously they are not new. Can you imagine baby bottles made of glass?? Must be circa 1950s when that's all they had. They have etches of animals on the side as well as a measuring stick. These will make brilliant Pimms Cup glasses for the summer!!! (not the original use but a much better one in my opinion.
Thats all for today. Back tomorrow
Drew
Elevator man chris came by today and assessed and thinks has something to do with the CAM but he can not fix alone (of course) and needs two people. So, Dave & Chris coming back tomorrow (allegedly) to troubleshoot and test everything out. Okay, so how does the elevator inspector inspect and pass the elevator and it now does not work???? Hmmm....
Anyway, moving inside Myra is finishing the final coat of the 3rd floor "Majestic Bar" (not Bar Majestic for those of you who are familiar with that JC landmark. I will upload pics once the room is finalized. I think we have enough of the "work in progress" pics. this room REALLY is going to be VERY NICE. The color is perfect and very warm and inviting. That gal is pretty darn good!!
I myself was back in the dustbowl continuing to sort through Miscellany and am ready for my 3rd garbage truck to be sent over tomorrow for loading. Found a set of some very cool baby bottles made of glass...Obviously they are not new. Can you imagine baby bottles made of glass?? Must be circa 1950s when that's all they had. They have etches of animals on the side as well as a measuring stick. These will make brilliant Pimms Cup glasses for the summer!!! (not the original use but a much better one in my opinion.
Thats all for today. Back tomorrow
Drew
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Masonic Visit
A young Mason from Raleigh/Cary NC had called up and wanted to come by and photograph the Lodge. He is an avid photographer and has gone around the country photographing Masonic lodges. He had come to the Enfield Lodge and photographed it prior to my purchase but there were no lights on and he never went inside the Main Theatre.
He did indicate that this Lodge has a very unique status, for many reasons, but as it is the only lodge in the area to confer 18th degree masons. Apparently, most lodges you have to go to a central/regional Lodge for these degree programs.
Together, we unrolled each of the theatre backdrops (there are approx. 20 total) that show various mediterranean/sudanese views which are used for various degree work in the Masonic rituals. Of course, we had a time as one of the backdrops had lost its rope (it had "come aloose" as my Granny Ginna would have said). My first venture on the extremely tall andold stage ladder to the top to run the cord through the pulleys. I tell you what, moving this ladder is no easy picnic. I will take a photo of the ladder and post later on so you can see this majestic ladder.
Trying to configure the ropes in the correct direction and proportion to get the canvas to roll up was more difficult than it looked. But alas, we did it and were able to view each and every canvas.
So, that was my day at The Lodge at Roanoke Valley.
Drew
He did indicate that this Lodge has a very unique status, for many reasons, but as it is the only lodge in the area to confer 18th degree masons. Apparently, most lodges you have to go to a central/regional Lodge for these degree programs.
Together, we unrolled each of the theatre backdrops (there are approx. 20 total) that show various mediterranean/sudanese views which are used for various degree work in the Masonic rituals. Of course, we had a time as one of the backdrops had lost its rope (it had "come aloose" as my Granny Ginna would have said). My first venture on the extremely tall andold stage ladder to the top to run the cord through the pulleys. I tell you what, moving this ladder is no easy picnic. I will take a photo of the ladder and post later on so you can see this majestic ladder.
Trying to configure the ropes in the correct direction and proportion to get the canvas to roll up was more difficult than it looked. But alas, we did it and were able to view each and every canvas.
So, that was my day at The Lodge at Roanoke Valley.
Drew
Architect's Report
Forgot to blog yesterday as I went into picture frenzy and loaded...as you can see... a TON of pictures from the cleanout and painting extravaganza!
Jerry Traub, a historic buildings architect, came out from Raleigh NC yesterday to look over the site and offer insight and put together a quote for drawings and sketches. We walked the entire property inside and out and came to the conclusion that I definitely need at least pre-design drawings of the property. I will need this for contractors, HVAC personnel, historic preservation purposes, etc. There is not much "construction" that needs to happen as the building is what it is. There are some construction items such as rebuilding the proscenium, staging, orchestra pit and a potential stairway to the balcony.
The architectural review was a little intense as he was discussing all the modern codes for ADA accessibility, elevator size, bathroom needs per person, sprinkler systems and a host of other ominous federal, state and local guidelines. I think we should be okay on many of these fronts but it was interesting to now get into the detail on code issues that ordinarily the average citizen does not even consider. So, perhaps a few more dollars into the budget.....
****SPECIAL GAME FOR BLOG FOLLOWERS*****
I think you have all seen some of the pictures of the Main Theatre and the 2 "mini balconies"? Can you look at the pics again of the main theatre and let me know what you would do with these balconies. (Note: Need a structural engineer to inspect and certify the structural integrity and/or add beam supports to reinforce integrity if needed. If structurally sound, then below options can be discussed):
A couple options are:
1) add additional balcony seating to these areas (assume adding staircase of course) which I believe would give at least 25-30 seats additional on each side.
2) just use balcony areas for lighting and audio technicians for respective shows. Lights & Audio typically have large boards to manage light/audio and this would keep them separated from the audience. (assumes stairway as well and ability to transport audio/electric eqpt up/down easily.
3) use balconies for private groups and/or lounge area (ie. VIP area pre and post show). Akin to football stadium "private boxes", we can put a plexi or glass enclosure (with window to open/shut to hear performances.
4) create additional restroom facilities on the balcony level. There are two single usage facility rooms off the lobby which may/may not be up to code for seating capacity of 400+. However, restrooms on balcony level would not be ADA accessible. (we may could reconfigure the downstairs facility to accommodate wheelchairs and make ADA accessible.
5) Cut back the balconies to just extend the width of the lobby (not to extend over the last 5-7 rows of orchestra seats. Underneath the balconies, the seating could be a bit claustrophobic. Cutting it back we could still either have restroom facilities, light/audio or private area (albeit much smaller).
6) Remove balconies entirely and only have projectionist booth above. This could open up the ceiling height in the lobby area at least in the entry way (although removing could be a major hassle and effort.
7) Extend and connect the two balconies in the middle to provide additional balcony seating. Now, we could have approx. total of 60 -70 balcony seats. This would give a total seating capacity of 500+.
Any ideas and suggestions would love to hear from you.
Drew
Jerry Traub, a historic buildings architect, came out from Raleigh NC yesterday to look over the site and offer insight and put together a quote for drawings and sketches. We walked the entire property inside and out and came to the conclusion that I definitely need at least pre-design drawings of the property. I will need this for contractors, HVAC personnel, historic preservation purposes, etc. There is not much "construction" that needs to happen as the building is what it is. There are some construction items such as rebuilding the proscenium, staging, orchestra pit and a potential stairway to the balcony.
The architectural review was a little intense as he was discussing all the modern codes for ADA accessibility, elevator size, bathroom needs per person, sprinkler systems and a host of other ominous federal, state and local guidelines. I think we should be okay on many of these fronts but it was interesting to now get into the detail on code issues that ordinarily the average citizen does not even consider. So, perhaps a few more dollars into the budget.....
****SPECIAL GAME FOR BLOG FOLLOWERS*****
I think you have all seen some of the pictures of the Main Theatre and the 2 "mini balconies"? Can you look at the pics again of the main theatre and let me know what you would do with these balconies. (Note: Need a structural engineer to inspect and certify the structural integrity and/or add beam supports to reinforce integrity if needed. If structurally sound, then below options can be discussed):
A couple options are:
1) add additional balcony seating to these areas (assume adding staircase of course) which I believe would give at least 25-30 seats additional on each side.
2) just use balcony areas for lighting and audio technicians for respective shows. Lights & Audio typically have large boards to manage light/audio and this would keep them separated from the audience. (assumes stairway as well and ability to transport audio/electric eqpt up/down easily.
3) use balconies for private groups and/or lounge area (ie. VIP area pre and post show). Akin to football stadium "private boxes", we can put a plexi or glass enclosure (with window to open/shut to hear performances.
4) create additional restroom facilities on the balcony level. There are two single usage facility rooms off the lobby which may/may not be up to code for seating capacity of 400+. However, restrooms on balcony level would not be ADA accessible. (we may could reconfigure the downstairs facility to accommodate wheelchairs and make ADA accessible.
5) Cut back the balconies to just extend the width of the lobby (not to extend over the last 5-7 rows of orchestra seats. Underneath the balconies, the seating could be a bit claustrophobic. Cutting it back we could still either have restroom facilities, light/audio or private area (albeit much smaller).
6) Remove balconies entirely and only have projectionist booth above. This could open up the ceiling height in the lobby area at least in the entry way (although removing could be a major hassle and effort.
7) Extend and connect the two balconies in the middle to provide additional balcony seating. Now, we could have approx. total of 60 -70 balcony seats. This would give a total seating capacity of 500+.
Any ideas and suggestions would love to hear from you.
Drew
Friday, February 26, 2010
More in Trash Central
anyone need furniture? 
Ashen from a day of sanding the ceiling..that's one HARD WORKING gal!!
A man and his truck...or is it a boy and a dream?
Help!!! I can't get out!!! Yikes!More Majestic Bar
Plaster Moulding!!! Oi Vay!
Keep on going darlin'
looking good? ain't this is only the base coatMajestic Bar
sheet rock master
proper preparation
faux queen
starry starry night skies
first step spackled, sanded, primed...
Pictures are Here!!!
I promised pictures so I am delivering pictures. I will first attach pictures of the Main Theatre auditorium (aka The Junk Drawer...Room). I found a ton of pretty cool looking "dust proof" file folders probably circa 1950s. Dust proof? Yeah right. If the company that makes these is still around perhaps I should send them one. I don't think they had this usage/storage in mind when they claimed "dust proof"!
The next set of pictures will be the 3rd floor room in front of the theatre auditorium. In Masonic days, this room was known as the Preparation Room. This is the room the Mason degree candidates would prepare for their degree certificates. In Drew & Myra tenure, this room will become the Majestic Bar & Lounge, for cocktails pre and post show. A much more festive use wouldn't you say? You will see Myra's talents at decorative painting and her painstaking efforts at plastering and painting. She worked hard for almost a week. I contributed minutely - I spackled the ceiling and the walls. I put up the piece of sheetrock on some pretty badly cracked and missing plaster. I also did some demon rolling of the primer on the walls.
Enjoy the pics.
Drew
The next set of pictures will be the 3rd floor room in front of the theatre auditorium. In Masonic days, this room was known as the Preparation Room. This is the room the Mason degree candidates would prepare for their degree certificates. In Drew & Myra tenure, this room will become the Majestic Bar & Lounge, for cocktails pre and post show. A much more festive use wouldn't you say? You will see Myra's talents at decorative painting and her painstaking efforts at plastering and painting. She worked hard for almost a week. I contributed minutely - I spackled the ceiling and the walls. I put up the piece of sheetrock on some pretty badly cracked and missing plaster. I also did some demon rolling of the primer on the walls.
Enjoy the pics.
Drew
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Creating Theatre Bar Magic
So Drew and I have been in more great bars than we can count and we have of course cronicled the high points in our brains. In creating this great moody space, we wanted to use the elements that make people "feel" a certain way.... special, serious, funny, and most of all intentional in bringing the historic nature of the building into the present. I think we are on to something and its looking awesome. We are on a tight learning curve with rebuilding plaster mouldings and walls. Lots of gypsum dust up the nose and in the lungs. Today, I came home looking like Casper the friendly ghost. I was working on the gorgeous cove ceiling in the bar and yesterday I had plastered the whole thing and today, it was time to sand....thus the sheetrock dust! Tomorrow my "demon with a paint roller" will prime the ceiling. Once dried, I will work out a beautiful sunset sky inside the cove and hopefully create a wonderful illusion of being in the clouds.
That's all for today folks. I'm relaxing with a glass of wine in my cozy parlor. Y'all come see us real soon, hear?
Myra
That's all for today folks. I'm relaxing with a glass of wine in my cozy parlor. Y'all come see us real soon, hear?
Myra
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