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".
Saturday, March 6, 2010
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
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