Week two finds the crew working on the renovation with a number of questions to answer. Some of the surprises discovered during week one - like a load-bearing masonry wall where it was not expected - require adjustments in the plan. Others, like the original flooring and wainscoting on the first floor require a decision - what to keep, what to replace. The building work group will meet on Thursday of this week to talk about some of these issues.
Other matters simply require ingenuity - like fitting plumbing, wiring, sprinklers and ceiling into small spaces and making it look good.
The floors and walls in the basement have been removed and we've found some amazing things including original lath and plaster and a window. You can see the original dirt foundation between the floor joists in the basement. We've found strange, flat, squareheaded nails from the original construction. You can hold them in your hand and feel a connection with the people who created this building. They had many of the same experiences as we have had - the inspiration and energy required to take on such a project, the patience to work through difficulties and unexpected surprises and their belief in the importance of their mission.
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