We recently completed a very nice kitchen and entry remodeling. This home was constructed in the late 1990’s and had an adequate kitchen. However, the owners really wanted to address entry issues at the entry their children use on a regular basis, and create space for a toilet room. We ended up including a kitchen remodeling in the work, along upgrading lighting, etc.

The kitchen uses a combination of enamel painted custom cabinetry and stained quarter-sawn oak cabinetry. I think the combination looks great together. The countertops are smooth finished granite, providing years of trouble-free use.

As part of the kitchen work we installed wood floors that flow through into the adjacent eating area. The whole area has overhead indirect lighting which provides a nice, relaxing glow for the area. We installed two quarter-sawn oak columns between the kitchen and the living area which emphasizes and separates the two areas from each other.

One of the real challenges was fitting the toilet room into the existing home. We used a custom vanity with a small bowl to capture the necessary room. The door to the toilet room slides into a pocket in the wall as a space saving measure as well.

This work left enough room to create cubbies in the entry area. With three children the cubbies will be put to good use for school backpacks, coats, etc.

Gary Hanson with Prairie Creek Architects provided the design services for this nice remodeling project. We planned and coordinated the work carefully. Since the home was only about 10 years old there were no ‘unexpected’ surprises related to the structure, mechanical or electrical systems. The owners are enjoying their ‘new’ home.

Posted by Ray Cox at 11:10 AM | Link

 
A group of people in the Northfield area have been working to get new signage for the town installed along Interstate 35. My son, Tristan, has been very involved in working on this project, as has my brother-in-law Ross Currier. Ross works for the Northfield Downtown Development Corporation and talked about it on their website. Last week the sign went up! It looks great and should encourage people to pull in off the freeway and visit this great historic town.

Posted by Ray Cox at 5:22 AM | Link

 
Work continues to move along well with our community volunteer project, the Amerman Soccer Pavilion. The roof has been completed, concrete floor installed and the storage walls constructed.

I like the cupola that was selected for use on the pavilion. It breaks up the roof line and provides some natural ventilation for the storage area.

The structural roof decking is make of 3"x6" center matched fir lumber. I think the slightly rosy tint to the wood creates a very warm and inviting feeling on the inside of the pavilion. The Soccer Association volunteers were busy painting the structural steel members a bright green.

We have had a few scheduling problems due to the fact that we are trying to construct this community pavilion using all volunteer labor, but overall the work has moved along nicely.

Posted by Ray Cox at 8:12 AM | Link

 
Yesterday I was in Belle Plaine. I was invited to participate in the dedication and open house for the Faith Resident Apartments. Faith Apartments is a eight unit living facility for developmentally disabled adults that we constructed for The Lutheran Home Association (TLHA).

The building is handicapped accessible throughout. It has beautiful, bright kitchens with excellent storage, appliances, and food preparation areas.

The bathrooms have quality fixtures and fittings. The bedrooms and common areas all are spacious areas where people can live and care for themselves.

It was an honor to build the facility for The Lutheran Home Association (TLHA) and I was pleased to be asked to participate in the dedication ceremonies. There was a very big turn out at the event, with many, many people from the Belle Plaine area, but also people from nearby towns. TLHA set up a large tent in the parking lot which worked out well to provide some shade for folks as we had a sunny day. They even had live music!

The ribbon cutting ceremony included the architect, Jim Braucher, with Professional Design Group in Northfield, myself, Belle Plaine Mayor Tom Meger, TLHA Board members and staff. Mayor Meger did a fine job snipping the ribbon and letting the crowds in to tour the building.

I cannot say enough about TLHA. They operate a wonderful facility in Belle Plaine caring for people in a compassionate, loving manner. Their mission statement says “In Christ’s love, the mission of The Lutheran Home Association is to provide for the spiritual, physical, mental and emotional needs of people entrusted to our care.” They carry out their mission with the help of excellent staff and caregivers. I feel very fortunate to be able to know and work with this great group of people.

Posted by Ray Cox at 4:33 AM | Link

 
Work is moving along well on the Bohemia Acres townhomes we are building in New Prague. The framing on one of the double units has progressed to the roof rafter stage.

In common interest townhomes it is important to properly protect each property from fire and smoke generated by the other property. The architect used fire resistive drywall in this application. You can see how the units are separated by multiple layers of drywall, and also that drywall us used under the roof deck sheathing.

The unit next door has wall framing underway.

All four of these townhomes have great views as they are situated on a slight hill on the east edge of New Prague.

Posted by Ray Cox at 8:17 AM | Link

 
Our work continues on the lake home we are building on Shields Lake in Rice County. We have the roof and windows installed.

Our employees are working on sealing up everything to create a watertight exterior wall surface. Particular attention is always paid to all wall penetrations including doors, windows, vents, etc.

The home includes arch top windows which are always a particular challenge to frame and flash properly.

It has been a great spring to build this home. Work has prgressed very well and the workers have enjoyed along the shore of the lake.

Posted by Ray Cox at 10:26 AM | Link