From the Scene: January 3, 2008

In the 18 days since the last report, despite four days of welcomed rain and the holiday interruption, progress at the site has been significant and evident.

The Learning Center continues to take shape with the outside steel virtually in place; the roof and four walls clearly defining the space. Exterior steel is still being welded on the new façade, giving preview of what the entrance will look like in its final form. Downstairs, the metal studs are almost finished, giving the cavernous interior the appearance of the inside of a whale; ribs everywhere and strange tendrils poking out through the skeleton. In the eerie light of the temporary illumination system and wintry sun; workers, in teams and individually, are cutting, welding and fastening the interior steel, sweating copper joints and sealing seams in the ducts in a ballet of skilled, precision construction.

The HVAC duct work is being installed and the rough plumbing is nearly complete. On the roof, the old covering is being ripped up as the roofers prepare (weather permitting) to install the new insulation and watertight membrane.

Around the yard are stacks of foam insulation, bricks and huge culverts, perforated to allow seepage back into the water table. They are to become part of the drain and retention system when that portion of the project is completed. On site and ready to be positioned are two shower units, the first visible parts of the new restrooms.

Upstairs, the empty space and quiet are in sharp contrast to the work above and below. Once the roof is completed and the load brought to bear, the upstairs metal studs will be installed and work on the interior can begin. They’ve been busy.