projects
Culver Garden Court Annexation
Pilot News Article on the South Main Street properties
Culver is moving ahead with annexation of the property on South Main Street where we hope to build a Garden Court next year. (Previously discussed here and here.) Annexation is not necessary for the Garden Court, but it will facilitate the installation of water and sewer lines that will serve the new Garden Court as well as open the surrounding area to further development. This is a positive step forward for the Culver community! I sincerely hope that Mr. Roberts reconsiders his position and joins the petition for annexation.
Antiquarian Entrance
Culver Antiquarian and Historical Society Museum Entrance
We’ve been working on a couple of projects for The Antiquarian & Historical Society of Culver. This is a continuation of the Museum room renovation we completed for them in the basement of the Culver Union Township Public Library. We’ve been working with their Museum Designer, Ted Swigon of Chicago Scenic Studios, Inc., as he creates the displays for the museum build-out. The first project is a simulation of the train station shelters in the hall leading to the museum entrance. Mr. Swigon had us recreate one of the posts from the west pavilion at the Town Park. The Park pavilions were formerly attached to the train station and served as shelters for loading passengers. The pavilions were later relocated to other areas in the park. We also created a simulation of the dentils at the top edge on a slightly smaller scale. We reduced them in size and eliminated some of the details. Mr. Swigon wanted the feel of the station but didn’t want the details to be overwhelming. The “CULVER” sign is a scaled recreation of the sign found shown in pictures of the station when it was in operation. A vintage picture of a train at the station will be blown up and adhered to the doors beneath the display. This not only will draw visitors to the museum entrance, but helps disguise the existing mechanical room doors at the end of the hall.
First National Bank of Monterey Facade Changes
First National Bank pf Monterey with New Taller Parapet
We have continued to work on the Annex addition at the main branch of the First National Bank of Monterey. The new MR-24 Standing Seam Roof on the existing building (previously discussed here) required the extension of the parapet wall on the front facade. We were able to find black panels similar to the existing and have custom formed aluminum spacers to mimic the existing panels beneath them. The effect has been to enhance the look of the existing entrance and is actually quite striking.
New lower facade on the First National Bank of Monterey Annex
For security, it was decided that the first floor facade of the Annex should be infilled with brick. Brick similar to that used on the bank was used for continuity. The existing columns and decorative trim was retained as well as the stone steps. In the picture you can see that the center step is well worn by over 100 years of foot traffic.
First National Bank of Monterey Logo on the Annex in Monterey
The bank’s logo, an overlaid F, N & B, were custom fabricated by Titus Inc.from specifications created by Easterday Construction Co., Inc. The letters are steel and were factory painted in the bank’s signature colors. They are bolted through the brick wall. The bolts holding them include 2″ spacers giving the logo a three dimensional effect. Framed by the existing columns, the logo helps tie the two buildings together.
A Garden Court for Culver (part II)
Culver Garden Court Article from the June 18, 2009 addition of the Culver Citizen
A special meeting of the Culver Town Council was held on June 9, 2009 to discuss the possibility of a Garden Court in Culver next year. As discussed earlier here, I had approached several property owners around Town about the potential for a Garden Court project on their land. I was given the opportunity to discuss it with several of them and one, Mr. Wade McGee, has chosen to pursue it with us. Mr. McGee and I met with the Town Council on the 9th and discussed various goals including water extensions, sewer extensions, fire protection, annexation, rezoning and future plans for that property as well as the adjacent properties. Some members of the Plan Commission and the BZA attended that meeting as well and the implications regarding their various needs and requirements were also discussed.
All and all the meeting went well. In premise, it was agreed that Mr. McGee would continue to work with Garden Court on their proposed facility and would request annexation, while the Town Council agreed to extend water and sewer to the property and to support the rezoning of the property from S-1 Suburban Residential to R-2 Residential. This change is in keeping with the Comprehensive Plan and with other goals currently being pursued by the Town Council.
Following that meeting was the regular Town Council meeting. At that meeting, Reverend Liechty, President of Garden Court, Inc., renewed their request for the Town Council to support the new Garden Court for Culver and to renew their financial pledge towards the project. A letter was requested verifying that a Garden Court would be acceptable on the proposed property. All these things were agreed to by the Council.
It looks like we’re moving forward!
Easterday Constuction set a New Record Today…
Record Display created by Easterday Construction for the Culver Boys & Girls Club Fundraiser
Carol Zeglis commissioned the construction of a display piece for use at the Boys & Girls Club Fundraiser. She wanted a large “Record” that guests could walk through. This goes with the Fabulous 50’s theme they are using for the this evening’s event. She wanted something substantial that could be repainted and used again in the future. The picture shows it in place at the Culver Academy’s Multi-purpose building during preparations for the event.
We designed this based on concept pictures and design discussions with Mrs. Zeglis. We constructed this using an expanded foam interior wrapped in a plywood veneer. It is divided at the top and has removable bases. In the picture, it is shown before the bases were installed. It has rope lighting accents around the inner edge. The diameter of the circle is over 12′ and the record stands approximately 9′ tall. It is approxiately 19″ thick. Schoberg & Schoberg from Plymouth did the painting that makes it look like a record. (Nice job Martha!)
Fundraiser Cafe' Tables made with tops donated by Easterday Construction.
This is also the event where our table tops will be put to use. They dressed up pretty nicely with table cloths on them! These were previously discussed in our blog here.
I was pleased to see the party set up and it’s unfortunate that I won’t be able to attend. There seemed to be quite a few interesting auction items and it looks like a good time will be had by all!
Best of luck to Carol and all the organizers. We hope their efforts are rewarded. The kids they are serving deserve our support.
