Watch out for falling plaster

I still have a few more weeks of plaster chipping, but the end result will be well worth the effort. I took down two pieces of the tin ceiling today. They are 2’x9’ pieces with layer after layer of paint. The paint chipped right off in places to reveal a beautiful surface. I am hopeful that we can reclaim enough of the tin to use to wrap my front desk and use as a wall treatment in the bathrooms.

Architects & Engineers

My architect and engineer team is working hard to get the building plans complete. I am enjoying working with the professionals to put the vision in my head onto paper. They are all doing a great job getting this project to the next step. Once we have our plans complete, I get to begin the approval process with the Town of Windsor planning department. The Windsor officials have been a wealth of information and advice. I am looking forward to working with them on the Yancey Block.

I picked exterior accent colors. Would you believe the first one I pulled, which also happens to be my favorite, is named “Windsor Haze”? Now I just need to get samples to paint on the building to make sure I’ve picked the right combination.

The Yancey Block is officially mine!

We closed on the real estate today. Now the project begins. The next few months will involve countless hours of planning, preparation, and physical labor. I am very excited to jump in and start chipping plaster from the walls.

The Yancey Block was built in 1905. Most of the interior walls are covered with plaster, which hide original red brick. My biggest job in the upcoming weeks is to remove the plaster. I plan to have exposed brick throughout both floors of the building. The main floor ceilings are original tin. Unfortunately, the tin is in very poor condition and has to be removed. I will salvage as much of the tin as possible to reuse for decorative elements throughout the building. As you can see in the pictures, the floors need major work. Although the structure is sound, there will be significant masonry work, steel installation and sistering of floor and ceiling joists.

Some people think I’m crazy, but I am excited to begin this project.