05/25/2022
What weāve accomplished so far:
I know we havenāt posted any updates in a while, and for that, I apologize. This past winter has been a difficult time for me, but I just wanted to let everyone know that we are STILL working hard to open as soon as possible. What started out as framing a few new rooms, adding bathrooms, and updating electric, quickly turned into a full gut job due to the poor condition of the building. I never imagined myself being thrown into the role of a general contractor for a project this size, but here I am. It has been tough and, at times, seemingly hopeless but I feel we are now on track with only a few more big hurdles left.
For some time, I've spent every day frustrated because it felt like we were not accomplishing anything. I can confidently say I was prepared for every aspect of this project, other than the waiting. Lately, I've really had to train myself to reflect on all the things we HAVE done and not the things we still need to do. Here's a list of key things we HAVE accomplished:
Closed on the old Church of Christ buildings that 30+ banks refused to lend on
Added text to zoning to allow a āhostelā use on the property
Applied for and received a Special Use Permit
Designed an economical layout for buildings with minimal demolition of existing walls
Received approval for a Site Plan and Building Plan for āBuilding Bā
Acquired funding to complete a portion of Phase 1, Building B
Removed/organized 5,000 square feet worth of old furniture, appliances, garbage, etc
Removed light fixtures, electric wiring, ducts
Removed all drywall and floor coverings
Scrubbed the moldy steel roof clean to prep it for a special coating to help minimize leaks
Removed overgrown landscaping and wet leaves and graded dirt away from around the sides of the building
Removed 5,000 square feet worth of blown-in cellulose insulation
Cut and filled concrete trenches for rough in plumbing
Framed 30+ walls according to plans
Removed a vaulted ceiling to open up the space above it
Met with dozens of sub-contractors to find a plumber, electrician, and HVAC expert
Replaced 8 pole barn windows with much larger and more energy efficient windows
Printed and mounted street sign over existing base
I would also like to thank everyone who has donated, volunteered time, stopped by to introduce themselves, invited me to speak at their events, and even just taken the time to write kind words online; without your support we could not have made it as far as we have. And thank you South Haven Charter Township for working with us from day 1 to make this happen. I never imagined a small town government being so welcoming to myself and an idea so new to this area.
We are currently waiting for our contractors to finish their rough ins before we can begin on the finishing work. I am so excited to start this but it is a BIG job. If you or anyone you know would like to volunteer to help with tasks like hanging drywall, mudding, painting, or tiling we could certainly use the extra hands. Enjoy a couple of pictures and progress videos to come!
