July 2014

July 2014 was one for the record books at the St. Iakovos Retreat Center! Despite the many weather related challenges work continued on the job and much progress was made. Throughout the entire property exterior site lighting was placed as well as the final grade of the construction area. Literally “paving” the way for the installation of Asphalt and landscaping which will start in August. Also in the month of July the two Cottage buildings really began to take shape; the exterior decks, ceiling and details were nearly complete while the interior wood paneling and drywall was hung. Fixtures, paints and flooring are soon to follow in what has affectionately become known as “Cottage Village”. In addition to the Cottages, the Main Lodge also had a flurry of progress throughout mid summer. Much effort was focused on finishing the exterior of the building; siding, north and south staircases, installation of the commercial HVAC units as well as the Heavy Timber Douglas Fir Carport. With all the progress on the exterior of the building, the interior was not neglected! Work continued on the lower level kitchen and cafeteria area while drywall was hung throughout the main and upper floors. Simultaneously with the dry wall, the paint prep (taping and plastering) took place, making the building ready for the final details. Over the end of summer and the beginning of fall efforts will be focused on finishing the heaving construction making it ready for the installation of the final details.

In early July the exterior siding of Cottage A & B was complete

A close of up Cottage B from the deck of Cottage A

Sauna Tubes allow for ample natural light in the main part of both Cottages

Wood paneling in the Cottages

Exterior detail of the cottages; lighting, ceiling decking and siding.

Completion of the wrap around decks on both Cottage A & B

Exterior sight lighting; lighting the entrance, driveway and parking lots.

Cathedral Ceiling Heavy Timber Post and Beam Douglas Fir Carpot

Installation of the commercial grade HVAC units on both the North and South end of the building

Installation of the concrete staircases and rough framing for the wooden staircases on both the North and South end of the Main Lodge

Dry wall installation on the main and upper floor of the main lodge

Installation of the hood vent from the kitchen of the lower floor up through the roof

Concrete was poured throughout the site but most notably on the lower level of the main lodge completing the walkout patio

Photo featuring the view from the cafeteria looking out over the patio to thelake.

Throughout July work continued on the exterior siding of the Main Lodge, bringing it to completion. Meaning, we are one step closer to being able to take reservations!

June 2014

The start of Summer 2014 has brought much progress in the Construction of the St. Iakovos Retreat Center Lodge and two Cottages. However, the process is not still without it’s unique challenges. This past winter brought bitter cold, spring brought the onslaught of mud, and summer has brought the downpour of rain. This of course has made sure to keep life on the job interesting and the construction experts on their toes! In early June we received approval from the state inspectors to install the Insulation in main and upper floors of the Lodge and the two Cottages. This approval brought a flurry of progress to the job, allowing for the installation of drywall and the wood paneling to soon follow. Additionally, much effort has been focused on the exterior of the buildings in the hopes to have this portion of the job completed by mid July.

In early June the ceiling decking of the cottages was stained and installed.

Instalation of the ceiling decking on all sides of the exterior of both Cottages.

Installation of Insulation in the two Cottages.

Instalation of the Insulation in the two Cottages.

Once the insulation was complete the wood paneling in both Cottages was immediately installed.

By late June, the wood paneling and dry wall in both cottages had been installed.

Ceiling of the Cottage Buildings.

Work also continued on the exterior siding on both cottages. Exterior Siding is expected to be complete by early July.

Landscaping around the exterior of the Cottages took place in mid June. The dirt that had been previously excavated was reinstalled in preparation for seeding and grass.

In mid June the Concrete sidewalk connecting the Cottages to the existing lodge and road to the main lodge was laid and poured.

A picture showing the installation of the Cottage sidewalk.

Cottage sidewalk leading to the Cottages from the lodge area.

Throughout June work continued on the exterior of the main lodge. Efforts were focused on exterior masonry, siding and finished carpentry.

A picture of the North guest wing showing the exterior siding and masonry work.

The concrete blocks and mounts were laid for the heavy timber car port which is expected to be installed in early July.

Installation of Insulation on the main and upper floor of the Lodge.

Additional fire proofing was also installed above the can lights in the Lodge.

Installation of Insulation in the guest rooms of the Lodge.

Electrical and conduit work continued along side the installation of the Insulation in preparation for drywall.

Mid June brought the installation of drywall on the main and upper floors of the Lodge.

Work continued on the hallway detail in the four guest wing hallways.

A picture showing the hallway detail.

In early June the floors in the bathrooms were poured, making them ready for installation of fixtures and dry wall.

Instalation of the shower fixtures took place in all the guest rooms.

Picture showing the shower fixture which has been installed in the four ADA rooms in the lodge.

The drywalling of the guest rooms and the hallways on the upper and main floor is expected to be completed by late June.

June also brought the completion of the window installation on all the exterior windows in the entire lodge.

In mid June the patio on the lower floor was framed and made ready for the pouring of Concrete. Now we just have to pray for the rain to hold out long enough to pour!

One Balcony for approval has been completed, the others are expected to be complete by mid July.

Siding and the exterior of both the lodge and the cottages is expected to be completed by Mid July.

May 2014

Christ is Risen!

Hello friends of the Saint Iakovos Retreat Center!  I hope you enjoy these updated photos from this project.  We have gone through several layers of state inspections and have been given clearance to insulate and drywall in the cabins.  That work has commenced.  Within the next 10 days we should have the same authorization from the state and we will commence with the insulating and drywall of the main lodge.  Already so much work has taken place.  In spite of the rain and mud, the work progresses.  Stay tuned for more photographs of the progress on both the exterior and the interior!

Main Entrance

The scaffold is up and the masons are preparing to commence the stone work at the main entrance.

Front Elevation

Here we see the natural stone wainscot topped with a limestone sill. The stone was supplied from a local Wisconsin quarry.

Front Elevation

After the stone wainscot the carpenters begin to install the window trim. The material is called Borel and is a light weigh composite material which is resistance to inclement weather.

Front elevation

Siding is starting. Wainscott is complete and visible below the scaffold.;

Ceiling Detail

Many mechanical lines and equipment must be coordinated in order to maintain maximum ceiling height in the lower level. Electrical conduit, insulated HVAC runs, copper water supply, orange pvc fire sprinkler lines. Good job by our team of contractors.

Queue Line

This is the lower level cafeteria queue line are. Behind and to the right of the photographer is the fireplace and the “café” area.

Lower Level

This view shows the lower level interior fireplace in the area known as the café. There will be 4 fireplaces (2 interior and 2 exterior) upon completion.