Although we lost a significant quantity of irreplacable inventory following the lightning strike and fire of April 7, 2001, we rebuilt the new shop with some significant improvements that should prove extremely beneficial now and in the future. The construction is almost finished with just the exterior landscaping still remaining.
The original building was an old wooden barn 30' by 50' that we converted for use as our shop. We added a 20' by 50' extension which provided additional storage and work space. The new shop was built 50' by 50' square using materials that will provide increased safety, comfort and functionality. We moved the shop away from the road another 19' feet so that it now lines up with the other buildings on the property. We increased the number of light fixtures and windows and had an overhead door installed for vehicle access instead of sliding doors. The central vac and modern furnace with central air will also be much more effective and efficient in the new building for improved climate control and protection for the organs and components.
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| The open area showing the truck entrance | The entrance |
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| The stairs to the second floor | The steel I-beam and chain hoist |
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| Jim and Linda Dodington at the work benches | The pipe storage units for our inventory |
The pipe trays and maple stairs were constructed by Charlie Hiemstra (Hiemstra Woodworking) of Aylmer, Ontario. Charlie is also making some extremely specialized tools required for our work.
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Paul Pressey was awarded the contract for rebuilding. As you can see, he did an excellent job in an extremely timely fashion even under difficult conditions. He was also able to incorporate the changes and improvements that we requested without any major disturbances. Insurance covered replacing the original building and the contract was awarded on that basis. We were responsible for the changes and improvements. |
We still have a lot of tools and inventory to replace and with the building finished we are now able to proceed.
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created November 14, 2001 |