Demo and Steel Wrap-up October 19, 2011

Monarc Construction has finished nearly all the demolition work planned for the interior of the Dent Building. Wow! Do we now have space! Most of the steel has gone in to replace the brick and mortar infrastructure. Today two very long I-beams are being installed in the loft -- one runs from the northeast corner of the building to the center of the great space and the second runs from the southwest corner of the building to the center of the great space. With this installation we can remove several of the former wood supports making the 4th Floor area "support free." It will no longer look like a reconverted attic.

As I have mentioned in several posts over the past few months the most dramatic enhancement to the Dent Building is to the core structure inside the front door running from Level 1, the former Reception Area, through the entrance foyer, stairs to nowhere, and to the Rose Window Room.

The vision is taking shape as you can see in the following pictures:

This picture is taken from Level 1 looking towards the existing front door. The structural steel will support the new entrance foyer and reception area. The structural steel at the higher elevation supports the flooring for the Head of School and Registrar's Offices.

The foyer area is framed and ready for concrete to be poured. The two vertical plywood panels protect the front doors from construction damage. We plan to replicate the terrazzo flooring that was in the original Dent Building.

Looking up towards Level 3 you see the framing to support the Rose Window Room. The space between the steel beams, below, and the wood joists, above, will be offices for the Head of School and the Registrar.

Et Voilà! The Rose Window Room is now level with the rest of Level 3 and the foyer area is substantially wider.

This shot is from the landing in the rear stairwell looking down to the entrance to Level 3. Note all the different patching that has been done over the years as this entrance has been modified. We have moved it again in this project.

This is the west chimney as seen from the library. It is a little wobbly right now and has some temporary support.

With the steel in and the walls buttressed the concrete trucks are delivering load after load to complete the footings and level the floors.