Sacred Stones, Sacred Stories

Recycling as much of the deconstruction materials that we could during the Sacred Stones, Sacred Stories project was high on our priority list from day one.

And now that we’re working on the finishing touches, it’s nice to see how we succeeded in reusing many items, including a lot of wood trim.

First, we gave it a new look by staining and trimming it:

Now workers are installing it throughout the monastery:

In some instances, we didn’t remove items. Just left them there to become part of the new construction. For example, the exposed brick wall next to our new elevator is a former exterior wall:

It adds so much character and continuity of history to the new construction, reminding us of our roots and how we’ve grown. Just a few more weeks until we move back in!

We are waiting with expectant hope for the new elevator cars to be installed.

One has arrived and is waiting to be tested and used.  The second one has not yet arrived.  It seemed the shaft wasn’t quite plum – it leaned, not like the Tower of Pisa, but enough to warrant correction before we install the new car.

How does one correct a leaning elevator shaft without tearing it down and rebuilding?  By chiseling away the brick and mortar while maintaining proper code requirements.

Better to take the time now and do it right than hurry through and have something go amiss later on.  Thus, we wait with hope.

To help delivery personnel back their vehicles into the basement ramp safely, we added a couple of feet to the width of the ramp near the door.

This meant demolishing the old retaining wall and building a new one.  It was a muddy and long process, but the new wall is in now.

Soon the concrete will be poured for the ramp.  With this project in progress and the elevator out of order because of replacement, all deliveries to the kitchen are made step by step – all 14 of them!

This stairwell (above) in our west wing has looked like a big dark hole for months.

Finally, progress is evident!  This worker is prepping the space for the staircase that will arrive in a few days.

Stay tuned for a glimpse of the finished product.  The same work is being done in the east wing where another emergency stairwell is planned.

There are no good pictures of our elevator shafts.  They are either inaccessible or deep, dark empty spaces.

Today I noticed a cable dangling in the new elevator shaft.  Word is that the two new elevator cars will be arriving in the next month or so!

With the renovation of the old parts of the monastery we are creating a new entry and  a new elevator shaft.  These new parts of our building are underway and will soon blend in architecturally and visually.

The new entry area, a mixture of old and new, will house the reception area, gathering spaces, a gift shop and some office space. It’s still in the early stages:

It will also provide a level access into our library along with other office spaces. It will be a lovely blend of old and new.

Its loveliness is hidden right now, but soon it will be revealed. Patience is called for, and it has been rewarded thus far.

Crews are building the new elevator shaft

It looks like a climbing apparatus right now, but it’s really the scaffolding for the new elevator shaft to be constructed.

We will have two elevators just as we had in the past, but this one is in a new location and will be for the Sisters’ use.  The shaft will be situated in the newly constructed addition that will be our new south-facing entrance.  We have to wait and see as most of us are finding it hard to imagine what the spaces will look like.

Renovations continue with removal of the pantry area phone booth

In a hallway outside of our kitchen and refectory we had a phone booth and a bank of pantry shelves.  Both were well used.  Both are now gone to make way for a new elevator access.  I am sure this too will be well used.

Diamond edge saw blades used to cut masonry

It takes a mighty strong object to cut solid rock, so it’s fortunate our crews have these things to work with!

They come in handy for all kinds of projects, including cutting back the footings and foundations to make room for the new elevator shaft.

New elevator shaft will be constructed here

Cutting back rock to make room for the new shaft