lifeline spirit center remodel diary

We bought our building in January 2000 and started remodeling the
downstairs commercial part right away.

The building known as The Eldon Block when it was built in the 1890's was
once three stories tall with a full basement. Each floor is 55 foot by 75 foot
giving each around 4000 square foot of space. In the late 1950's the third floor
burned and was removed and replaced with a tar and gravel roof.

In it's lifetime this building has housed the Greyhound bus station, more than a
few bars including Bruno's place, Essie May's, and the Crazy Horse. There was
once a ten pin bowling alley in the basement.

The second floor has had offices and more recently was used as a rooming
house.

The building when we got it was in terrible shape the upkeep had been almost
nonexistent for the past 50 years or so. The ceilings were down in many places
and the first floor needed flooring. We have done tons of painting and replaced
the heating and air systems.

After three and a half years we decided to sell because the renovation was
becoming more than we could do. We had some offers but none we wanted to
take. Then our house burned down in July 2004 and we had no place to live
while it was being rebuilt. So we moved into the building. But to live here we
had to do some remodeling of the second floor. Only two rooms were livable
and the only working bathroom was terrible but functioning.

The progress is here in these pages
Space by Space

I will add photos (both old and new) as I get/find them.