Progress Report: December 28, 2007

Today’s Activities

• Although it’s been a light week, we had a day of good progress.
• Completed 95% of the walls for lower left patio and west walls for ramp.
• Completed outdoor kitchen for lower left patio.
• Dug drainage ditches for lower left patio.
• Resolved sheathing issues for conduit pipes below surface of lower left patio.
• Completed excavation for ramp.

Tomorrow’s Planned Activities

• No work for the next 4 days—Happy New Year.
• Next Wednesday, weather permitting, complete construction of walls for lower left patio and west side of ramp.
• Install drainage for lower left patio.
• Prep ground for base for lower left patio.

Current Safety Concerns

• None.
• Cold weather precautions in place.
• Continue to expect heavy loads of material during all work days in January.

Material Deliveries Scheduled

No deliveries scheduled until next Wednesday, January 2.

Comments

• No work for four days.
• We are taking cold weather precautions for the work crew.
• We will have a full crew resuming work on January 2, 2008, with heavy work schedules until completion of lower left patio and ramp.

December 27, 2007: Photo Updates!

We have not been on site for the last two days. Our crew has been doing emergency repair work in Howard County. That's the reality of a good crew--they get the call for such jobs.

We will be back on site tomorrow.

Instead, a couple of quick pictures just to show you how things are going:

Progress Report: December 21, 2007

Today’s Activities

• Another day of good progress.
• Almost completed walls for lower left patio and west walls for ramp.
• Completed basic construction of outdoor kitchen for lower left patio.

Tomorrow’s Planned Activities

• No work for the next 4 days—Merry Christmas.
• Next Wednesday, weather permitting, continue construction of walls for ramp.
• Prep ground for base for lower left patio.

Current Safety Concerns

Continue to expect heavy loads of material. Lots of truck traffic at staging area.

Material Deliveries Scheduled

No deliveries scheduled until next Wednesday, December 26.

Comments

No work for four days.
We are taking cold weather precautions for the work crew.
We will have a light crew during the rest of Christmas week.
We will have a full crew resuming work on January 2, 2008.

Progress Report: December 20, 2007

Today’s Activities

• Another day of good progress.
• Continue building walls for lower left patio and west walls for ramp.
• Began construction of outdoor kitchen for lower left patio.
• Finalize plans for both lower patios and ramp.

Tomorrow’s Planned Activities

• Continue construction for kitchen in lower left patio.
• Continue construction of walls for ramp.

Current Safety Concerns

• None. Cold weather precautions in place.
• Continue to expect heavy loads of material. Lots of truck traffic at staging area.

Material Deliveries Scheduled

No deliveries scheduled tomorrow.

Comments

• We are taking cold weather precautions for the work crew.
• We will work tomorrow and take off a long pre-Christmas weekend and then Christmas day. We will have a light crew during the rest of Christmas week, with a full crew resuming work on January 2.

Progress Report: December 19, 2007

Today’s Activities

• Great progress again today, a little cold but clear.
• Power washed upper patio, prepped for final sanding.
• Continue building walls for lower left patio.
• Finished installing drain pipes for lower left patio.
• Repair and cover pipes below surface of patio.

Tomorrow’s Planned Activities

• Finished lower and west walls for lower left patio.
• Finished east wall for lower left patio and lower west wall for ramp.

Current Safety Concerns

• None. Cold weather precautions in place.
• Continue to expect heavy loads of material. Lots of truck traffic at staging area.

Material Deliveries Scheduled

• Heavy loads of number 3 stones (22 tons) and stone (10 tons) for filling lower patio area will be coming on a regular basis.
• We will begin to haul out the dirt that we cannot use on the project.

Comments

• We are taking cold weather precautions for the work crew.
• Expect staging area to be full of material for the next several weeks.
• If the weather holds good for us, we hope to have the walls for the lower left patio and for the ramps up by the end of the week, enabling us to work on the base for the paving stones.

Progress Report: December 18, 2007

Today’s Activities

• Great progress again today, a little cold but clear.
• Continue building walls for lower left patio.
• Finished installing drain pipes for lower left patio.
• Repair and cover pipes below surface of patio.

Tomorrow’s Planned Activities

• Finished lower and west walls for lower left patio.
• Finished east wall for lower left patio and lower west wall for ramp.

Current Safety Concerns

• None. Cold weather precautions in place.
• Continue to expect heavy loads of material. Lots of truck traffic at staging area.

Material Deliveries Scheduled

• Heavy loads of number 3 stones (22 tons) and stone (10 tons) for filling lower patio area will be coming on a regular basis.
• We will begin to haul out the dirt that we cannot use on the project.

Comments

• We are taking cold weather precautions for the work crew.
• Expect staging area to be full of material for the next several weeks.
• If the weather holds good for us, we hope to have the walls for the lower left patio and for the ramps up by the end of the week, enabling us to work on the base for the paving stones.

Progress Report: December 17, 2007

Today’s Activities

• Great progress today, a little cold but clear.
• Finished the gravel base for all walls on lower left patio.
• Continued digging footers for the walls for the ramp.
• Finished installing drain pipes for lower left patio.

Tomorrow’s Planned Activities

• Continue building walls for lower left patio.
• Continue digging footers for the walls for left side of ramp, once final length has been determined.
• Repair and cover pipes below surface of patio.

Current Safety Concerns

• None. Cold weather precautions in place.
• Continue to expect heavy loads of material. Lots of truck traffic at staging area.

Material Deliveries Scheduled

• Heavy loads of gravel (22 tons) and stone (10 tons) for filling lower patio area will be coming on a regular basis.
• We will begin to haul out the dirt that we cannot use on the project.

Comments

• We are taking cold weather precautions for the work crew.
• Expect staging area to be full of material for the next several weeks.
• If the weather holds good for us, we hope to have the walls for the lower left patio and for the ramps up by mid-week, enabling us to work on the base for the paving stones.

Progress Report: December 14, 2007

Today’s Activities

• No work yesterday, 13 December 2007—great progress today.
• Dug footers and laid gravel for over 75% of wall in lower left patio.
• Dug footers and laid gravel for footers on one ramp wall.
• Installed drain pipes for lower left patio.

Tomorrow’s Planned Activities

• No work planned on weekend.
• Depending on the weather, we will finish the gravel base for all walls in lower left patio.
• Depending on the weather, we will continue doing the walls for the ramp.

Current Safety Concerns

• None.
• Heavy loads of material expected soon. Lots of truck traffic at staging area.

Material Deliveries Scheduled

• We will soon place a dumpster on the staging area.
• Heavy loads of gravel and stone for filling lower patio area will be coming on a regular basis.
• We will begin to haul out the dirt that we cannot use on the project.

Comments

• No work on the weekend.
• Expect staging area to be full of material for the next several weeks.
• If the weather holds good for us, we hope to have the walls for the lower left patio and for the ramps up by mid-week, enabling us to work on the base for the paving stones.

Progress Report: December 12, 2007

Today’s Activities

• Installed low level lights in upper patio.
• Dug footers for wall in lower left patio.
• Laid gravel for footers on one wall in lower left patio.
• Revised plans for lower patios and ramps.

Tomorrow’s Planned Activities

Expect weather to cancel work.

Current Safety Concerns

• None.
• Heavy loads of material expected soon. Lots of truck traffic at staging area.

Material Deliveries Scheduled

• We will soon place a dumpster on the staging area.
• Heavy loads of gravel and stone for filling lower patio area will be coming on a regular basis.

Comments

• Expect staging area to be full of material for the next several weeks.

Progress Report: December 11, 2007

Today’s Activities

• Very light workload today.
• Cleaned staging area in preparation for heavy deliveries of material for lower patio area.
• Put finishing touches on fireplace and outdoor kitchen for upper patio.
• Completed installation of electrical outlets for upper patio.

Tomorrow’s Planned Activities

• Finished cleaning area around upper patio.
• Begin digging footers for wall in lower left patio and begin excavation of ramp area.

Current Safety Concerns

• None.
• Heavy loads of material expected soon. Lots of truck traffic at staging area.

Material Deliveries Scheduled

• We will soon place a dumpster on the staging area.
• Heavy loads of gravel and stone for filling lower patio area will be coming on a regular basis.

Comments

• Expect staging area to be full of material for the next several weeks.
• We appreciate the allocation of three parking spaces for our crew for the next six weeks.
  

Progress Report: December 10, 2007

Today’s Activities

• Light construction workload due to rain and final decision-making on lower patio.
• Finished electrical outlets for outdoor kitchen for upper patio.
• String lined and measured tops of pipes and other underground structures below lower left patio area.
• Evaluated same with WRAMC DPW staff.
• Decided on footprint for lower left patio.
• Post signs for closing of rear Breezeway entrance/exit and temporary ramp to Courtyard

Tomorrow’s Planned Activities

• Depending on weather, prepare for placing footers for walls on left lower patio.
• Finish cleaning area around upper patio.

Current Safety Concerns

None.

Material Deliveries Scheduled

• Multiple flat beds and dump trucks.
• We will soon place a dumpster on the staging area.

Comments

• Thanks to WRAMC DPW staff for timely and thorough evaluation of site issues.
• Work depends on rain, for tomorrow and the next day.
• Only finishing touches needed for upper patio.
• Rear Breezeway exit/entrance and temporary ramp closed indefinitely.
• Go to our website, www.YellowRibbonFund.org, to see pictures of progress.

Progress Report: December 9, 2007

Today’s Activities

• Cleaned and secured walkways across left side and center of Courtyard.
• Finished grill and cupboard doors for outdoor kitchen for upper patio.
• Completed veneering outdoor fireplace for upper patio.
• 99% completed upper patio.
• Completed excavation for lower left patio.
• Post signs for closing of rear Breezeway entrance/exit and temporary ramp to Courtyard.

Tomorrow’s Planned Activities

• Put finishing touches on upper patio.
• String line and measure tops of pipes and other underground structures below lower left patio area.
• Evaluate challenges disclosed by lower left patio excavation.
• Decide on footprint for lower left patio.
• Begin demolition of stairs and center area for ramp.

Current Safety Concerns

None.

Material Deliveries Scheduled

• Multiple flat beds and dump trucks.
• We will soon place a dumpster on the staging area.

Comments

• We are working tomorrow, Monday, Dec. 10, from early morning until the rain stops us.
• Only finishing touches needed for upper patio.
• Rear Breezeway exit/entrance and temporary ramp closed indefinitely.

Go to our website, www.YellowRibbonFund.org, to see pictures of progress.

Progress Report: December 8, 2007

Today’s Activities

• Finished trim around upper patio, made area around patio accessible.
• Filled trenches for electrical lines for upper patio.
• Top dressed, graded and seeded area where temporary sidewalk was removed.
• Finished capping wall for upper patio.
• Installed grill for outdoor kitchen for upper patio.
• Initiated veneering outdoor fireplace for upper patio.
• Started excavating for lower left patio.

Tomorrow’s Planned Activities

• Post signs for closing of rear Breezeway entrance/exit and temporary ramp to Courtyard.
• Complete veneering outdoor fireplace for upper patio.
• Put finishing touches on upper patio.
• Clean and secure walkways across left side and center of Courtyard.
• Evaluate challenges disclosed by lower left patio excavation.

Current Safety Concerns

None.

Material Deliveries Scheduled

• None Sunday.
• Multiple flat beds and dump trucks, possibly dumpster, on Monday.

Comments

• We are working tomorrow, Sunday, Dec. 9, from early morning until the rain stops us.
• Temporary sidewalk no longer needed.
• Permanent sidewalk has full access at all times.
• Only finishing touches needed for upper patio.
• Rear Breezeway exit/entrance and temporary ramp will be closed indefinitely.

Progress Report: December 7, 2007

Today’s Activities

• Installed sod.
• Installed doors for outdoor kitchen.
• Cleaned, washed all sidewalks; removed temporary sidewalk.
• Continued to install electric line and outlets for kitchen.
• Back filled portion of trenches for electrical lines.

Tomorrow’s Planned Activities

• Top dress, grade and seed area where temporary sidewalk was removed.
• Finish capping wall; Sweep joint sand for pavers and tamp.
• Complete installation of electric lines and outlets for kitchen.
• Install grill for outdoor kitchen.
• Begin veneering outdoor fireplace.
• Complete backfilling trenches for electrical lines.
• Start excavating for bottom patio.
• Post signs for closing of rear Breezeway entrance/exit and temporary ramp to Courtyard.

Current Safety Concerns

None.

Material Deliveries Scheduled

• None tomorrow.
• Multiple flat beds and dump trucks, possibly dumpster, on Monday.

Comments

• Temporary sidewalk no longer needed. Permanent sidewalk has full access at all times.
• Rear Breezeway exit/entrance and temporary ramp will be closed indefinitely starting tomorrow.
• Only finishing touches needed for upper patio.

Progress Report: December 6, 2007

Today’s Activities

• Short work day due to snow cover—most activities snowed out.
• Completed trench for electrical lines around upper patio.
• Prepped ground for laying sod.

Tomorrow’s Planned Activities

WEATHER PERMITTING—BUSY DAY

• Install doors and grill for outdoor kitchen for upper patio.
• Install electrical lines around upper patio, complete capping of sitting wall.
• Sod around upper patio.
• Complete sanding for upper patio surface.
• Lay out lines for lower patios/ramp.

Current Safety Concerns

Snow, slippery surfaces. WATCH YOUR STEP around work site.

Material Deliveries Scheduled

• Sod delivered today.
• Many deliveries put off until tomorrow.
• Veneer stone and caps on small Ernest Maier flatbed truck.
• Doors and grill for outdoor kitchen.

Comments

• Snow caused us to put all work off most of yesterday and today.
• We must work Saturday and Sunday, to finish the upper patio this week.
• Snow has delayed veneering fireplace until the weekend.
• We will begin work on lower patio/ramp area on Sunday or Monday.
• Prepare for closure of breezeway for work on lower patio/ramp area Sunday or Monday.

Progress Report: December 5, 2007

Today’s Activities

• Excavated by hand location of steam pipe that runs through lower patio.
• All other activities snowed out.

Tomorrow’s Planned Activities

WEATHER PERMITTING

• Install doors and grill for outdoor kitchen for upper patio, if equipment arrives.
• Complete trench for electrical lines around upper patio.
• Complete sanding for upper patio surface.
• Lay out lines for lower patios/ramp.

Current Safety Concerns

Snow, slippery surfaces. WATCH YOUR STEP around work site.

Material Deliveries Scheduled

• All deliveries from today rescheduled for tomorrow.
• Veneer stone on small Ernest Maier flatbed truck.
• Doors and grill for outdoor kitchen.
• Final caps and finishing materials for upper patio.

Comments

• Snow caused us to put all work off for one complete day.
• We must work Saturday and Sunday, to finish the upper patio this week.
• Snow has delayed veneering fireplace until the weekend.
• We will begin work on lower patio/ramp area on Sunday or Monday.

Prepare for closure of breezeway for work on lower patio/ramp area Sunday or Monday.

Progress Report: December 4, 2007

Today’s Activities

• Completed installation of wiring for low voltage lights and some low voltage lights in upper patio.
• Completed installation of firebrick in outdoor fireplace for upper patio.
• Review hand railing detail and placement for entire Courtyard.
• Dug trenches for electrical lines around upper patio.
• Began sanding between paving stones.
• Placed topsoil around upper patio.
• Set out initial grade lines for lower patio.

Tomorrow’s Planned Activities

• Install doors and grill for outdoor kitchen for upper patio, if equipment arrives.
• Excavate by hand to locate steam pipe that runs through lower patio.
• Complete trench for electrical lines around upper patio.
• Complete sanding for upper patio surface.
• Locate steam pipe in lower patio area.

Current Safety Concerns

Snow, slippery surfaces. WATCH YOUR STEP around work site.

Material Deliveries Scheduled

• Veneer stone on small Ernest Maier flatbed truck.
• Doors and grill for outdoor kitchen.
• Final caps and finishing materials for upper patio.

Comments

• Snow will cause us to work Saturday and Sunday, as we are determined that cold weather will not keep us from finishing the upper patio this week.
• Snow may delay veneering fireplace until the weekend.
• We appear to be on track to begin work on lower patio/ramp area this Wednesday or Thursday.
• Prepare for closure of breezeway for work on lower patio/ramp area.

Progress Report: December 3, 2007

Today’s Activities

• Install wiring for low voltage lights and some low voltage lights in upper patio.
• Begin to cap sitting wall for upper patio.
• Install firebrick in outdoor fireplace for upper patio.
• Excavate by hand to locate steam pipe that runs through lower patio.
• Review hand railing detail and placement for entire Courtyard.

Tomorrow’s Planned Activities

• Finish installing low voltage lighting and capping wall for upper patio.
• Install doors and grill for outdoor kitchen for upper patio.
• Begin veneering outdoor fireplace for upper patio.
• Locate propane tanks for outdoor fireplace for upper patio.
• Locate steam pipe in lower patio area and excavate around entire pipe.
• Evaluate electrical conduit requirements for entire program.

Current Safety Concerns

None.

Material Deliveries Scheduled

• Veneer stone on small Ernest Maier flatbed truck.
• Two loads of topsoil on Ernest Maier small dump truck.

Comments

• Cold weather will not keep us from finishing the upper patio this week.
• Good luck (so far) in avoiding disruption or change in lower patio plan from subterranean steam pipe.
• We appear to be on track to begin work on lower patio/ramp area this Wednesday or Thursday.
• Prepare for closure of breezeway for work on lower patio/ramp area.
• Please expect the breezeway access to the Courtyard to be eliminated from late next week through the Christmas holidays, reopening in January—weather permitting us to maintain a heavy work schedule throughout December.

Updated Courtyard Access Map

We are very pleased that we are ending the construction of the upper patio by the middle of next week, and we will open the walkway to the left of the pool and the new upper patio, close to Mologne House. We will soon begin construction of the lower patio/ramp area. Our plan is to focus on the ramp and the patio to the left of the ramp first (as indicated by the area in orange), then the right lower patio area. This is the second major phase of our construction.

We apologize for the inconvenience that we are about to cause, and we hope to limit the restriction on your access to the Courtyard as much as possible.

As construction begins, and throughout the entire period of work, we will provide maps here indicating walkways and paths which may be impacted by the work being done. Please check back regularly. To view a full-sized map, simply click on the image below.

From December 4 through January 10, the following items will be important to note:

• The entrance/exit from the Breezeway in Mologne House to the Courtyard will be shut off entirely. This closure is indicated in red on the map.


• You will have to detour from the Breezeway around the parking lot side of Mologne House to the walkway near the staging area for the construction equipment past the Playground. This closure is indicated in blue on the map.


• In addition, areas marked in yellow on the map may be blocked temporarily when construction equipment is in transit. Flagmen will provide guidance at these times.

Progress Report: December 1, 2007

Today’s Activity

• Laid paving stones for entrance of upper patio.
• Completed most of wing walls for upper patio fireplace.
• Made final cuts for paving stones for upper patio.
• Cleaned up entire upper patio area in preparation for next phase.
• Reviewed initial site access plan for lower patio/ramp area.
• Cut all channels for low voltage lighting for upper patio.

Monday’s Planned Activities

• Finish capping upper patio sitting wall.
• Finish remainder of upper patio fireplace wing walls.
• Review drawings and site access plan for next phase with WRAMC staff.
• Post early warnings for next phase.

Current Safety Concerns

• No new issues.
• Excellent suggestion from a Mologne House resident: when cutting blocks, direct cuts away from buildings, so that stone thrown by cut will not break window or hit somebody.

Material Deliveries Scheduled

No deliveries scheduled for Monday.

Comments

We will begin final plans for work on the lower patio/ramp area. We will begin posting early warning notices Monday.

Please expect the breezeway access to the Courtyard to be eliminated from late next week through the Christmas holidays, reopening in January—weather permitting us to maintain a heavy work schedule throughout December.

Progress Report: November 30, 2007

Today’s Activity

• Laid 1,800 square feet of paving stones in upper patio.
• Completed wall at entrance of upper patio.
• Started wing walls for upper patio fireplace.
• Drafted initial site access plan for lower patio/ramp area.

Tomorrow’s Planned Activities

• Install low voltage lighting for upper patio.
• Finish laying paving stones in upper patio.
• Start capping upper patio sitting wall.
• Construct remainder of upper patio fireplace wing walls.
• Review site access plan for next phase.
• Draft early warning signs for next phase.

Current Safety Concerns

• No new issues. Lots of stone cutting. Ear plugs, face masks in constant use.
• Reviewing access plan for work on lower patio and ramp area.

Material Deliveries Scheduled

No deliveries scheduled for Saturday.

Comments

Weather reports are for rain on Sunday, Monday and possibly Tuesday. Work schedule approved for Saturday 7:30 to dusk. Weather permitting, we plan on starting work on the lower patio/ramp area on Thursday or Friday of next week, eliminating access from the breezeway through the Courtyard. We will begin posting early warning notices Monday.

Please expect the breezeway access to the Courtyard to be eliminated from late next week through the Christmas holidays, reopening in January—weather permitting us to maintain a heavy work schedule throughout December.

Progress Report: November 29, 2007

Today’s Activities

• Completed installation of seat wall for upper patio.


• Completed drain pipes and drainage system for upper patio.


• Completed installation of all base material for paving stones.


• Put in base block for wall at entrance of upper patio.


• Completed outdoor kitchen island.


• Completed backfill outside of wall with top soil and grade.


• Reviewed construction drawings for lower patio/ramp area.

Tomorrow’s Planned Activities

• Install low voltage lighting for upper patio.


• Lay paving stones in upper patio.


• Construct remainder of upper patio fireplace wing walls.


• Layout lower patio/ramp area. Draft initial site access plan for next phase.


• Start capping upper patio sitting wall.

Current Safety Concerns

No new issues. Preparing access plan for work on lower patio and ramp area.

Material Deliveries Scheduled

At least one more truck of paving stones to arrive on Ernest Maier flat bed.

Comments

Weather reports are for rain on Sunday, Monday and possibly Tuesday. We plan on working Saturday 7:30 to dusk and perhaps Sunday if it does not rain. We plan on starting work on the lower patio/ramp area on Wednesday or Thursday of next week, which will mean cutting access from the breezeway through the Courtyard. We will begin posting notices this weekend.

Progress Report: November 28, 2007

Today’s Activities

• Firebox for fireplace installed.
• Chimney started.
• Installation of seat wall nearly complete.
• Backfill outside of wall w/top soil and grade.
• Continue w/building of outdoor kitchen island.

Tomorrow’s Planned Activities

• Start to install low voltage lighting
• Continue to backfill patio portion of project w/crushed stone and compact
• Construct remainder of fireplace chimney & wing walls
• Screed sand and start laying pavers
• Layout lower patio/ramp area
• Start capping sitting wall

Current Safety Concerns

Reviewed ear protection requirements w/all employees when using saws or other equipment. Ear plugs were provided again to all employees.


Material Deliveries Scheduled

At least one truck of pavers to arrive on Ernest Maier flat bed

Progress Report: November 27, 2007

Today’s Activities

• Installation of upper patio seat wall continues.
• Continue to backfill for patio portion of project with crushed stone and compact.
• Started running wiring for low voltage lighting for upper patio.

Tomorrow’s Planned Activities

• Comcast Network crew on site to begin filming as TV special episode of American Builder.
• Continue with seat wall installation for upper patio.
• Continue to backfill for patio portion of project with crushed stone and compact.
• Continue running wiring for low voltage lighting and install lights for upper patio.

Current Safety Concerns

Nothing new at this time.

Material Deliveries Scheduled

No deliveries scheduled for tomorrow.

Comments

Beautiful weather. We are on schedule to complete the upper patio project by beginning of next week.

Once we complete the upper patio project, we will begin on the lower patios and the ramp leading from the Mologne House breezeway to the Courtyard. We will be closing off the breezeway entrance/exit to the Courtyard, but the breezeway will be open and the entrance/exit to the parking lot will remain open. We will provide a new access map by the end of the week and post appropriate signs in advance.

Progress Report: November 26, 2007

Today’s Activities

• Upper patio fireplace base plate set.
• Installation of upper patio seat wall continues.
• Continue to backfill for patio portion of project with crushed stone and compact.
• Drainage system installation for upper patio complete.
• Started running wiring for low voltage lighting for upper patio.

Tomorrow’s Planned Activities

• Continue with seat wall installation for upper patio.
• Continue to backfill for patio portion of project with crushed stone and compact.
• Continue running wiring for low voltage lighting and install lights for upper patio.

Current Safety Concerns

Nothing new at this time.

Material Deliveries Scheduled

Numerous dump trucks with crushed and clean stone in Ernest Maier Trucks.

Comments

Rain was a minor factor today. We are on schedule to complete the upper patio project by beginning of next week if not sooner.

Col Haselden visited the site and gave very encouraging words to the Site Manager which he passed on to the crew at lunch time. The workers are very pleased to see the soldiers, Marines and their families watching the progress of the work, especially on the weekend. They expressed their respect and admiration for the residents of Mologne House and Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

Progress Report: November 25, 2007

Today’s Activities

• Fireplace footer for upper patio completed.
• Installation of seat wall for upper patio started.
• Continue with installation of drainage for upper patio.

Tomorrow’s Planned Activities

• Continue with seat wall installation for upper patio.
• Complete drainage for upper patio.
• Continue to backfill patio portion of project w/crushed stone and compact for upper patio.
• Start running wiring for low voltage lighting for upper patio.

Current Safety Concerns

Nothing new at this time. We expect many deliveries tomorrow, and we expect a rainy day.

Material Deliveries Scheduled

• Numerous dump trucks with crushed and clean stone.
• We are alert to rainy weather, and we expect a lot of activity.

Comments

• Quiet weekend from the residential standpoint, good progress on the site.
• Rain likely on Monday and probably on Tuesday, as noted above.
• Work will continue as long as it is not a heavy rain.
• Nice visit from Peter Anderson on Sunday afternoon.
• Thanks for the good words to the crew.

Progress Report: November 24, 2007

Today's Activities

• Upper patio wall installation almost complete.
• Continue with fireplace footer installation.
• Continue with drainage installation.
• Install grill footer block.

Tomorrow's Planned Activities

• Complete drainage installation.
• Complete fireplace footer installation (if block is available).
• Complete wall installation.
• Start backfilling upper patio with crushed stone.

Current Safety Concerns

None. It's quiet at Mologne House this weekend.

Material Deliveries Scheduled

• Nothing on Sunday.
• Monday plan on several loads of crushed and clean stone in Ernest Maier dump trucks.

Comments

Mike Southard looked at the weather forecast on Friday and decided that the possibility of bad weather early next week made work on Saturday and Sunday the right way to stay on schedule. We appreciate the consideration of the Provost Marshal and the residents who did not get away this weekend. Thanks.

Progress Report: November 21, 2007

Today’s Activities

• Portion of drain tile installed.
• Footer course for retaining wall installed.
• Geogrid installed as necessary.
• Several courses of retaining wall installed.
• Electrical conduit installed under retaining wall.
• Several courses of block installed for fireplace footer.
• Fencing placed around trees and light poles in construction area, per DPW suggestion.

Tomorrow’s Planned Activities

No work until Monday. Happy Thanksgiving!

Safety Concerns Today

• Added stone to haul route as it was wearing badly with all the machines going back and forth. This will help prevent unnecessary erosion and keep the mud to a minimum.
• Lots of families and children around. Please make sure no one enters the work site and children remain supervised at all times. Everyone likes a good pile of dirt. Thanks for the cooperation.

Material Deliveries

Nothing scheduled over Thanksgiving weekend. Wall block, clean stone and crushed stone scheduled Monday.

Comments

• Please remind everyone that the playground is open and will stay open during the entire construction process. All families and children are welcome there—PLAYGROUND IS NOT ON WORK SITE.
• Great progress in short work week. A couple of days of great weather, a hardworking crew, constructive advice from the WRAMC project manager and DPW team, safety and environmental personnel, and the wounded warriors and their families staying at Mologne House, Delano Hall, and the Fisher Houses.

Progress Report: November 20, 2007

Today's Activities

• Tree stumps in upper patio area removed. Stump areas compacted, covered with separation fabric and filled with clean stone.
• Temporary sidewalk from upper level entrance/exit installed and operational.
• Excess dirt in upper patio area removed and retained for use in lower patio area.
• Concrete poured for fireplace footer in upper patio.
• All footers dug for retaining walls in upper patio.
• Install additional silt fence as recommended by Environmental Office and DPW.
• Trenches for drain tile excavated and separation fabric installed.

Tomorrow’s Planned Activities

• Install 6” perforated drain pipe for drainage system.
• Install clean stone around drain pipe.
• Wrap drain system with separation fabric.
• Install stone for wall footer.
• Begin installing base block for wall footer.

Current Safety Concerns

• Ability of temporary sidewalk to handle all types of pedestrian traffic (even the heaviest wheelchair) was verified with assistance from residents. After two small adjustments, it is holding up well and appears not to be an impediment of any kind.
• Plastic safety caps were placed on top ends of rebar holding safety fence along all active walkways.
• End of drive/ramp to staging area—fence needs to be closed after vehicles enter/exit.
• Measured width of sidewalk between Main Drive and material staging area safety fence to assure that it exceeds minimum limit of 5 feet—exceeded standard by one foot (6 feet separation).
• Mud at equipment crossings of active walks—workers to scrape excess and sweep same once per hour.
• Updated notices were posted throughout the hotel. Many from yesterday were missing.

Comments

• Guests asking lots of questions about the project. Lots of interest and excitement. Concept drawing and site map should be put on big board in lobby, if possible.
• Favorable reports received from Safety Office, Environmental Office and DPW. Thanks to our workers for doing an excellent job.
• Many thanks to SPC John Williams, a hotel guest with many years experience in landscaping, for great insight on the temporary sidewalk and other safety/access issues.

Site Photos

Progress Report: November 19, 2007

Today's Activities

Equipment & trailer staging complete. Safety & procedural meeting conducted w/all employees. Safety fence installed. Warning/notice signs put up throughout the hotel. Layout of patio completed. Tree/stump removal completed. Excavation of fireplace footer completed, rebar reinforcement installed. Excavation of wall footer started.

Tomorrow's Planned Activities

Install temporary sidewalk from 2nd level exit/entrance around construction site. Continue w/wall footer excavation. Pour concrete for fireplace footer. Begin to install wall footer (crushed stone). Begin to install drain tile around patio.

Safety Concerns

Safety procedures in place seem to be working well and all residents are complying. Positive feedback received. Reviewed temporary sidewalk w/residents and got feedback on same. Compacted stone dust appears to be the solution and will not interfere w/wheelchairs, walkers, canes or crutches as long as it drains in a positive fashion. Contractor provided excellent spotting for all equipment and flagmen for all delivery trucks.

Material Deliveries Made

2-4 stone deliveries in Ernest Maier dump trucks. Concrete delivery in Ernest Maier ready mix concrete truck. Block delivery in Ernest Maier flat bed truck w/forklift.

Comments

Fantastic cooperation from the security staff, hotel staff and residents. Slow start to the day because of weather and traffic but contractor was able to get caught up and back on schedule.

Progress Report: November 18, 2007

We have the following activities planned for November 19, 2007:

• Equipment & material deliveries.
• Material staging.
• Install safety fencing and temporary sidewalks.
• Tree removal. Layout of patios.
• Excavation may start, depending on overall progress.

Deliveries scheduled:

• Contractor equipment and trailers between about 0700 and 0800.
• Small pick up truck w/miscellaneous safety items between about 0730 and 0830.
• Small flat bed truck w/drainage products, rebar, etc., between about 1000 and 1200.
• Tri axle dump truck w/crushed stone between about 1000 and 1200.
• Tri axle dump truck w/clean stone between 1300 and 1500.

Current Safety Concerns:

• Be aware of delivery vehicles when walking or driving between Mologne House and the gym.
• Be aware of construction equipment moving in the Mologne House Courtyard (rear of building).
• Please abide by safety/flag men when walking or driving in any of the construction areas.
• Please do not enter the marked construction or material staging areas for any reason.
• Breezeway exit to Courtyard/temporary ramp will be closed during tree removal from approximately 0800 until 1300. Exit from 2nd level will remain open as will breezeway entrance/exit to parking lot (front of building). The breezeway itself will remain open the entire time.
• Portion of the sidewalk from 2nd level exit to the courtyard will be closed after tree removal is complete until the end of work for the day. A temporary sidewalk will be available in that area at all times. The permanent walk will remain open during all non construction hours (approximately 1800 to 0730 next day).
• Please be aware of, and follow, the numerous safety signs, fencing and cones throughout the area.

Welcome to the Yellow Ribbon Fund Mologne House Courtyard Program Blog

A special welcome to all wounded warriors and other patients, and their families, resident at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and to the wonderful medical, military and civilian staff that care for them. We are very eager to hear from you, as we proceed through the construction in your living and working space.

The Mologne House Courtyard Program started the same way as all the Yellow Ribbon Fund programs started: meeting the needs of injured service members that are not met by others. The soldiers and their families talked about enjoying barbeques, playing with their children and just being outdoors with each other. Some energetic young businessmen, Yellow Ribbon Fund volunteers visiting Walter Reed, saw a beautiful opportunity for better outdoor living and decided to do something about it.

Click picture for full-sized image.

Excavation and construction began Monday November 19, 2007. Weather permitting, we will work all day, to get the program done as soon as possible. Please go to our blog to get the latest information on our construction schedule, on access to the Courtyard, and on our progress. We do not expect to complete the entire program until April, 2008, and we will do the work in phases to keep interference in daily living to a minimum.

Click picture for full-sized image.

This is how an artist sees our plans to make the Courtyard behind the Mologne House into a great outdoor living area. There will be two lower patios on the left, close to the building, one with a trellis covered sitting area, and a third new upper patio on the far side. We have already completed a new playground, at the lower part of the drawing. There will be a beautiful new Rose Mologne Gazebo, named for General Lewis A. Mologne’s widow. Finally the Walk of Appreciation, a ramped, wheelchair accessible walkway, will ease the trip from Mologne House through the Courtyard toward the hospital.

Click picture for full-sized image.