Extended backsplashes from counter to bottom of cabinet was trending in 2021.

NEW YORK (PRWEB) October 08, 2021

Manhattan based renovation company, MyHome Design + Remodeling, reports on 2021 kitchen trends in NYC as compared to the 2021 Houzz Kitchen Trends Study which shared findings from a survey of 2,014 U.S. homeowners about their recent or planned kitchen renovation projects.

According to the Houzz Study, U.S. homeowners want more storage, neutral colors, and prominent backsplashes that make a statement. Based on design consultations with NYC homeowners, MyHome reports some trends happening in Manhattan with a few major differences.

Kitchen Design Trend #1: STORAGE

As everyone spent much more time at home during the pandemic, it makes sense that the need for upgraded kitchen storage increased dramatically. Kitchen renovators say that 94% of all remodels last year featured some type of effort on the kitchen cabinets.

Adding more cabinets or upgrading your kitchen storage space allows homeowners to keep the space clean and organized with easy access to everything.

MyHome reported about 1 in 3 NYC homeowners choosing to upgrade their cabinetry, Over the last year, approximately 213 clients who have hired us to renovate their kitchens upgraded their cabinets with the objective being to create more storage.

Kitchen Design Trend #2: COLOR SCHEME

Neutral colors were a big hit in recent remodels nationwide (source). For homeowners looking to hop on this classic trend, MyHome recommends focusing on colors like white, beige, and grey. These colors offer the kitchen a super clean and refined aesthetic. It also allows for some super fun pops of color in the form of barstools, hardware, or small appliances.

Jessenia Toro, Chief Operating Office for MyHome explains, most of our clients are people with a classic taste for design that gives more importance to the quality rather than the current trend of the moment - neutral tones are the most common option. Surprisingly, they are always open to new design patterns, looking for clear colors with a splash of spicy patterns and shapes.

Kitchen Design Trend #3: BACKSPLASH

Backsplashes add some creativity to your kitchen. As opposed to a strip of backsplash, this year, homeowners and designers are extending backsplashes up to the upper cabinets (source). The possibilities are endless in terms of color, material, and pattern; although white backsplashes were found to be most popular for U.S. homeowners.

MyHomes remodeling consultants are experts at picking the backsplash that best expresses individual design needs. Tiffany Smolick, Showroom Manager at MyHome explains, We like to create backsplashes that give a character to the kitchen. Since our NYC clientele is more open to having a light colored backsplash, we mainly design backsplashes that have an irregular horizontal pattern, made by different size tiles properly located.

Kitchen Design Trend #4: MEDIAN SPEND

For homeowners nationwide who participated in the Houzz study, the median spend on a major kitchen remodel was consistent with prior years at $35,000. MyHome noticed a similar trend with major kitchen remodeling projects averaging $35,000$40,000 which was a bit more costly compared to previous years ($23,500 $28,000 in 2019).

Kitchen Renovations in NYC

It is easy to get the NYC home renovation process started with MyHomes no-hassle, no-obligation free NYC design consultations via Zoom. In this consultation MyHomes design experts discuss what the homeowner desires in a kitchen renovation and how to make the vision come to life.

About MyHome

MyHome was founded in 2001 by managing partner Yoel Piotraut. The company, which is based in New York City, has a team of consultants, designers and managers. MyHomes New York City kitchen and bath showroom is located at 353 West 48th Street in Manhattan. MyHome offers free design consultations for Manhattan homeowners which can be booked at https://special.myhomeus.com/consulting/.

Share article on social media or email:

Read more from the original source:
NYC Kitchen Trends in Line with National Trends in 2021 - PR Web

A blue wave of GE Appliance employees flooded Louisville neighborhoods Friday, all part of a yearlong community service project.The employees traded in their day jobs and picked up shovels, hammers and saws. Friday marked the kickoff to the company's Blue Wave Initiative. The goal is to support neighborhoods across Louisville.T.J. Berhow has worked at GE Appliances for nearly 15 years. He's leading the service project at Grace James Academy, where they're remodeling the teacher's lounge, enhancing the GE Appliances STEAM lab and building eight outdoor benches for students.The Grace James project is one of six volunteer service projects across the city. Berhow said it's a great feeling to know they're helping, and he said for many employees, volunteering for the first time can be a life-changing experience."It opens their eyes, it gives them perspective, it helps them get involved," Berhow said. "It helps them learn. It helps them grow with something. They walk away with a good feeling for helping somebody else and also maybe learning a few things."

A blue wave of GE Appliance employees flooded Louisville neighborhoods Friday, all part of a yearlong community service project.

The employees traded in their day jobs and picked up shovels, hammers and saws. Friday marked the kickoff to the company's Blue Wave Initiative. The goal is to support neighborhoods across Louisville.

T.J. Berhow has worked at GE Appliances for nearly 15 years. He's leading the service project at Grace James Academy, where they're remodeling the teacher's lounge, enhancing the GE Appliances STEAM lab and building eight outdoor benches for students.

The Grace James project is one of six volunteer service projects across the city. Berhow said it's a great feeling to know they're helping, and he said for many employees, volunteering for the first time can be a life-changing experience.

"It opens their eyes, it gives them perspective, it helps them get involved," Berhow said. "It helps them learn. It helps them grow with something. They walk away with a good feeling for helping somebody else and also maybe learning a few things."

Go here to see the original:
GE Appliance employees giving back to Louisville with year of community service - WLKY Louisville

Are you considering renovating your home? You arent alone. Americans spent over $340 billion on home renovations in 2020. That figure is expected to increase over 4% a year until 2027, especially as more people feel financially secure as the pandemic is starting to come to an end.

The truth is that home renovations are necessities that you simply cant ignore. Your walls, floors, windows, kitchen and bathroom will all need to be updated at some point. The years do not pass in vain, and your house will eventually cry out for a facelift to update it. If you do not know what material suits you best or where the trends are going, you should follow these tips from leading experts.

Renovating a home can be a stressful process. There are many decisions to make (and with which you will have to play out day by day), many steps to take and a lot of uncertainty about what the final result will be.

We talked with a variety of experts, such as the specialists at Luxury Flooring, which offers LVT flooring. The founders of Luxury Flooring have earned the Young Entrepreneur of the Year for the Yorkshire region at the Federation of Small Business Awards, due to their impeccable knowledge, so we are pleased that they and other experts have shared a number of detailed tips that can help you get started.

However, these renovations dont have to create a lot of unnecessary drama in your life. Here is a list of tips to keep in mind before starting.

Choosing the right materials is essential when doing a renovation. Your budget will depend on what materials that you use. Wood, ceramic, stone, cement, plaster are all materials that you can use. If you do not know what to choose or how much to invest, ask for help from professionals.

You should pay attention to the latest trends, so you can focus on those projects that are most likely to appeal to potential buyers or guests. According to a study conducted by HomeAdvisor, the biggest trend at the moment is kitchen renovations. The average kitchen renovation costs somewhere between $12,567 and $34,962.

If you want to renovate the kitchen, the Kitchen Furniture Association (AMC) revealed some proposals for this fall, which are based on your attitudes of socialization and love for gastronomy. You might want to use warm materials, such as wood, or innovative materials, such as slate or marble, and the island or the office as a link between the kitchen and the living room.

When rehabilitating an old house, you may come across architectural elements and facilities in poor condition. Consult a professional if it is worth preserving them or not. For example, reinforcing beams or arches and varnishing doors will allow you to enhance its essence. As for obsolete electrical or plumbing systems, it will be better to adapt them to current materials to avoid problems.

The biggest problem in renovations is the failure to meet deadlines and budgets. To avoid this, you should break down each item into its corresponding units to better compare each offer. When it is not possible to invest a lot, everything has to be better planned, advises one remodeling expert we spoke with.

It is possible that you will lose cold or heat through the blinds if they are not properly insulated, which produces an unnecessary expense during hot and cold months. So why dont you invest in a thermal and acoustic insulation system? Most experts recommend installing mineral wool panels inside the shutter box to protect you from outside noise and excess cold or heat. A simple gesture to start saving!

In addition to protecting us from the sun in summer, awnings also insulate the house from the wind and cold. To keep them in perfect condition, experts advise removing dirt from the canvas by vacuuming and applying a water and neutral soap solution. Next, rinse with a jet of water at medium pressure and let it dry well in the open air before rolling it up.

Are you thinking of painting your house and want to discover the trends? Visit local painting websites to keep up to date with their collections and the must-have colors in decoration.

Some remodeling experts have developed innovative products with palettes of divine colors, which allow you to paint directly on the surface to be treated without sanding. They should have a line of chalk paint with a vintage matte finish in twelve pastel and vibrant colors, which can also be painted on any surface: wood, metal, plastic and even fabric! A good remodeling firm completes its range with wax and a varnish to protect painted objects and give them a silkier finish.

Renovating and eliminating are both good options. According to one interior design expert, it is advisable to keep works of art and old pieces of china or ceramics and try to relocate them. Say goodbye to what is in poor condition or does not match the style, and acquire a designer piece that sophisticates the house, like this armchair.

For partial reforms, such as flooring or carpentry, permits are not necessary. However, if the work has repercussions on partition walls and windows, it is essential to communicate it to the city council. If it affects the structure of the building, it will be necessary to request a project to an architect and to pay the applicable taxes. In any case, add the license of the container in the street.

Read the original post:
11 crucial tips for your next home renovation makeover - AZ Big Media

Concrete often begins to crack and crumble after a few decades of life but curiously, that hasnt been the case with many Roman structures. The structures are still standing, exhibiting remarkable durability despite conditions that would destroy modern concrete.

One particular structure is the large cylindrical tomb of first-century noblewoman Caecilia Metella. New research from MIT scientists and colleagues published in the Journal of the American Ceramic Society shows that the quality of the concrete of her tomb may exceed that of her male contemporaries monuments because of the volcanic aggregate the builders chose and the unusual chemical interactions with rain and groundwater that accumulate over two millennia.

Lead co-authors of the study, Admir Masic, associate professor of civil and environmental engineering at MIT, and Marie Jackson, research associate professor of geology and geophysics at the University of Utah, teamed up to understand the mineral composition of the ancient concrete structure.

Understanding the formation and processes of ancient materials can inform researchers of new ways to create durable, sustainable building materials for the future, says Masic. The tomb of Caecilia Metella is one of the oldest structures still standing, offering insights that can inspire modern construction.

A curiously cohesive concrete

Located on an ancient Roman road also known as the Appian Way, the tomb of Caecilia Metella is a landmark on the Via Appia Antica. It consists of a rotunda-shaped tower that sits on a square base, in total about 70 feet (21 meters) tall and 100 feet (29 m) in diameter. Built about 30 BCE, at the transformation of the Roman Republic to the Roman Empire, led by Emperor Augustus, in 27 BCE, the tomb is considered one of the best-preserved monuments on the Appian Way.

Caecilia herself was a member of an aristocratic family. She married into the family ofMarcus Crassus, who formed a famous alliance with Julius Caesar and Pompey.

The construction of this very innovative and robust monument and landmark on the Via Appia Antica indicates that she was held in high respect, says Jackson and the concrete fabric 2,050 years later reflects a strong and resilient presence.

The tomb is an example of the refined technologies of concrete construction in late Republican Rome. The technologies were described by the architect Vitruvius while the Tomb of Caecilia Metella was under construction.Building thick walls of coarse brick or volcanic rock aggregate bound with mortar made with lime and volcanic tephra (porous fragments of glass and crystals from explosive eruptions), would result in structures that "over a long passage of time do not fall into ruins."

Vitruvius words are proven true by the many Roman structures standing today, including Trajans Markets (built between 100 and 110 AD, more than a century after the tomb) and marine structures like piers and breakwaters.

What the ancient Romans couldnt have known, though, is how crystals of the mineral leucite, which is rich in potassium, in the volcanic aggregate would dissolve over time to beneficially remodel and reorganize the interface between volcanic aggregates and cementitious binding matrix, improving the cohesion of the concrete.

Focusing on designing modern concretes with constantly reinforcing interfacial zones might provide us with yet another strategy to improve the durability of modern construction materials, says Masic. Doing this through the integration of time-proven Roman wisdom provides a sustainable strategy that could improve the longevity of our modern solutions by orders of magnitude.

Linda Seymour '14, PhD '21, who participated in this study as a PhD student in the Masic lab at MIT, investigated the microstructure of the concrete with scientific tools.

Each of the tools that we used added a clue to the processes in the mortar, Seymour says. Scanning electron microscopy showed the microstructures of mortar building blocks at the micron scale. Energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry showed the elements comprising each of those building blocks. This information allows us to explore different areas in the mortar quickly, and we could pick out building blocks related to our questions, she says. The trick, she adds, is to precisely hit the same building block target with each instrument when that target is only about the width of a hair.

The science behind a uniquely strong substance

In the thick concrete walls of Caecilia Metellas tomb, a mortar that contains volcanic tephra binds large chucks of brick and lava aggregate. It is similar to the mortar used in the Markets of Trajan 120 years later. The glue of the Markets of Trajan mortar consists of a building block called the C-A-S-H binding phase (calcium-aluminum-silicate-hydrate), along with crystals of a mineral called strtlingite.

But the tephra the Romans used for the Caecilia Metella mortar was more abundant in potassium-rich leucite. Centuries of rainwater and groundwater percolating through the tombs walls dissolved the leucite and released the potassium into the mortar. In modern concrete, an abundance of potassium would create expansive gels that would cause microcracking and eventual deterioration of the structure.

In the tomb, however, the potassium dissolved and reconfigured the C-A-S-H binding phase.

The X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy techniques allowed us to explore how the mortar had changed, says Seymour. We saw C-A-S-H domains that were intact after 2,050 years and some that were splitting, wispy, or otherwise different in morphology. X-ray diffraction, in particular, allowed an analysis of the wispy domains down to their atomic structure. We see that the wispy domains are taking on this nano-crystalline nature, she says.

The remodeled domains evidently createrobust components of cohesion in the concrete, says Jackson. In these structures, unlike in the Markets of Trajan, theres little strtlingite formed.

Stefano Roascio, the archaeologist in charge of the tomb, notes that the study has a great deal of relevance to understanding other ancient and historic concrete structures that use Pozzolane Rosse aggregate.

The interface between the aggregates and the mortar of any concrete is fundamental to the structures durability, says Masic. In modern concrete, the alkali-silica reactions that form expansive gels may compromise the interfaces of even the most hardened concrete.

It turns out that the interfacial zones in the ancient Roman concrete of the tomb of Caecilia Metella are constantly evolving through long-term remodeling, Masic says. These remodeling processes reinforce interfacial zones and potentially contribute to improved mechanical performance and resistance to failure of the ancient material.

In addition to Masic, Seymour, and Jackson, additional co-authors of the study include Nobumichi Tamura, senior scientist atLawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. The research is funded, in part, by the U.S. Department of Energy ARPA-e program.

Read the rest here:
2050-year-old Roman tomb offers insights on ancient concrete resilience - MIT News

In Preston Hollow, its all about the architecture, and there are so many styles to explore. From clean-lined contemporaries to Tuscan-inspired homes, there is no end to the treasures you can find in this Dallas neighborhood.

But what really sets the homes apart is the quality of the design and craftsmanship. Preston Hollow has exceptional residences that are built to last with the finest materials, and Allie Beth Allman & Associates holds listings here of the highest caliber.

Constructed by the renowned Sharif Munir, a traditional stunner sitting on just over an acre at 4833 Walnut Hill Lane is available. Doris Jacobs brings the listing, which instantly draws you in with its charming brick exterior. As you step inside the 9,379-square-foot home, the scale unfolds further. From the double-height foyer to the expansive backyard with a pool, there are endless places to make memories.

At 5924 Waggoner Drive, Lillie Young and Erin Young Garrett have a listing you need to see. With a design plucked from Italy, the Mediterranean-style home is made of large-cut Lueders limestone, but contains transitional interiors and bright, open spaces. Along with offering five bedrooms and five full- and one half-baths, the home has a pool, hot tub, wine room and game-theater room to relax in.

For stately style with ample columns, come to 4206 Middleton Road. Stately columns welcome visitors to a 7,022-square-foot residence outfitted for modern living even boasting a garage that is Tesla ready.

Built in 2002, it continues to look toward the future while embracing timeless luxuries, such as a pool and elevator. Bev Berry has the listing.

Cindy Stager is offering a home that takes center stage on an oversized lot. At traditional 6506 Lakehurst Ave., get ready to explore rooms with coffered ceilings, carved fireplaces and dazzling chandeliers. A foodie may get stuck in the chefs kitchen, enamored by its professional-grade appliances.

The wood-paneled study is another highlight, ideal for cozy evenings with great company or a good book.

One of Preston Hollows latest additions, 9646 Douglas Ave., is a vision of serenity.

Set behind gates, the contemporary new construction is a private getaway on a picturesque .65 acres. Whether you are arriving at the sleek porte-cochere, barbecuing on the back patio or entertaining in the open spaces, a feeling of relaxation is palpable throughout. Susan Baldwin and Simone Jeanes share the listing.

Allie Beth Allman & Associates sells more homes priced at $2 million and above than any other brokerage, according to Multiple Listing Service statistics, including homes in premier neighborhoods such as Preston Hollow. To connect with a luxury real estate expert, visit Allie Beth Allman & Associates at alliebeth.com.

Original post:
Quality homes offered in Preston Hollow - The Dallas Morning News

Country

United States of AmericaUS Virgin IslandsUnited States Minor Outlying IslandsCanadaMexico, United Mexican StatesBahamas, Commonwealth of theCuba, Republic ofDominican RepublicHaiti, Republic ofJamaicaAfghanistanAlbania, People's Socialist Republic ofAlgeria, People's Democratic Republic ofAmerican SamoaAndorra, Principality ofAngola, Republic ofAnguillaAntarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S)Antigua and BarbudaArgentina, Argentine RepublicArmeniaArubaAustralia, Commonwealth ofAustria, Republic ofAzerbaijan, Republic ofBahrain, Kingdom ofBangladesh, People's Republic ofBarbadosBelarusBelgium, Kingdom ofBelizeBenin, People's Republic ofBermudaBhutan, Kingdom ofBolivia, Republic ofBosnia and HerzegovinaBotswana, Republic ofBouvet Island (Bouvetoya)Brazil, Federative Republic ofBritish Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago)British Virgin IslandsBrunei DarussalamBulgaria, People's Republic ofBurkina FasoBurundi, Republic ofCambodia, Kingdom ofCameroon, United Republic ofCape Verde, Republic ofCayman IslandsCentral African RepublicChad, Republic ofChile, Republic ofChina, People's Republic ofChristmas IslandCocos (Keeling) IslandsColombia, Republic ofComoros, Union of theCongo, Democratic Republic ofCongo, People's Republic ofCook IslandsCosta Rica, Republic ofCote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of theCyprus, Republic ofCzech RepublicDenmark, Kingdom ofDjibouti, Republic ofDominica, Commonwealth ofEcuador, Republic ofEgypt, Arab Republic ofEl Salvador, Republic ofEquatorial Guinea, Republic ofEritreaEstoniaEthiopiaFaeroe IslandsFalkland Islands (Malvinas)Fiji, Republic of the Fiji IslandsFinland, Republic ofFrance, French RepublicFrench GuianaFrench PolynesiaFrench Southern TerritoriesGabon, Gabonese RepublicGambia, Republic of theGeorgiaGermanyGhana, Republic ofGibraltarGreece, Hellenic RepublicGreenlandGrenadaGuadaloupeGuamGuatemala, Republic ofGuinea, RevolutionaryPeople's Rep'c ofGuinea-Bissau, Republic ofGuyana, Republic ofHeard and McDonald IslandsHoly See (Vatican City State)Honduras, Republic ofHong Kong, Special Administrative Region of ChinaHrvatska (Croatia)Hungary, Hungarian People's RepublicIceland, Republic ofIndia, Republic ofIndonesia, Republic ofIran, Islamic Republic ofIraq, Republic ofIrelandIsrael, State ofItaly, Italian RepublicJapanJordan, Hashemite Kingdom ofKazakhstan, Republic ofKenya, Republic ofKiribati, Republic ofKorea, Democratic People's Republic ofKorea, Republic ofKuwait, State ofKyrgyz RepublicLao People's Democratic RepublicLatviaLebanon, Lebanese RepublicLesotho, Kingdom ofLiberia, Republic ofLibyan Arab JamahiriyaLiechtenstein, Principality ofLithuaniaLuxembourg, Grand Duchy ofMacao, Special Administrative Region of ChinaMacedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic ofMadagascar, Republic ofMalawi, Republic ofMalaysiaMaldives, Republic ofMali, Republic ofMalta, Republic ofMarshall IslandsMartiniqueMauritania, Islamic Republic ofMauritiusMayotteMicronesia, Federated States ofMoldova, Republic ofMonaco, Principality ofMongolia, Mongolian People's RepublicMontserratMorocco, Kingdom ofMozambique, People's Republic ofMyanmarNamibiaNauru, Republic ofNepal, Kingdom ofNetherlands AntillesNetherlands, Kingdom of theNew CaledoniaNew ZealandNicaragua, Republic ofNiger, Republic of theNigeria, Federal Republic ofNiue, Republic ofNorfolk IslandNorthern Mariana IslandsNorway, Kingdom ofOman, Sultanate ofPakistan, Islamic Republic ofPalauPalestinian Territory, OccupiedPanama, Republic ofPapua New GuineaParaguay, Republic ofPeru, Republic ofPhilippines, Republic of thePitcairn IslandPoland, Polish People's RepublicPortugal, Portuguese RepublicPuerto RicoQatar, State ofReunionRomania, Socialist Republic ofRussian FederationRwanda, Rwandese RepublicSamoa, Independent State ofSan Marino, Republic ofSao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic ofSaudi Arabia, Kingdom ofSenegal, Republic ofSerbia and MontenegroSeychelles, Republic ofSierra Leone, Republic ofSingapore, Republic ofSlovakia (Slovak Republic)SloveniaSolomon IslandsSomalia, Somali RepublicSouth Africa, Republic ofSouth Georgia and the South Sandwich IslandsSpain, Spanish StateSri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic ofSt. HelenaSt. Kitts and NevisSt. LuciaSt. Pierre and MiquelonSt. Vincent and the GrenadinesSudan, Democratic Republic of theSuriname, Republic ofSvalbard & Jan Mayen IslandsSwaziland, Kingdom ofSweden, Kingdom ofSwitzerland, Swiss ConfederationSyrian Arab RepublicTaiwan, Province of ChinaTajikistanTanzania, United Republic ofThailand, Kingdom ofTimor-Leste, Democratic Republic ofTogo, Togolese RepublicTokelau (Tokelau Islands)Tonga, Kingdom ofTrinidad and Tobago, Republic ofTunisia, Republic ofTurkey, Republic ofTurkmenistanTurks and Caicos IslandsTuvaluUganda, Republic ofUkraineUnited Arab EmiratesUnited Kingdom of Great Britain & N. IrelandUruguay, Eastern Republic ofUzbekistanVanuatuVenezuela, Bolivarian Republic ofViet Nam, Socialist Republic ofWallis and Futuna IslandsWestern SaharaYemenZambia, Republic ofZimbabwe

More:
Scream theater: Haunted Hill has been scaring guests for 20 years - Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal

Joe Mathews| ZcaloPublicSquare

A snarky reader, noting praise of Californias governor in this space, recently asked: Where do I keep my shrine to Gavin Newsom?

My answer: The same place everyone should the backyard.

My little shrines location honors one of contemporary Californias crazier contradictions. Even as state government regulates more and more of our lives and livelihoods even the straws through which we drink it has fervently deregulated the spaces behind our homes. And Newsom, who has intruded more deeply into our daily realities than his predecessors, also has become, improbably, the liberator of our lots.

Thats the context behind the governors recent signing of SB 9, the California Housing Opportunity and More Efficiency (HOME) Act, which allows most homeowners to build a second home on their lot, or turn their lot into a duplex. The new law follows 2019 legislation that Newsom signed to give homeowners more freedom to build accessory dwelling units (ADUs), or granny flats, in their backyards, and in place of garages.

What turned our technocratic governor into our very own Backyard Bolvar?

The short answer: the housing crisis, including the homelessness surge, has overwhelmed longstanding opposition to housing from environmentalists and NIMBY groups. Building backyard housing is cheaper than other forms of affordable housing (constructing an ADU starts at $100,000; building a new affordable apartment starts at $400,000).

The longer answer involves an irony: even as the California dream long favored homes with large outdoor spaces for living and playing, our local governments outlawed building habitable additions in those outdoor spaces.

Todays backyard liberation sweeps aside longstanding restrictions on such building. But in this shift lies a new irony: freeing homeowners to build in their backyards also threatens the very existence of the backyard.

This is to the good. Sure, some pool parties and barbecues will become things of the past. But its safer for elderly Californians to live in granny flats in their kids urban backyard than in exurban cabins in the path of wildfires. And denser living can be more energy- and water-efficient.

Even more important, this should produce more housing. If one-in-eight California homeowners used their new backyard freedom, wed have more than 1 million additional housing units.

But this new housing wont necessarily make our divided state more equal. Backyard freedom benefits mostly those lucky enough to have backyards. It makes our single-family homes more valuable, since we now have the right to build more. But it also provides openings for financial institutions to buy up homes and gain even more control over the rental market.

As a homeowner, Im one of the potential winners. But I dont have the cash to build my own ADU, and there are as yet no common financing instruments for such projects. When I called the out-of-state firm that holds my mortgage to ask about how to do an ADU, they had no idea what I was talking about. Even if I could borrow the money, I dont have the time or skills to manage such a project.

But it sure would be nice to have rental income to help with the mortgage, especially since journalism is a tenuous profession. An ADU might save money if it could become a home for my elderly relatives.

For now, I mostly enjoy looking at my small backyard and imagining what I might build, if I ever got my act together.

I also like how backyard freedom has put my own small city in its place. A few years ago, a city planning staffer responded with hostility when I asked if I could replace my decrepit garage with a shed. But, just last week, the city sent out a letter offering to legalize any previously unpermitted backyard building, and announcing a new virtual planning desk for anyone with backyard building ambitions.

So, yes, Im not ashamed to say that I put together a small shrine to the governor in my backyard with photos from his 2019 signing of the ADU bills and a copy of his 2014 book, "Citizenville."

Now Id like to add some candles, which Id happily light in gratitude to Newsom and other backyard gods.

Joe Mathews writes the Connecting California column for Zcalo Public Square.

Read more from the original source:
Column: All hail Gavin, God of the backyard - VC Star

Illinois States campus is in a constant state of renewal. One great example of this came last spring when the $44 million revitalization of the Bone Student Center was completed.

Things are no different this fall as work finishes up or continues on several major projects. Here is an update on four of those from David Gill, Illinois States director of Facilities Planning, Design, and Construction.

The long-awaited renovation of the Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts complex is back on track. The University is currently in the redesign phase of the $61.9 million project, which had been in limbo the past decade as the state allocated, withdrew, and eventually released funding for construction.

Plans call for a combination of renovation and new construction that will enhance instructional spaces in the following facilities located on the southeast corner of the Quad: Centennial East and Centennial West, both constructed in 1959; the Center for the Visual Arts (CVA), constructed in 1973; and the Center for the Performing Arts (CPA), completed in 2002. Centennial West will be demolished and replaced with a larger, one-story commons building that will house School of Theatre and Dance studios and administrative offices currently located in the CVA. Additions will be built to the south side of the CVA, to where the glass arts program will be moved, and to the east side of the CPA. Also, the CVA and Centennial East will receive several repairs and improvements.

Construction could begin as early as next year and is expected to take about two years. The first floor of the CVA and Centennial West will be vacated during the project, and the affected academic and staff areas will be temporarily transferred to Julian Hall, Milner Library, and the former Weavers building on North Main Street across from Hancock Stadium.

The new Multicultural Center opened in August in the former Instructional Technology and Development Center at 301 South Main Street. The $4.4 million renovation provides spaces for cultural, community-based student organizations; an event space; three conference rooms; a social justice library; a media room; staff offices; a kitchen; all gender-neutral restrooms; a reflection room; and space for a future podcast room.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony and cultural celebration for the new Multicultural Center is scheduled for October 15. Previously, the 16,200-square-foot building, which dates to 1957, housed the Center for Teaching, Learning, and Technology (CTLT). That unit has been moved to Williams Hall and may eventually be transferred to a more permanent home in Milner Library.

The Mennonite College of Nursings Simulation Lab will triple in size under an $18 million project that will dramatically increase the colleges clinical training facilities and allow it to enroll more students.

The University will demolish a vacant house and apartment building immediately west of the current lab, which opened in 2011 just north of the Bone Student Center parking lot, and build a new two-story facility. The current lab and the new building would be connected by a joint entryway and comprise a combined 30,000 square feet. The University is in the process of hiring an architectural firm for the project, which is estimated to be complete within about three years.

The University has been replacing Julian Halls first-floor parking garage with academic spaces. Three classrooms, two collaboration rooms, and a lobby were added for the cybersecurity program as part of a $6 million project that was finished before the fall semester.

The rest of the garage space is currently being built out to temporarily house areas of the Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts that will be displaced during that colleges major renovation. Julian Hall dates to 1970 and is located on the east side of South School Street across from Moulton and Hovey Halls.

Visit link:
An update on major construction projects at - Illinois State University News

TRUMBULL The town has never been known for its walkability or nightlife, but that could be changing as a number of economic development projects either near completion or the beginning of construction.

The town has seen several new development projects begin construction this year, from the Woodside Trumbull townhouse and apartment complex to Ecco, an eagerly anticipated new restaurant opening soon on Main Street.

Other projects, such as the Residences at Main, located on the Westfield Trumbull mall property, will put future residents within walking distance of shopping and public transit. Disused office space will be converted to senior residences at 48 Monroe Tpke., also with easy pedestrian access to shopping and dining.

Trumbull is also looking into making the area around the Trumbull Center shopping center more pedestrian friendly, and the Board of Education plans to open a student-run bookstore and cafe later this year in the center.

First Selectman Vicki Tesoro and Economic Director Rina Bakalar have touted the economic benefits of these projects, from increased economic activity to additional tax revenue.

Here is a look at some of the projects underway, recently completed or under consideration in town.

The housing development at 5065 Main Street was made possible through a 2018 zoning change. It is expected to include 260 apartments, with one and two bedrooms, to be rented at market rates. According to Garden Homes and Rose Equities, which described them as luxury apartments, the complex will cater to professionals and seniors. The total cost is $60 million and the project is scheduled to break ground on October 15.

But the apartments will also reflect efforts to make the town more walkable, and give it a sense of place. Tesoro said this would make the area more livable instead of residents being forced to drive everywhere. This is becoming a trend nationally as more developers are converting malls to mixed use facilities.

The concept is really a live, work, play concept that most malls are evolving to, Tesoro said.

United Healthcare formerly occupied a sprawling office complex on 48 Monroe Tpke., but vacated the property in 2015. It has been empty ever since.

In 2018, Senior Living Development and Silver Heights Development bought the property, which includes a parking garage. The plan is to convert the property to an independent and assisted living complex known as Rivers Edge.

Because the property was formerly a corporate headquarters, the developers will give the facade more of a residential appearance, adding balconies and a walkway, in addition to interior remodeling.

The site was the subject of a lawsuit attempting to halt construction. But the suit was dismissed in 2020 and the towns Planning and Zoning Commission approved the housing complex plan in September. Construction is on track to start in 2022.

Tesoro said the housing will be a boon to the local economy and provide a healthy source of tax revenue.

The implications for the community are so strong there in order to be able to keep our seniors in town and, allow them to stay here and allow the community to grow around that area, she said. And of course, the tax revenue that will come from that development will be exceptional for every resident in our town.

The complex will cost an estimated $110 million to build.

The first residents are now renting units within the Woodside Trumbull property, located at 100 Woodside Court, even as construction continues. New tenants to Woodside Trumbull can expect to see a club room with a coffee lounge, where they can unwind and mingle with other residents. A pool, fitness room, dog park and co-working space with Wi-Fi are among the other amenities listed on the propertys site.

The complex is about a mile from Trumbull Center.

According to Bakalar, the property is proving to be attractive to renters.

Theres 113 completed and theyre all leased, Bakalar said.

When complete the $40 million development will include 199 housing units.

The Trumbull Center shopping center at Daniels Farm Road and White Plains Road boasts restaurants and other retail businesses. But a new bookstore and coffee shop will combine both, with an educational component to boot.

The school systems ELITE Program teaches students with disabilities and those students will staff a bookstore called Next Chapter Books and More. The stores purpose is to teach the students valuable work and life skills. Not only will they learn how to stock inventory and interact with customers, they will also learn practical skills like how to navigate a crosswalk and use banking services, according to the Director of Pupil Services and Special Education Services Tammy Hartman.

The store will be housed on the second floor above Gioves Pizza. It will source its inventory from donations. The coffee comes from a local gourmet roaster and the baked goods will be prepared off site by Trumbull High Schools culinary program.

The store is expected to open on December 1.

Moorefield was the site of a flower and herb growing operation, but is now undergoing construction to build single family homes. Like Rivers Edge, the property will house seniors but will not be for rent. The property is located on 2157 Huntington Tpke. and was cleared for construction in April.

There will be 10 houses in total on the 5-acre property. According to Ken Martin, a real estate agent, the homes will start at $750,000 and will be age-restricted to 55 and older. The houses will be between 2,800 and 3,000 square feet.

Martin said the property is generating interest from people in Trumbull and across the state and country.

We have people from Colorado that have a deposit. We have a couple from Trumbull. We have a couple from Windsor, Martin said.

The homes are expected to be completed by spring of 2022.

Local gourmets wishing to partake in fine dining are in luck. Ecco, owned by the same local group that operates Molto in Fairfield, among other restaurants, is currently under construction at the Long Hill Market on 6540 Main Street. It will share space with other tenants and while construction was previously expected to wrap up by early summer, the restaurant is now on track for a November opening.

Bakalar said anticipation was building for the opening among people familiar with the other locations.

They had some delays, but theyre working feverishly on it now. The signage went up a few weeks ago, Bakalar said.

Other tenants include a martial arts studio, a salon, and a Dunkin among others. Bakalar said the property is now 85 percent occupied, which is remarkable considering the pandemic is still a factor, she said.

Built in 1756, the property is older than the U.S. Constitution. But it has undergone modern retrofitting and additions over the decades despite the barn being listed as a historic structure.

Located just a few hundred feet from Trumbull Center, the house is being eyed for conversion to single family apartments, but no land use application has been submitted so far, according to Bakalar.

The proposal to convert the structure to apartments was met with backlash by some residents, worried that the conversions would alter the historic nature of the house. Bakalar said that if the development proceeds, it would include 10 apartments.

Original post:
With economic development on the rise in Trumbull, here is a look at some of the top projects - CTPost

"Nobody does it better," sang Carly Simon in the theme to The Spy Who Loved Me, but 007 does get an awful lot of help when it comes to doing it twice as well as everybody else. The best James Bond gadgets are as integral to the spys arsenal as his Walther PPK and a vodka martini (shaken not stirred, obviously), and have become an iconic part of the long-running franchise.

Thanks to the ingenuity of Q and his team of boffins, 007 rarely ventures on a mission without the right kit. From the iconic souped-up Aston Martin DB5 in Goldfinger to a ballpoint pen hand grenade in GoldenEye, the best Bond gadgets have helped MI6s most famous agent out of a tight spot on numerous occasions. Hes also faced a few challenges of his own when his enemies have got their hands on gear to rival his own.

As time has gone by, some of the Bond tech that once felt like sci-fi (the fingerprint scanners in Diamonds are Forever, the wristwatch communicator in For Your Eyes Only) have become reality. Other examples such as the infamous invisible car in Die Another Day are as memorable for their silliness as their ingenuity.

In this compilation of the best James Bond gadgets, weve picked out 30 of the most iconic pieces of tech from the last 59 years of espionage. Do pay attention

Daniel Craigs Bond would stick out like a sore thumb if he carried a briefcase, but back in the 60s, they were an essential part of any businessmans attire. Which is why Q reinvents one as a stylish box of tricks containing a rifle, ammunition, a throwing knife, a tear gas canister masquerading as talcum powder, and bizarrely 50 gold sovereigns. This Bond gadget can also be used to carry important documents.

007s second big-screen outing introduced one of the best James Bond gadgets. A former Soviet spy chief who defected to become Blofelds No 3 at Spectre, Rosa Klebb has an extremely useful weapon when she needs a little extra kick. Her otherwise sensible shoes contain a retractable spike tipped with poison, fatal to anyone unfortunate enough to come into contact with her lethal right foot. Much imitated in other movies, the footwear also made a brief cameo in the 40th-anniversary movie Die Another Day.

One of the most low-fi entries in this list of the best James Bond gadgets, this is little more than a fake seagull, worn as camouflage headwear for an underwater approach to a villains lair. Bond dispenses with the stuffed bird as soon as he makes landfall, but the idea leaves such an impression that he deploys an updated version (a crocodile submarine) in Octopussy. It should also be noted that, even when worn under diving gear, Bonds dinner jacket maintains its straight-from-the-dry-cleaners look.

James Bond has always had impeccable taste in cars. While most motorists would be more than happy with the style and sophistication of an Aston Martin DB5, however, the 007 edition comes with more than usual under the bonnet. Key selling points include rotating number plates ("naturally"), oil and smoke emitters, machine guns, tyre shredders and best of all an ejector seat which comes in extremely handy in the event of unwanted passengers. Still the definitive 007 vehicle 57 years on, theres a reason Bond pulled it out of storage when he played bodyguard to M in Skyfall.

Whenever you need to make a rooftop getaway, its helpful if youve already stashed a jetpack in preparation for your escape. With hired goons in pursuit, Bond calmly straps on his rocket-propelled apparatus, and blasts off to meet the car thats waiting for him on the street outside. Most impressively of all, 007 finds time to put on a helmet before take-off safety first, and all that.

Over the last 59 years, James Bond has taken a spin in more vehicles than a Top Gear presenter, but few have been as unconventional as Little Nellie. A modified version of an autogyro created by former RAF pilot Ken Wallis though were pretty sure he didnt arm his with flame-throwers and aerial mines this helicopter-like craft is remarkably maneuverable after its been assembled from kit form. That said, wed question the wisdom of using it on a surveillance mission, seeing as its INCREDIBLY LOUD. Top trivia: Little Nellie was apparently named after music hall star Nellie Wallace.

James Bond has never been much of an advocate for giving up tobacco as late as 2002s Die Another Day, he can be seen puffing away on a cigar. But You Only Live Twice contains a powerful metaphor about the dangers of smoking, as Bond captive in Blofelds volcano lair uses the miniature rocket launcher hidden in his cigarette to bump off a Spectre agent. Cigarettes kill, in the most literal way possible.

Q had clearly been watching a lot of Tom and Jerry cartoons when he thought up this Bond gadget. The officious henchman who attempts to frisk 007 for weapons never counted on finding a mousetrap-like device in the agents sports jacket, and recoils in pain when it snaps shut on his fingers. The simple ones are sometimes the best though this particular piece of kit feels like an accident waiting to happen for its owner.

James Bond must be a very punctual guy, seeing as hes rarely seen without a state-of-the-art watch strapped to his wrist. For 007, its never just about keeping time, however, as he tends to insist on his timepieces having more extras than an Apple Watch. His Live and Let Die Rolex Submariner boasts both a powerful electromagnet (handy for deflecting your bosss cutlery) and a very sharp circular saw. Also worthy of a mention: Bonds digital watch in The Spy Who Loved Me received text messages which it printed out on paper decades before SMS became standard.

Theres no point being a high-class assassin famed for killing your targets with golden bullets if you cant get your weapon of choice through customs. Francisco Scaramanga has an ingenious solution, however, as his gun can be quickly disassembled into a matching cigarette case, lighter, and pen he clearly decided that "The Man with the Golden Pen" didnt carry quite the same cachet.

If we needed confirmation that Scaramanga is every bit Bonds equal, we get it in his passion for high-tech gadgets. While his choice of car now feels remarkably dated that shade of brown is so 1970s the addition of attachable wings and a jet engine is ingenious. They allow the assassin and his trusted aide, Nick Nack, to make a hasty aerial escape, though you have to feel for trapped British agent Mary Goodnight when she opens the cars trunk and realizes shes cruising at several thousand feet.

Not impressed by the standard land-only Lotus Espirit? The model James Bond drives in The Spy who Loved Me comes properly into its own once youve driven it off a pier. Theres no need to panic as you sink to the bottom of the sea, because the flick of a button transforms your vehicle into a submarine, bringing a huge variety of ocean life directly to your windscreen. The car also comes with a missile launcher, in case youre having bother from villains in helicopters.

Back in the days before everybody carried a smartphone in their pocket, a camera was an essential part of any respectable spys toolbox Q took great pride in showing 007 a waterproof model in Thunderball, while the tiny ring-based camera in A View To Kill is particularly impressive. But Q may have surpassed himself with the miniature device Bond uses in Moonraker. Its not that it does anything particularly special its more that it features a clever 007 design, with the lens doubling up as the second zero. Its terrible for going incognito, of course, but it looks fantastic.

Nothing characterizes the canal streets of Venice quite like a gondola, but theyre notoriously terrible when it comes to getting around on land. Theres no such problem for 007, however, whose souped-up boat not only comes with an engine, it also converts into a hovercraft should you ever want to take a close-up look at St Marks Square. Unfortunately, its vast length makes it rather cumbersome to maneuver, and it looks so ridiculous that even a pigeon does a double-take.

Its not great for perennial t-shirt wearers, admittedly, but for anyone fonder of the suited look, 007s concealed wrist-mounted dart guns are an essential addition to the arsenal. Possibly the best thing about these projectile weapons is that theres no faffing around with complex trigger mechanisms nerve impulses in the wrists are enough to fire a dart (armor-piercing and cyanide-tipped versions are available) in your victims direction.

Theres nothing particularly remarkable about the one-seater escape jet 007 flies in Octopussy, aside from the fact its wings fold up. Significantly worthier of comment is the fact its housed in a horsebox, behind a prosthetic animal backside so fake that everyone on the military base who failed to spot it deserves to lose their job.

The ability to open an impressive 90% of the worlds locks isnt the most interesting thing about 007s keychain in The Living Daylights. Much more than a souvenir from a trip from one of Bonds favorite tourist attractions, this sound-activated device releases a potent stun gas whenever he whistles the first five bars of Rule Britannia. A wolf-whistle can prove even more dangerous, unleashing a powerful plastic explosive.

It may not share the elegant lines of its famous predecessor, the Aston Martin DB5, but the V8 Volante still comes equipped with some of the best optional extras on the market. The laser cutters are a neat update of the tire slashers from Goldfinger, while the skis and rocket-booster are ideal additions for any vehicle likely to be called into action on ice. The car also boasts ample space for a cello, and a self-destruct system to keep it off the second-hand market.

Lasers have a long history in Bond movies, from Auric Goldfingers famous "I expect you to die" torture device, to the space weapons used in Moonraker. But the Polaroid camera from Licence to Kill has to be up there with the Q Branchs finest, thanks to its user-friendly point-and-kill mechanism. Its also part of a long line of the best Bond gadgets with the ability to take x-ray photos.

Austin Powers famously used dental products against one of Dr. Evils minions, but it was Bond who got there first. When Q helps out the gone-rogue 007 in Licence to Kill, his assortment of goodies includes a tube of Dentonite, a brand of toothpaste that should come with a government health warning, because its actually a highly effective plastic explosive. Turns out its tough on plaque and pretty much everything else.

"Im familiar with that device," Bond assures Q during the first briefing of Pierce Brosnans tenure, but theres more to this leather belt than initially meets the eye. Its equipped with a 75-foot repelling cord built into the buckle, with a piton to hook on to convenient sections of masonry. Its only calibrated for one user, but you can guarantee 007 will find a way to bring along a friend.

If ever a franchise has worked to prove the pen is literally mightier than the sword, its Bond. Q had already issued an acid-squirting writing implement in Octopussy, but its the ballpoint pen 007 uses in GoldenEye that earns a place in our compilation of the best James Bond gadgets. Three clicks arms the four-second fuse, another three deactivates it which is fine if youre paying attention, not so good if you spend your time absent-mindedly fiddling with your pen. As invincible Boris (Alan Cumming) almost finds to his cost.

Many of us were still getting used to the idea of having a cellphone in our pockets when Bond used his prototype Ericsson device to turn his modified BMW 750iL into a full-size remote-control car. Using an early touchpad and LCD screen, Bond proves remarkably adept at driving his big toy around a multi-story car park he even gets a chance to try out additional features such as missile launchers, self-inflating tires, and a conveniently placed wire-cutter. Were still not sure if he got his deposit back from the hire company.

Even the most serious piste enthusiasts would think twice about taking an Alpine holiday with 007 every time he clips on his skis, Bond tends to get chased by armies of angry guys with guns (see also On Her Majestys Secret Service, The Spy Who Loved Me and A View to a Kill). Thats probably why he comes prepared in The World is Not Enough, wearing a ski jacket that creates a protective inflatable shell for you (and a friend) in the event of an avalanche.

One of the most widely mocked elements of a widely mocked movie, the Aston Martin V12 Vanquish from Die Another Day is possibly the silliest addition to Bonds impressive garage of supercars. That it comes with an ejector seat and enough firepower to take out a small army is just half the story. Thanks to its adaptive camouflage "Tiny cameras on all sides project the image they see onto a light-emitting polymer skin on the opposite side," explains Q its effectively invisible. Nobody saw that one coming.

After the ridiculous excess of Die Another Day, the back-to-basics Casino Royale dispensed with most of the gadgets that are usually standard issue in MI6. One exception, however, is the medkit/defibrillator combo located in the glovebox of Bonds Aston Martin DBS V12. It may not be the most memorable hardware in his arsenal, but few others can match its ability to bring a spy back to life though someone really ought to take a look at its faulty wiring.

Personal safety isnt always among 007s priorities, but one of the Walther PPK pistols he uses in Skyfall comes with a special feature that would surely be of interest to anyone who works in the espionage game. The gun is programmed to recognize Bonds palm print, and wont fire if anyone else tries to use it which has to be a big weight off your mind when youre in a scrap with an evil henchperson. The tech is an update of a personalized rifle Bond uses in Licence to Kill.

Trackers have been a staple in Bond movies since the early days, but in Spectre, the latest head of Q Branch tops all his predecessors when it comes to subtlety. And why give 007 a device he could easily lose when you can inject him with thousands of minuscule nanomachines that can give you an update on Bonds GPS coordinates in an instant? This "smart blood" can also track blood alcohol levels, so M will always know when Bond has had a heavy night on the vodka martinis.

These exclusive pieces of jewelry do much more than simply signify your membership of Ernst Stavro Blofelds exclusive criminal club. Rather subtler than the signet rings beloved of the likes of Emilio Largo in the 60s, the fashionable bands feature a neat octopus motif, and most impressive are sophisticated storage devices containing top secret information about the dodgy organization. They are, sadly, not USB compatible.

Many of the best James Bond gadgets never make it out into the field. Instead, they make cameos in the background, as an exasperated Q struggles to make 007 pay attention during his regular briefing sessions. Highlights include a plaster cast missile (GoldenEye), a man-eating sofa (The Living Daylights), a bagpipe flamethrower (The World is Not Enough), an umbrella that engulfs your head (For Your Eyes Only), and a rocket-launching stereo system (The Living Daylights). Most of them look like they were conceived during a Q Branch all-nighter at the pub.

Now you're caught up with all the best Bond gadgets, check out our ranking of all thebest Bond movies no doubt we will all be arguing in the comments section. We also have pieces on the most iconic James Bond moments and the best James Bond villains.

Excerpt from:
The 30 best James Bond gadgets: essential pieces of kit from 007s adventures - GamesRadar+