Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

Work is wrapping up on the exterior of One South First, aka Ten Grand Street, a435-foot-tall mixed-use building in WilliamsburgsDomino Park development.Formally addressed as260 Kent Avenue, the structure rises 45 stories on the northern end of the six-acre waterfront master plan and is part of the revitalization of the Domino Sugar factory site. The project includes 330 rentals, 66 affordable units, 150,000 square feet of office space that spans 22 floors, and 13,000 square feet of designated ground-floor retail space. COOKFOX is the architect and Two Trees is the developer of the two-legged tower.

One South First, photo by Michael Young

One South First, photo by Michael Young

One South First, photo by Michael Young

One South First, photo by Michael Young

One South First, photo by Michael Young

One South First, photo by Michael Young

One South First, photo by Michael Young

One South First, photo by Michael Young

Photos show the exterior hoist completely removed with only a small strip of panels left to be filled in on the northwestern corner of the superstructure. Truck beds are delivering the last pieces while work on the ground floor also wraps up. A large banner on the main waterfront-facing elevation shows that leasing at One South First is available.

One South First, photo by Michael Young

One South First, photo by Michael Young

Photo by Michael Young

To the south of the building stands a 53-foot-tall display composed of 16 blue shipping containers arranged in a triangular footprint. The work features a mural by French street artist and photographer JR showing 1,128 New Yorkers merged into a collage of landmarks including One World Trade Center, the Empire State Building, and the Williamsburg Bridge. Named The Chronicles of New York City, the display sits on the footprint of a proposed Domino Park skyscraper. No word has been released on when the next structures will commence construction.

JRs outdoor art display next to One South First, photo by Michael Young

JRs outdoor art display next to One South First, photo by Michael Young

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Exterior Work Wraps on COOKFOX's One South First in Williamsburg, Brooklyn - New York YIMBY

Exterior work is moving along on 329 Broadway, a 17-story mixed-use building in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.Designed bySyndicate Architectureand developed byParkview Management, the 195-foot-tall reinforced concrete structure spans 175,000 square feet and will contain 63 units, more than 59,000 square feet of retail area on the first two floors, and around 24,500 square feet of community facilities on the third and fourth floors. JLJ Capital recently provided $57 million in financing for the project.

Recent photos show the degree to which construction has progressed since YIMBYs September update. The curved outside of the superstructure has been covered in thick black netting and scaffolding, except for the southeastern elevation, as seen in the first photograph. Most of the framing for the perimeter walls is up, but the final curtain wall panels have yet to be fully installed. The main rendering shows the windows surrounded by what appears to be either stone or metal.

329 Broadway (left), photo by Michael Young

Work is proceeding carefully to avoid damage to the adjacent St. Pauls Evangelical Lutheran Church, which sits at the corner of Rodney Street and South Fifth Avenue.

329 Broadway, photo by Michael Young

329 Broadway, photo by Michael Young

329 Broadway, photo by Michael Young

329 Broadway, photo by Michael Young

329 Broadway is one of several new structures that have sprung up along the raised subway lines feeding into the Williamsburg Bridge. Residents will have views facing the bridge and sunsets behind the Manhattan skyline. The relative prominence and isolated position of the edifice will allow a substantial amount of natural light on all sides. Residences begin on the sixth floor and are arranged in a pinwheel pattern, with the elevator core and egress stairs placed in the center along the flat southeastern elevation. The development will also feature 18,000 square feet of private outdoor space, as well as cellar parking for 109 vehicles and storage.

The closest subway station is the elevated platform at Marcy Avenue, which serves the J, M, and Z trains.

A completion date for 329 Broadway has not been announced, though sometime in the second half of 2020 is conceivable.

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Exterior Work Progresses on 329 Broadway in Williamsburg, Brooklyn - New York YIMBY

The developer of a major project taking over a prominent waterfront spot in downtown Charleston unveiled the name for the property as it broke ground Thursday.

The site, which for decades was the location of the State Ports Authority headquarters, is being converted into a full-service luxury lodging with street-level retail, dining, meeting and event space.

Though the project was introduced at the same time Charleston's mayor was cautioning against rapid hotel development on the peninsula, it was met little resistance and ultimately became an undertaking that deeply involved the city.

That's largely because of a 400-foot stretch of public waterfront access that the developer, Los Angeles-based Lowe, has promised to fund to create an extension of the adjacent Waterfront Park.

Up until now, the project was referred to as the "Waterfront Hotel." But at Thursday's groundbreaking, Lowe revealed that the hotel will be called The Cooper, named for the river that its 225 guest rooms, rooftop lounge and lawn will overlook.

Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg speaks before Lowe, a real estate company that is based in Los Angeles, broke ground on a hotel that will have 225 guest rooms, retail spaces, rooftop bar and lawn that will be known as The Cooper. The project also includes an expansion of the citys Waterfront Park. The hotel is being built on the site of the former South Carolina State Ports Authority headquarters. Brad Nettles/Staff

The occasion drew state and local leaders, including Gov. Henry McMaster and former and current Charleston mayors, Joe Riley and John Tecklenburg, to the Concord Street site Thursday.

During Riley's 40-year tenure as mayor, increasing public access to the peninsula's waterfront was one of his prized goals. That led to the opening of Waterfront Park nearly 30 years ago.

The waterfront "belongs" to a city's citizens, Riley said Thursday.

Between the groundbreaking of The Cooper and the now-rising International African American Museum, which will feature a publicly accessible landscaped area next to the Charleston Maritime Center, the city is "two giant steps closer to the fulfillment" of that vision, Explore Charleston CEO Helen Hill said Thursday.

Lowe first presented plans for the hotel to the city about four years ago, shortly after Tecklenburg was elected to his first term.

Reining in hotel development was one of the pillars of Tecklenburg's campaign platform, which likely gave the Lowe team pause, the mayor recalled at the groundbreaking.

Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg (left) and South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster heat their hands up after a groundbreaking for the new hotel The Cooper. Lowe, a real estate company that is based in Los Angeles, broke ground on a hotel that will have 225 guest rooms, retail spaces, rooftop bar and lawn. The project also includes an expansion of the citys Waterfront Park. The hotel is being built on the site of the former South Carolina State Ports Authority headquarters. Brad Nettles/Staff

But when Tecklenburg learned that the project included an extension of public waterfront access on the harbor and that Lowe was going to pay for it he was on board.

Tecklenburg said the project helped to inform what he asks other developers who are trying to build hotels in Charleston.

"What is the public purpose?" he said he asks.

Dan Battista, Lowe's vice president for development in Charleston, said he's had his eye on that stretch of waterfront since he first came to Charleston about 15 years ago.

Battista acknowledged making frequent calls to State Ports Authority CEO Jim Newsome about the property. The agency had housed its headquarters in a large brick building on the site since the early 1970s.

Lowe bought the parcel from the maritime agency in 2017 for $38 million, still one of the top real estate sales on the peninsula. Last year, the SPA moved to its new building at its Wando Welch Terminal in Mount Pleasant, prompting the demolition of the offices and clearing the way for Lowe's hotel.

Rob Lowe, a co-chief executive officer for the California developer, said Thursday that he anticipates The Cooper will be "among (the) company's greatest achievements."

Lowe has had a significant stake in the Charleston area for decades. It has owned Wild Dunes Resort on the Isle of Palms for 30 years.

The company has updated and expanded the resort in the years since, and is currently adding a 153-room hotel to the property.

And Lowe's investment in the Lowcountry is growing. During the groundbreaking, the firm announced that the company will establish a Southeast regional office in Charleston, led by Battista, to support current and future projects in the Lowcountry.

Rob Lowe speaks at the groundbreaking of The Cooper Hotel Thursday, Feb. 20, 2020. The 225 room waterfront hotel is being Built on the site of the former South Carolina State Ports Authority headquarters. Brad Nettles/ Staff

Lowe expects to open The Cooper in 2022.

Matt Walker, who heads hospitality and resort development for the company, said that, except for the name, plans for the hotel are "almost entirely intact" from what they were four years ago.

The outdoor pool, elevated on an outdoor terrace, will have an infinity edge. A dedicated public elevator will be available to take visitors up from the park to the rooftop lounge, which will have views of the harbor from six stories up.

Lowe is also building a new dock and marina facility where boaters can park their vessels during the day while they visit the hotel for shopping or dining.

As for the food and beverage program, Walker said he couldn't divulge details yet.

"All I can say is, it's going to be great," he said.

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Hotel that broke ground this week will extend Waterfront Park in downtown Charleston - Charleston Post Courier

The Bank Building at 699 14th St. NW integrates an 11-story office tower and the renovated Federal-American National Bank.

A venerable bank building just blocks from the White House is shaping up to become a trophy office asset with an eye-popping set of rooftop balconies and a lobby that will play host to multiple restaurants.

Built in 1926, the former Federal-American National Bank branch has stood vacant on the corner of 14th Street and G Street for almost 25 years. But a plan to renovate the building and to integrate it with a new, 11-story office on a neighboring lot is finally coming to fruition.

The Bank Building, at699 14th St. NW,developed byLincoln Property Co. and owned byCara Real Estate, will rise on what is one of the last pockets of undeveloped land in downtown Washington, D.C.

We felt we had an opportunity to tie together the old and the new, said Adam Biberaj, senior vice president of the D.C. leasing team for Lincoln. We wanted to restore as much as possible and incorporate the historic structure with the ground-up development, making sure to maintain their connectivity.

The new portion of the building will offer 125K SF ofClass-A officespace over11floors. Biberaj said the area is popular with law firms, private equity firms and government affairs firms, all of which appreciate the proximity to bothCapitol Hilland the West Wing, not to mention the property'sone-block walk toMetro Center, where four transit lines converge.

While no leases have yet been executed, Lincoln has been in talks with several potential tenants interested in both partial and full-building uses. The firm is still receiving proposals, and with the building set to deliver in March 2021, Biberaj expects the company to announce the future tenant or tenants this summer.

Unlike many assets in downtown Washington, 699 14th offers floor-to-ceiling windows.

Renovations inside the former bank portion of the building are ongoing, but construction on the new building has just reached the ground level. Because it is being built from the ground up, Biberaj said, The Bank Building offers what many repositioned buildings in D.C. cant, such as 10-foot floor-to-ceiling windows, private balconies on every floor, and private and shared terraces atop both the former bank and the new building.

Were seeing record-low unemployment, and many firms are turning to their real estate to attract and retain the best talent, Biberaj said. But with so much new office space being delivered across D.C., we knew we had to go above and beyond in order to deliver the best tenant experience possible.

The Bank Building boasts a shared rooftop terrace on the 11th floor, as well as private tenant terraces on the fifth and 10th floors.

Lincolnsoriginal planwas to turn the five-story bank structure into a plush lobby for the building behind, complete with retail offerings. However, the owners now have proposals out to multiple restaurant groups interested in turning the banks original floor and the vault below into eateries, according to Lincoln Property Co. Senior Vice President Merrill Turnbull. Including the galleries above the two-floor atrium, the former bank building will offer 40K SF of retail space.

No retailers or restaurateurs have been chosen, but several Michelin-starred chefs arereportedlyin the mix to take over the space. Turnbull said the design team has tried to make the best possible use of the space, including turning vaults on the lower level into private dining areas and crafting installation pieces out of found objects like the original safety deposit boxes.

The renovated second-floor interior is being considered as a location for multiple restaurant concepts.

This is not just the coffee and breakfast caf that you might have on the first floor of another building, Turnbull said. We wanted to create a variety of options, from the everyday lunch to the business account lunch to the private dinner.

He added that he sees the retail and dining options as integrated amenities just as crucial to tenants as the buildings fitness center, penthouse conference center and bike room. The projects designers and architects have planned the layout so that office tenants can move seamlessly from their brand-new suites to the historic building next door.

A private dining room built into the bank's former vault.

Biberaj said it has beengratifying to see a Washington landmark get a new lease on life. The banks limestone facade is in the process of being restored, which is brightening its exterior aspect and curb appeal. Inside, teams are restoring the tiled floor and plaster ceiling of the banking hall to their former glory, and the contractors have resuscitated a massive chandelier that remains in the banks main hall.

This property has always been a hole in the fabric of one of the most dynamic markets in Washington, Biberaj said. Now the building is going to be Washingtonssignature creative trophy office destination, and I believe its really going to invigorate the whole area.

This feature was produced in collaboration between the Bisnow Branded Content Studio and699 14th St. NW. Bisnow news staff was not involved in the production of this content.

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Rooftop Terraces And Michelin Stars: A 100-Year-Old DC Bank Gets A Modern Twist - Bisnow

Published 11:00pm CST, Saturday, February 22, 2020

The entire crew at Amstill Roofing commits to supporting HomeAid and their non-profit homeless care agencies who need roof repairs at no cost to the charites.

The entire crew at Amstill Roofing commits to supporting HomeAid and their non-profit homeless care agencies who need roof repairs at no cost to the charites.

The entire crew at Amstill Roofing commits to supporting HomeAid and their non-profit homeless care agencies who need roof repairs at no cost to the charites.

The entire crew at Amstill Roofing commits to supporting HomeAid and their non-profit homeless care agencies who need roof repairs at no cost to the charites.

Amstill Roofing commits to roof repairs for HomeAid nonprofits

Amstill Roofing, a family owned residential re-roofing and roof repair company has committed their services to HomeAid Houston. Amstill has offered to replace up to five roofs for HomeAids homeless care agencies within their service area. These agencies experience damage and wear and tear just like residential homeowners. The agencies can call Amstill at any time to perform a weather integrity evaluation of the roof. If the roof was damaged by natural means, they will assist the non-profit in filing a claim. Amstill will provide all the resources necessary to make sure that the property can be restored correctly. If the roof has met the end of its life cycle, Amstill will replace up to two of these a year at no cost.

Sam Stilley, the companys second generation owner has taken a personal interest to make sure that HomeAid and our agency partners are not burdened with costly repairs and replacement costs to restore these properties correctly when the time comes, said Jim Muska, president of HomeAid Houston. HomeAid and our agencies are grateful for this commitment, and are honored they want to partner with us to give back to a community that has served them well for nearly 50 years.

Amstill Roofing was started by Frank Stilley in 1974. He and his son Sam have built Amstill Roofing into one of the largest residential re-roofing and roof repair companies in the area, taking care of thousands of homeowners needs.

We believe our success for our staff and our company is directly due to our local communities, said Sam Stilley. Its hard enough living in a world where there are not enough people that wish to do good for others. We are proud to reach out to non-profits that could use assistance. The last thing we want them to worry about is a leaking roof over their heads when they have so many other things on their plate. We are looking forward to working with HomeAid and their agencies when the need arises.

Amstill has already provided services to one of HomeAids newest nonprofit partners, VitaLiving, with a roof in 2020 that was damaged in a storm. VitaLiving is a 37-year-old nonprofit that provides long-term comprehensive care and support for adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Our company has been blessed by so many people whom have chosen us to do their roofing work and we believe in passing that blessing on, added Stilley. We are honored to be a partner in the process of making Houston an even better community.

HomeAid was established in 2003 to work with Houston homeless care providers to build and renovate shelters that transform lives. Since 2003, HomeAid Houston has completed 54 projects that added more than $14 million in real estate to Houstons homeless community.

For more information on HomeAid Houston visit http://www.homeaidhouston.org or call 281-970-8970

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Amstill Roofing commits to roof repairs for HomeAid nonprofits - Chron.com

ZANESVILLE, Ohio Hearth, Home and Away closed its doors on another year at the Colony Square Mall.

At the event was an Columbus founded roofing company. Mathew Mahone for Roof Maxx says the product is the first of its kind.

Roof Maxx is the worlds first all natural roof rejuvenating treatment. Its the first of its kind option aside from roof replacement. The product was actually founded by Mike and Todd Feezle from Feezle Roofing in Columbus, Ohio. So it is a locally funded product. It supports local farmers. It is a USDA bio-preferred product and has been researched by the Ohio State University who has released a research study on it showing Roof Maxx does exactly what it says it does.

The treatment is a spray made of soybean oil. The oil restores the flexibility of a shingle which will extend its roof life by at least five years.

Most people havent really planned on replacing their roofs. They havent saved up the money. Roof Maxx is about 80% less than a roof replacement and can get you at least five years. And you can do three treatments and get up to another 15 out of most roofs.

Mahone says the oil does not include the allergen found in soybeans.

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Hearth, Home and Away showcases Columbus business - WHIZ

After 18 long months of work, the Buena Vista Historic Preservation Commission has reached the stage where it shared some of its findings with Buena Vista Trustees during a Feb. 11 work session. But the work is not done; the commission will incorporate Trustees edits for re-release by March 20, for public review and comment during an open public meeting. It hopes to deliver the formal draft recommendation document by early April 2020.

The historic roof lines and cupola of the Buena Vista Museum recently went through a historic restoration, returning the cupola to its original appearance. (Photo by Jan Wondra)

The commission was formed in 2018, because of the towns interest in preservation and desire for real guidelines to fulfill the mandate of the Buena Vista Comprehensive Plan.

The goal: to maintain the architectural heritage of the community, protecting sightlines and the integrity of both historic structures, as well as the historic character of the main downtown area.

The process, begun in Sept. 2018 by commission leader Dan Cartwright, has been extensive and transparent. There have been four public hearing sessions, social media and email interaction from the public and input from Main Street property owners.

The boundaries of the historic area covered by the proposed guidelines are East Main, from U.S. 24 to the intersection with South Main, and one block north of Main to include the alleyways. The area roughly overlays the old town zone. The thinking here was to start small, protect the key assets, and protect the old town before going bigger, explain the commission members.

The document presented during the work session compared the proposed architectural design guidelines for the downtown area, against the unified development code (MU-MS). The draft recommendations from the Historic Preservation Commission:

Among the topics during the hour-long discussion, was a healthy debate over building heights of new construction on Main Street. Some members of the public advocated for more height, and others made the case to follow the commissions recommendation to limit building heights for new construction to 30 feet. The rationale for that recommendation; it minimizes the difference between the historic one-story structures along the street, such as the Lobeck Bakery, and new buildings taller than two stories.

Those advocating for at least 35 ft. building heights (with a few asking for a maximum of 40 ft. for front-facing parapets) said that limiting new construction to 30 ft. buildings do not make economic sense for property owners. They pointed out that at that height, it was difficult to place a second-story apartment or condo unit above a retail space, which is important to the business decision to build in the first place.

Proponents of the draft guidelines talk about mass and scale describing it as the human scale of buildings. They raise the feeling of walking down East Main and getting a sense of welcome. Commission members say they have studied building heights in 20 historic municipalities across the state and the scale averages about one and one-half stories tall.

Historically, Buena Vistas building heights on Main Street have been limited to preserve sightlines to the majestic mountains to the west, as well as not to overwhelm the rooflines and cupola of the Buena Vista Museum, which began life as the Chaffee County Courthouse.

At present, say, commission members, the only local landmark buildings on East Main that are protected on historic registries are the old Jail House and Town Hall, the Court House and the old Mothers Building. The only structure that is 100 percent protected is the Jail House.

The Historic Preservation Commission points out that the guidelines concerning existing landmarks intend to provide information to those property owners about accepted best practices, to help preserve their historic asset and its value. The guidelines are not at this time perceived to be mandatory.

Following feedback during the work session with Buena Vista Trustees, the commission is incorporating their comments and plans to have a draft recommendation ready by March 20. At that point, it will be released to the public, and a public meeting and comment period will begin.

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Buena Vista Historic Preservation Commission Presents Draft Protection Guidelines for East Main St. 'Historic Oldtown' Area - by Jan Wondra - The Ark...

Look up basement in the dictionary and youll see cellar, vault even crypt. But with a little effort and some design flair you can make your basement come alive and reclaim valuable living space.

Create the workout room you always wanted. A dramatic home theater. Or a spacious office, playroom or craft area. If you can re-imagine your basement, you can remodel it. Here are hints on how:

Like the look of wood? Check out Armstrong WoodHaven Ceiling Planks. Theyre available in a variety of finishes, although WoodHaven Classic White planks is the do-it-yourself favorite. These wood-look ceiling planks can install over drywall, plaster or joists and can even cover an existing drop ceiling grid.

Creating a playroom or cozy retreat? If moisture isnt a worry, add warmth and softness underfoot with carpeting or an area rug.

If your subfloor is smooth and even, vinyl is hard to beat. Whether in tile, sheet or plank form, the styles are versatile and the material is water-resistant or waterproof.

If youre adding a basement gym, consider rubber interlocking tiles. They absorb shock and you can install them yourself.

Youll discover abundant wall-covering options, too, such as wainscoting, paneling and beadboard. Subtle grass cloth wallpapers add sophistication. Peel-and-stick cork wall tiles create design interest and absorb sound.

Whatever your choice, be sure to waterproof the walls before you cover them.

Display cubes or built-in shelving with lighting are great options for showing off your trophies, baskets, pottery or collectibles. For color and warmth, mix and match a variety of pillows and plush throws.

To personalize your walls, without making a permanent design commitment, consider wall decals. Their elegant patterns and bold images add instant interest. You can even make your mark with an inspiring, oversized quote.

Use every type of lighting general, task and accent to bring your basement out of the shadows. Mirrors are another great way to add light, and the illusion of space.

DIYers have never had more versatile design tools and materials to choose from. So dont let your lower level go unloved and unused any longer. Let the transformation begin.

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Create the workout room you always wanted | Home - Reading Eagle

Dear Ken: For the first time last year, we had fleas at our house. Even our dog got them. Naturally, I dont want them again this year. I suspect they are coming from rabbits living under our deck. Any relief for this? Janet

Answer: I think there is a possible connection between wild rabbits and a flea infestation. And yes, if your dog lies around on the deck hell become a home for them also.

There seem to be a lot of more rabbits around, dont there? Apparently its at least partially due to the decline of the fox population from mange. Theres really no effective way to trap rabbits; you can only discourage them. Coyote urine spray is one deterrent. But I like the commercial repellents better. The Bonide company makes Repels All Spray (full disclosure, they advertise with me). I have used it with great success to keep the deer away from my perennial flower garden, but I know it also works for rabbits and other critters, plus it lasts about a month.

But of course your first line of defense is to put lattice, chicken wire or some other barricade around the edges of your deck to discourage nesting rabbits. One good resource that can help you with this is the Colorado State Extension Service at extension.colostate.edu

Dear Ken: Is there a building code regarding the distance of a microwave mounted over a cooktop? I have heard there is a manufacturers recommendation and am wondering if there is a code requirement. Bill

Answer: Usually the appliance companies specify that the top of the microwave be no lower than 66 inches off the floor. That gives a fixed distance between the cooktop and the bottom of the microwave, since ranges are all at the same countertop height.

The building code authorities almost always defer to the manufacturers recommendations. So thats what I would do. Besides, if you violate that separation distance, youre going to void the warranty on your new microwave.

Dear Ken: Id like to paint over my old, dark paneling somehow. Youve mentioned a primer and sealer before. What are the steps? Jackie

Answer: Old paneling can, indeed, be painted. But itll end up looking like guess what? painted paneling. The grooves and fake distress marks will show through with a vengeance. And if you try to remove the sheets, youll probably damage the underlying drywall surface. That will require taping, floating and texturing, which will make you wish you had the paneling back. Its much better to switch to some other material like wallpaper.

Scuff sand the entire surface to degloss it, then fill in the grooves with a couple of applications of some drywall taping compound applied with a plastic putty knife; lightly sand between each coat.

Then paint on a couple of layers of a good interior wallpaper prep material or interior latex primer. That will make a good surface for wallpaper to cling to. If you use a heavy-ish vinyl, you can glue it directly over the wood. For thin papers, apply a liner paper first. If you use a muted and undecorated pattern like you see in many office buildings the walls will then pretty much resemble ordinary, textured drywall. Youll be surprised at how much bigger and more inviting the room becomes, and your home wont seem nearly as dated.

Dear Ken: My furnace in my new home is actually in the attic. I have a hard time getting someone to change the filters. Is there somewhere else I can install them thats easier to get to? John

Answer: An HVAC contractor may be able to modify the return air grill down in the living area by adding a hinged cover, which would then accept a standard-size filter.

Otherwise, you can buy rolls of filter media at the hardware store that you can size to fit the space behind that same return air opening. After its installed, remove the traditional filter in the furnace and throw it away. This method actually reduces the load on the blower motor, so the house will heat quicker, and youll be able to change the filters whenever you like.

Dear Ken: I have one bathroom bulb that flickers. It doesnt help to put a new one in or to tighten it. Any ideas? Barb

Answer: Turn the electricity off at the breaker box and remove the bulb. Shine a flashlight into the socket and youll see a little tab sitting in the center at the bottom. This is the hot side of the circuit and touches a little spot on the bottom of the bulb base. Use the end of an emery file to pull it towards you a bit, and then try to sand off as much of the surface of the tab as you can to remove built up oxidation. Its an awkward maneuver, but youll get the hang of it.

Finally, rub a tiny bit of petroleum jelly onto the outside threads of the bulb to make it easier to remove the next time. Chances are, when you reenergize the light it wont flicker.

Moon is a home inspector in the Pikes Peak region. His radio show airs at 4 pm Saturdays on KRDO, FM 105.5 and AM 1240. Visit a roundthehouse.com

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Around the House: To keep fleas away, keep rabbits away - Colorado Springs Gazette

His family finished out the school year in Jeff City, which gave him four months to work on renovations. Nearly all his time outside of a demanding day job as a news editor was spent working on home repairs. Within the first year, they had refloored 2,300 square feet, gutted the kitchen, added a wall on the main level and redid two of the four bathrooms. The others have been renovated since.

With more and more paintings accumulating it made sense to give over an entire basement wall from baseboard to ceiling to what the Francks now regard as a single art installation.

Photo by Christian Gooden, cgooden@post-dispatch.com

Theyve taught themselves how to do fairly complex home repairs from trial and error, YouTube videos and by asking friends from church. Their children get roped into the home improvement project mostly out of necessity for an extra set of hands. When they were replacing the sheetrock on the ceiling of their kitchen, they recruited two of their children to help hold it up. The kids climbed the ladders with pillows tied to their heads, so the sheetrock could rest there while Matt drilled it into place.

They were in 4th and 7th grade at the time.

Once he ran out of projects around the house theres only so many coats of paint you can put on a room, Matt discovered a new hobby, Christine said.

About five years ago, a damaged reproduction print of an 18th century maiden caught his eye at a thrift shop. He altered it by wrapping a tentacle around her neck.

From that humble start, he joined the growing ranks of thrift store painting artists in pioneering the kitschy art form. He searches for dated paintings at thrift stores and estate sales and adds a Franck flourish a gigantic Cyclops eye, a literal beehive hairdo, a series of seven tombstones outside a rustic cottage that resembles a dystopian version of Disneys Snow White, with a nod to the #MeToo movement. The headstones, one for each dwarf, are labeled Creepy, Horny and Weinstein, among others, with Snow White walking away with a shovel.

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At home: It's a mad, mad, mad, mad world in this South County home - STLtoday.com