Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

With the new school year well underway, the on-again, off-again saga of the mercury-tainted Pine Strawberry School gymnasium floor continues with few answers as to when the normally heavily-used facility will reopen to students and faculty.

At this time, it is difficult to anticipate a completion date for this project due to the many technical elements and requirements of the Arizona Schools Facility Board (ASFB), said former school principal-superintendent Linda ODell who continues to work for the district part-time, even though she officially retired in July.

Officials expected to complete the project by the beginning of the 2017-18 school year, but some teachers speculate it might not be done until well into the second semester

The removal of the old floor appeared complete in mid-summer, but installation of the new floor never began because, the mercury vapor levels exceeded the threshold established for installation of the new floor, said ODell.

Once the environmental testing company determines vapor levels are safe, installation of the new floor can begin. However, the company will not return to test for mercury until the opened gym space has been ventilated for at least two weeks.

The delivery of the floor materials and actual installation could take up to eight weeks.

In the meantime, the district sealed off the cafeteria, which is adjacent to the gym.

As for physical education classes, adjustments have been made to daily schedules to ensure students have the opportunity to participate in PE, said ODell.

Currently, PE teacher Dean Pederson holds classes outdoors. Once winter weather arrives, he will modify his curriculum for limited indoor space.

The ASFB is overseeing the grant-funded project, which includes excavation and replacing the original floor. In October 2015, officials determined the floor was emitting potentially harmful levels of mercury vapor, which can harm the nervous, digestive and immune systems.

In June, a crew from Sagebrush Restoration in Phoenix removed the original floor and began a diamond grinding process to remove mercury-tainted adhesive from the joints, ODell said.

Once finished with that task, project managers will await an OK from the ASFB so the Phoenix-based firm Sun Country Floors can install new flooring.

The new Elastiplus floor will not contain any mercury-based products.

The manufacturer, Conner Sports, advertises the floor as a seamless, poured-in-place polyurethane surface that exhibits excellent shock absorbent qualities.

The University of Idaho recently installed an Elastiplus floor in its student recreation center.

Campus Recreation Associate Director Gordon Gresch said it has exceeded all expectations.

The district will also install new bleachers.

Common problem

Pine Strawberry School is only one of many districts around the state with rubberized gym floors emitting mercury vapors.

In the past three years, ASFB has found 73 floors of concern in schools, hospitals and other institutions.

The St. David Unified School District first discovered the problem with the rubberized gym floors.

At Pine Strawberry School, officials discovered the mercury emissions when trying to repair cracks in the cement floor below the Tartan rubberized surface installed in 1988.

The district on Jan. 11, 2016 shut down the gym for about four months. The school board voted to reopen the facility after officials said tests showed mercury had not exceeded safe levels.

Students used the gym until May 22, 2017, when the current remediation project began. Originally, the district wanted only to repair the cracks in the floor. However, the ASFB board approved replacing it, including the concrete subfloor.

That decision led to the rediscovery of unsafe levels of mercury vapor, leading to the still open-ended remediation

Link:
Mercury-tainted gym floor saga continues - Payson Roundup

Builder Magazine

Today's Popular Flooring Trends: Vinyl, Ceramic, and Hardwood, Oh My! Builder Magazine Suddenly there are so many options in this burgeoning category that consumers can't help but take notice. Embossed-in-register design capabilities, strong visuals, and waterproof features are winning over end-users. Improved and more flexible ... and more »

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Today's Popular Flooring Trends: Vinyl, Ceramic, and Hardwood, Oh My! - Builder Magazine

Defining The Time Machine The Museum of Alfa Romeo History just as a museum is simply reductive. The renovation and new exhibition installations by the Camerana&Partners studio transformed into a brand centre this historical museum in Varese dedicated to Alfa Romeo, opened in 1976 and designed by brothers Vito and Gustavo Latis.This is an outstanding case history forIris Ceramica Group, presented during theMipim of Cannesin March 2017 with an exclusively developed product,Alfa Romeo Black by Fiandre. These are slabs with a size of 100x100 cm and a thickness of 6 mm faithfully reproducing the original flooring installed in the 1960s in the building in Arese. They have all the advantages of a high quality porcelain stoneware, and are made using the Maximum Fiandre Extralitetechnology, ensuring an unalterable state over time and high resistance to chemicals, abrasion etc.

The project by Camerana&Partners, preserved the layout of the building, but included new functions, symbols of the contemporary world. An example of this is the new construction erected in the original building, painted in newAlfa red, and clearly visible from the motorway. The colour, a symbol of the brand, stops being an urban landmark to become a welcoming sign, guiding people from the car park to the exhibition where it becomes, once again, the staircase building we can see from the motorway.Today, the historic museum is complete with a bookshop, a caf, a documentation centre, test roadways, areas for events and show-rooms. The exhibition installations by Camerana&Partners do not fail to highlight the identity of the brand, whose DNA is symbolically represented by a light installation: a helical element comprising lights, words and signs, inserted into an ideal transparent volume. The installation vertically crosses the entire building, and links the three museum floors, representing the brand principles: timeline, intended as industrial continuity; beauty merging style and design, and speed, as a synthesis of technology and lightness.

(Agnese Bifulco)

Renovation and new exhibition installations: Camerana&PartnersLocation: Arese (MI), ItalyImages courtesy of Museo Alfa Romeo

http://www.museoalfaromeo.comwww.irisceramicagroup.comwww.granitifiandre.it

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The Time Machine The Museum of Alfa Romeo History of Arese - Floornature.com

WEST CHESTER >> Pine Street Carpenters has grown through diversification in its nearly quarter-century in business.

The extent of that diversification became evident when the company recently announced it now has three websites to address each of its markets.

Weve always been full service remodelers handling design services, acting as a general contractor, said Mike Dolan, marketing manager at Pine Street. We work with corporate clients, business owners, landlords, real estate developers. We wanted to a create compelling online home for each of our audiences: homeowners looking for design and remodeling services; those looking for cabinetry solutions for their home or business; and business owners looking for commercial construction services..

Owner Brendan Dolan began the company in 1993 as a graduate student at the University of Pennsylvania to help finance his way through graduate school. He was living on Pine Street in Philadelphia at the time, hence the name Pine Street Carpenters. The company eventually moved to the West Chester area where it has been currently based for about 13 years.

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We started out doing primarily residential work and it has grown over the years. Weve branched out to doing work for the commercial and corporate world, as well as institutional clients. In essence, weve outgrown our name Pine Street Carpenters, because we are more than just carpenters. Were a full service design and remodeling firm, so thats part of what we are trying to achieve with the launch of these new websites, to show the breadth of our services, Dolan remarked.

The family of new websites branches out into three areas to focus on the diverse core services the firm offers. They include one for Pine Street Carpenters (pinestreetcarpenters.com), The Kitchen Studio (the kitchenstudio.com) and Pine Street Construction (pinestreetinc.com).

The website for Pine Street Carpenters aims to serve residential remodeling services, which includes general contracting and design for kitchens, baths, historic renovations, whole house remodels, additions and more.

Dolan noted that The Kitchen Studio website highlights the companys kitchen and bath showroom in West Goshen. It features a line of cabinet makers and offers cabinetry solutions for all areas of the home and works with do-it-yourself homeowners, interior designers and other general contractors.

Seven years ago, we opened a kitchen showroom on our site so people can come in and look at kitchen and bath cabinetry. We wanted to provide services to folks that might not be looking for remodeling services. They might be doing a home project themselves. Or, its a general contractor or interior designer that doing a project for one of their clients that need cabinet solutions. The idea was to brand that a little differently so it is more retail oriented and not specific necessarily to our existing clients, Dolan said.

The third site is for the firms commercial brand, Pine Street Construction. Dolan said that website features the breadth of Pine Streets services to commercial and institutional clients. He noted a few of Pine Street Constructions clients include H&R Block, Edward Jones Investments, Weight Watchers and Americas Best Contacts & Eyeglasses.

Dolan noted the firm has always handled full service projects for commercial and residential customers.

We do a lot of commercial work, not just in this region but throughout the northeast ... So our commercial services are more than what our existing name implies. Weve always been full service remodelers handling design and remodeling services and acting as a general contractor.

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New websites highlight Pine Street's diversification - The Mercury

Dillard Kitchen &Bath will modify your bathroom for safety while creating a luxurious retreat you wont want to leave

Dillard Kitchen &Bath is the solution to updating your bathroom for beautiful results, while also implementing adaptive modifications for safety to keep you and your loved ones living at home for as long as possible. As the over-65 population continues to boom, with a large majority intending to continue living at home, remodeling bathrooms for safety is a necessity. Whether you are in that age group, making plans to continue living in your current home into older age, or just concerned caregivers for older loved ones, Dillard Kitchen and Bath is the answer to your bathroom remodeling and safety needs, with results you will love.

Not only will Dillard Kitchen and Bath transform your bath into a spa-like escape, your bathroom will be adapted for complete accessibility to keep you or your loved ones where you want to live for as long as possible, at home. Considering the astronomical costs of assisted living facilities, making modifications to your home is not only more cost-effective, it increases the resale value of your largest investment. And with Dillard Kitchen and Bath, you can rest easy knowing your agreed upon budget and timeframe will be honored. Dale Dillard, owner, has over four decades of experience in updating homes. Dale is also an expert on renovating your bathroom to add beauty and organize chaotic spaces while implementing designs to add adaptive safety aids. He says, My estimate is my contract. I do what I say Im going to do, and his customers couldnt agree more.

Craig and Ann Wallace recently completed a bathroom renovation with Dillard. Ann said it started by wanting an outdated, turquoise, spa bathtub replaced with a huge walk-in shower and the couple decided to go ahead and update the entire room. They were the best! Im telling you. The two workers were the most courteous people Ive ever been around. It wasnt stressful. It was great. If Dale saw a problem, he took care of it quickly. She added, Dale gave us wonderful ideas. The great thing is Dale shows you exactly what you are spending and went over it weekly with us. My husband Craig was totally happy too.

Dale understands updating for safety is just one of the reasons replacing tubs with walk-in showers is so popular. Removing whirlpool tubs which have accumulated dirt and stains around the jets is something home owners are requesting, regardless of safety issues. Without a tub, the extra space can be used to enlarge the shower area for a spa-like retreat or to include a wider door to accommodate walkers and/or wheelchairs. Also, barrier-free entries to a shower for a walk-in area removes the need to step over an obstacle that could lead to a fall. Installing safety bars is another popular safety design.

With Dillard Kitchen &Bath there is no need to forego beauty when updating for safety and efficiency. Dale will solve your remodeling needs for functionality, while updating your bath with the latest trends to create the ultimate home-spa retreat.

It looks great! Now we are in the middle of updating our kitchen with Dale, Ann said.

Whether it is the kitchen or the bathroom, Dale is an expert at one often overlooked arealighting design. Proper lighting not only creates a positive ambience, but because vision problems accompany aging, poor lighting is another very real safety issue.

Other modern bathroom updates to consider when contacting Dillard for a bathroom remodel include replacing outdated wall mirrors with framed vanity mirrors. If you have two sinks, creating separate areas by inserting a beautiful and functional medicine cabinet between the two sinks not only looks great, but adds the extra storage you crave. Another updated design tactic is using plaster on the walls for its durability and to add dimension to the space by creating another texture. Other trends include using man-made materials such as Caesarstone, updating cabinetry, and incorporating glass and deco tiles around shower and tub areas

In addition to planning for safety, a bathroom remodel by Dillard Kitchen &Bath will also solve the chaos of a disorganized space, so dont forget to ask about utilizing Dillards innovative methods to control clutter, such as concealed beauty tool drawers and cord-hideaways.

Call (806) 793-3457 to talk to the professionals at Dillard Kitchen &Bath and start your dream remodel today. The Dillard Kitchen &Bath Design Showroom is located at 1806 Raleigh Ave. Call to set up an appointment in the showroom or to schedule a consultation at your home. You can view remodels and more information online at http://www.dillardkitchenbath.com.

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Adaptive bathroom designs that are beautiful - LubbockOnline.com

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Conor McGregor is one of the most dominant fighters alive.

A two-division champion in UFC, McGregor now finds himself as the king of combat sports, living a lavish life and getting ready for the biggest fight of his career 12 rounds in a boxing ring against the undefeated Floyd "Money" Mayweather and the likely nine-figure payday that will come with it.

But while McGregor is a natural to the superstar life, it wasn't something he was born into. Coming from a working-class family from the suburbs of Dublin, McGregor found his way through childhood gyms, a stint as a plumber's apprentice, and eventual worldwide fame as the most "Notorious" fighter on the planet, and the biggest name in the UFC.

Below we take a look a McGregor's rise to the top of the world.

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Source: Bleacher Report

Source: ESPN

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How Conor McGregor went from Dublin plumber to the king of combat sports - The Advocate

In the space of four short years, Conor McGregor has grown accustomed to the trappings of luxury that have accompanied his rise through the ranks of mixed martial arts.

But the 29-year-old multi-millionaire Irishman, who faces Floyd Mayweather in a cross-combat superfight on Saturday, insists he has never forgotten his humble beginnings.

Hand-to-mouth existence

Until he was discovered and signed by the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in 2013, McGregor was eking out a hand-to-mouth existence.

The former apprentice plumber was on the dole as he attempted to make a name for himself on the Irish mixed martial arts circuit.

Its mind-blowing. But I never forget the struggles. I never forget where I came from. I never ever forget the hard times, McGregor says.

When things were really bad I didnt have a pot to piss in. Really, nothing. Im not a stupid guy and it was hard standing in the dole queue.

McGregors life now, as he contemplates Saturdays bout with Mayweather, could not be more different.

Private jets, tailor-made suits and multi-million-dollar purses feature regularly in his life.

He owns a luxury yacht which he christened The 188 a reference to the amount of his 188 weekly benefits cheque before his career took off.

I pinch myself because I am surrounded by luxury. But make no mistake its luxury built on sacrifice, McGregor explained.

Initially, McGregors family had attempted to steer him away from fighting, encouraging him to work as a plumbers apprentice during his teens.

I hated every minute of it, McGregor recalled. You were talking 14 or 15-hour days.

I was getting ordered around, getting people their lunch, all this crap. I just thought, This life isnt for me, Im going to pack it in. Im going to chase my dreams.

Winning streak

A mixed early start to his career in Ireland was followed by an eight-fight winning streak between 2011 and 2012.

In 2013, UFC chief Dana White signed him to a multi-fight contract and the worlds dominant mixed martial arts circuit had its next star.

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Plumber to superstar, McGregor taps into fame - The Hindu

Buying a pair of jeans these days is a lot different than it used to be. Sure, you can find some basic denim if thats what youre into, but theres also plenty of weird AF types of pants to choose from. Were still not over Topshops clear knee jeans (just in case you wanted to show off your kneecaps but maybe not get them wet?) or the bare butt jeans from Vetements, providing easy access to your booty at all times.

It seems as though ASOS has hopped on the bizarre jeans trend, as they recently introduced their high waisted straight leg jeans with open back and theyre exactly what they sound like. The pants have a half-moon shaped cutout in the back (with a line of fabric down the middle), pretty much guaranteeing that youll sport a stylish plumber's crack wherever you may go.

Courtesy of brand

Courtesy of brand

We have just one question about these pants. OK, scratch that, we have a lot of questions. But the biggest mystery seems to be: If were showing off our butts in our jeans now, does that mean we need butt facials? Or at least a DIY butt skin-care routine? Wait what Instagram filter looks best on the butt? Ugh, this is stressful.

Fortunately, weve already put together a guide for dealing with butt acne (AKA buttne). Some of the go-to tips recommended by dermatologists? Avoid tight-fitting clothing (especially while sweating), dont over-scrub, and rely on gentle exfoliants to keep your skin smooth and hydrated.

If youre brave enough to try these latest butt-jeans, you can snag em for$60 on ASOSs website. Of course, all butts are perfect the way they are, but if you happen to find out which Insta filter gets your booty the most likes, be sure to let us know.

More on weird AF jeans:

Now, check out these celebs with their own beauty lines:

Follow De Elizabeth on Twitter and Instagram.

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ASOS Is Selling Jeans That Give You Permanent Plumber's Butt - Allure Magazine

People may grieve in different ways, but Tom McDonalds way of paying tribute to his late friend is especially unique.

McDonalds friend from childhood, Roy Riegel, was a devoted baseball fan and an exceptionally talented plumber. He also passed away in April 2008.

CHECK OUT:Daughter Fulfills Dads Last Wish With Side-Splitting Obituary

Originally, the retired New York City transit authority worker had planned on sprinkling his buddys remains on the fields but he soon figured out that he wouldnt be allowed to leave ashes on a baseball green.

So instead of dirtying up the fields, McDonald started depositing his friends ashes in a way that was only fit for a plumber: flushing them down the stadium toilets.

While the tribute may seem a little vulgar, McDonald figures that its a more personal homage to his buddy and its more permanent.

(WATCH the video below)

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Man Goes to 13 Ball Parks to Scatter Pal's Ashes in the Perfect Way for a Plumber - Good News Network

If you're waiting longer these days to get an appointment with an electrician, plumber or carpenter, don't blame it only on summer vacations.

There's a growing shortage of these skilled workers that perform essential jobs at major construction sites and inside customers' homes. Even in a strengthening economy, more experienced and older trade workers are retiring.

Unfortunately, there aren't enough younger people poised to take their places.

That has to change because left unchecked, this could blossom into an acute skilled worker shortage that touches everyone. It will mean higher costs or delays for those building new office towers, rehabbing houses or merely dealing with annoying, everyday emergencies like clogged toilets and sinks.

Some local schools, unions and companies are working to ease the labor crunch. That's an important mission, and more organizations need to get on board.

"This could be a very large problem," says Mark Klein, co-president of Lincolnshire-based Klein Tools, which makes products for the electrical industry and electricians. "It's a huge supply and demand issue."

A recent survey of more than 600 union and nonunion electricians found that 56 percent said more experienced electricians are leaving the field, compared with 44 percent in 2015, according to an analysis of independent research commissioned by Klein.

What's more, 40 percent of those asked say they are concerned there won't be enough qualified electricians available in the coming years to meet demand.

A similar dynamic is running through plumbing, carpentry and other construction-related trades where the median worker age is over 40 years old and the need for new workers is building, according to the Washington D.C.-based National Association of Home Builders.

Why did this job crunch happen?

The Great Recession and subprime mortgage meltdown of the late 2000s and early 2010s took a toll. The economic disaster meant a loss of nearly 1.5 million construction-related jobs, with hundreds of thousand workers leaving the field for good. Many independent contractors also went out of business.

Those construction businesses that endured didn't spend much-needed cash on mentoring or recruiting new workers. Unions, which also were reeling from related economic hardships, cut back on paid apprenticeships. That kept many young people out of the trade job pipeline.

But there's another hurdle to attracting new workers: lack of exposure to the trades at an early age.

As high school shop classes and other related "build-it-yourself" experiences are being taken out of curricula, students don't get much hands-on exposure to making stuff and problem-solving.

Nor do they get a chance to envision the trades as a career option versus a four-year college degree.

We need to appreciate that some people have a talent for working with their hands and solving those daunting difficulties that come with creating and fixing things.

As someone who has a hard time switching on the snowblower and comes from a family that could repair mostly anything mechanical, I've long admired those abilities.

Lately, there's been a burgeoning effort to recruit younger people to fill these important positions. Increasingly, it's across-the-board with higher education, business and unions stepping up to do the sales pitch that says, barring other Great Recession calamities, an enduring and good-paying career is possible.

Taking part are area community colleges, including the City Colleges of Chicago. The system's Dawson Technical Institute, part of Kennedy-King College, offers programs in carpentry, plumbing, electric line work and more.

In a few weeks, the Chicago-based Plumbers Local 130 is opening a state-of-the-art training center that will expose apprentices to "real world" construction scenarios and plumbing issues. The center also will focus on how to work with "green" technology and rainwater harvesting, says James Coyne, business manager of the 6,000-member local.

For its part, Klein is investing $2 million over five years in union and business programs that develop training, scholarships and an endowment that provides tools to upcoming electricians.

This is all good but it's only a start.

More local unions, companies and educational institutions have to come to the rescue. They must push themselves to be more creative and inclusive than ever before, opening the trades further to women and minorities.

And as Plumbers Local 130 is showing, there's also a need to emphasize new ways of doing the jobs, one that offers greater rewards by stressing emerging environmental and technological advances.

At the same time, it would be great if more experienced workers, retired or not, took a while to mentor and teach students about their crafts sort of what the federal government-backed SCORE volunteer network does to advise small business owners.

Let's get going. We can't wait much longer for a new wave of electricians, plumbers and carpenters to arrive.

roreed@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @reedtribbiz

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Local unions, schools are trying to head off a trade-worker jobs crisis - Chicago Tribune