Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

The historic Steensland House is heading for a move, albeit a short one.

The Bethel Foundation has approved spending $70,000 to move the worn landmark from its current location at 315 N. Carroll St. to a new location on the same block fronting on West Gorham Street next to the church sanctuary.

Moving the Queen Anne-style Steensland home from the church parking lot to Gorham Street would allow Bethel Lutheran Church to pursue a long-discussed redevelopment of its property. But it will also require the approval of the city Landmarks Commission since the building is both a Madison landmark and on the National Register of Historic Places.

Ald. Mike Verveer has scheduled a neighborhood meeting Wednesday to discuss the move, which has raised some concern among advocates about the impact of future development on Bethels homeless services programs.

Bethel officials are looking at refurbishing the Steensland home both inside and out, a project that is expected to cost up to $800,000. The church is pursuing historic restoration tax credits to cover 40 percent of the eligible costs, with the balance covered by donations already pledged to Bethels capital campaign fund.

Church officials say that moving the 1896 home will immediately free up more parking for the church while also facilitating future development. The home would be restored as a residence for about 10 students, with tenants getting a rent reduction in exchange for volunteer work.

An enhanced image for Bethel can also be expected from a properly placed and restored building, says the latest church newsletter.

The homes original owner Halle Steensland was a member of the Bethel congregation and active in the Progressive movement. Of late, the house has been used largely for storage.

Two years ago, the church had reached a deal with Apex Property Management to take the home and move it about two blocks. But the plan was blocked by the Landmarks Commission, which said the house couldn't be moved until final plans for the Bethel expansion were approved by the city.

Church officials have not offered any new information on the status of their redevelopment, which at one point was estimated at $10 million and was to include new facilities along North Carroll Street.

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Bethel Lutheran looks to move and restore historic home

The Cabinet will be looking to move past tensions over the Seanad cronyism row when it meets again this morning.

Also on the agenda will be a proposed referendum on the Constitutional ban on blasphemy.

While the ECs probe into the Governments tax dealings with Apple isnt officially due for discussion - its understood it could be raised by Ministers concerned about the impact on Irelands reputation.

Tnaiste Joan Burton told reporters yesterday that she was satisfied with Enda Kennys explanation over John McNultys nomination for the Seanad - after a row which opened new tensions in the coalition.

The matter is still fresh on the minds of Ministers at Cabinet this morning - with both Fianna Fil and Sinn Fin are calling for Dil debates on the matter.

Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald looks set to act upon the Constitutional Conventions call for the removal of the blasphemy offence.

According to The Irish Times, she will bring a memo to her colleagues proposing a referendum - with a new general ban on incitement of religious hatred the likely replacement.

It all comes against the backdrop of the Finance Ministers final negotiations with his colleagues - with just two weeks to go until Budget day.

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Cabinet hoping to draw a line under cronyism row

WASHINGTON

Marylander Thomas E. Perez, who has served as secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor for a little more than a year, is now being eyed for an even more prominent position in President Barack Obama's second-term Cabinet: successor to Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr.

Perez, a former Maryland labor secretary and Justice Department official, is emerging as a candidate in part because of his extensive legal background but also because he has a close relationship with the president and shares a similar political worldview, supporters said.

White House aides declined to discuss the process publicly, but an official familiar with the effort confirmed Perez is one of several people under consideration. Solicitor General Donald Verrilli Jr. and Preet Bharara, the U.S. attorney in New York, are among others whose names have been floated for the job.

Perez, a 52-year-old Takoma Park resident, joined the Justice Department in 1989 and was named head of the state Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation under Gov. Martin O'Malley in 2007. He returned to Justice in 2009 to lead the department's civil rights division.

He also served on the Montgomery County Council and worked for Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, the Massachusetts Democrat, who died in 2009.

"He understands the importance of fairness and opportunity," said Victoria Schultz, associate dean at the University of Baltimore School of Law, who worked for Perez at the civil rights division. "He doesn't make decisions lightly, and he likes to listen to everybody around the table."

Despite many strengths, Perez's selection also would pose serious challenges for the Obama administration. As a practical matter, shifting Perez from one Cabinet post to another would require two confirmation battles in the Senate one for Perez at Justice and another for his replacement at Labor.

And if Perez's confirmation to lead Labor last year is any indication, he would likely face resistance on Capitol Hill. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell referred to him then as a "crusading ideologue," and he was confirmed only as part of a broader deal to avoid wholesale change to Senate rules.

Republicans, led by Sen. Charles E. Grassley of Iowa, criticized Perez over what they described as a "shady" deal in which the Justice Department allegedly dropped a lawsuit against the city of St. Paul, Minn., in 2012 in exchange for the city dropping separate civil rights litigation against the federal government.

Continued here:
Maryland's Perez draws attention to replace Holder

If you want to give your home an updated and timeless look, consider transitional style an interior designing trend that blends classic traditional and contemporary looks.

Whether you prefer simplicity or more ornate designs, the transitional style will allow you to combine the elegance of traditional and the simplicity of modern to create a more inviting and sophisticated feel to your home.

Transitional is mixing both beige and gray with geometrics instead of florals, and more straight lines and less curves, said Kim Lyons, an interior designer at Goedecke Decorating Center in Bedford, who prefers the transitional style in her home because of its clean, modern lines and warmth.

Transitional style also focuses on comfort and practicality. Lyons said everyone has a different criteria when redecorating their home, depending on which room theyre remodeling and their familys needs. However, in todays busy world, rooms are often used for many things and activities.

Every room is for multi-tasking. Computers are so wireless any room can be an office or a place for family time or games, Lyons said. The rooms in my home are always for multi-tasking.

She also said wallpaper is becoming a popular choice for many people because of its versatility.

Wallpaper is on its way back in with layered prints, bolder colors and textures, she said.

As you begin to redecorate, view your rooms as a blank canvas and let your imagination help you design a look that incorporates your preferences of color, textures, furniture and accessories.

Also, take your current furniture and accessories into consideration. With transitional decorating, theres no need to discard your heirloom dresser or sofa because your antiques can be displayed alongside todays home fashions.

For wall covering, start with neutral colors and choose from the many different shades on paint swatches that are available at home and decorating centers. Whites, pale blues and greens tend to soften a room for a calming feel. Reds stimulate an area, while grays create drama and moodiness.

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Decorating trends Transitional style blends traditional and contemporary

(PRWEB) September 30, 2014

Plycem USA had plenty to celebrate last week when ground broke on the colossal, new master-planned community, Runway Playa Vista in West Los Angeles. Plycems new fiber cement brand, Allura, was the fiber cement siding choice by General Contractor, George Pondella of Rossmoyne Construction due to its superior moisture defense and value engineering. The legendary runway once gave rise to Howard Hughes aerospace empire and will be transformed into a one-of-a-kind lifestyle center in coastal Playa Vista and is due for completion next summer.

Allura has a willingness to support our endeavors with the right specifications to make projects work, said George Pondella, of Rossmoyne, Inc. Their field observation process is supportive and helpful, unlike other manufacturers, and the product arrived ready to install.

Engineered by building scientists, Allura with EasyTrim Reveals provides solutions to aesthetics, performance, finishes and cost value over other sidings. After analyzing costly metal panel systems, the architects agreed that Allura provided the best value for the Runway project. Allura offers easy install guidelines that are developed to fit common rain screen applications, which helps reduce labor on a project, bringing added value engineering into almost any application.

I was determined to prove that Allura was a better choice for cladding on the Runway Project, said Melanie Hindi, Territory Manager for Allura. The architectural firm KTGY was looking at leading competitors for the job, but I convinced them that our product was a better alternative over other brands. My research stated that Allura with EasyTrim Reveals would provide advantages and technology efficiencies by reducing installation times by more than 50% over ordinary trims on the market today.

Because Allura is a Plycem brand, it has been formulated with advanced fiber cement technology enhancing its flexural strength, long-lasting moisture defense and protection from UV rays. Backed by a 50-year warranty, Alluras advanced fiber cement products will continually adapt to any climate, stand up to salt spray and will withstand winds up to 200mph.

In order to get Runway at Playa Vista off the ground, developers Lincoln Property, Phoenix Property and Paragon Commercial Group acquired a $150 million loan that allowed for construction to begin on the $260 million Runway that will feature 420 apartments, 35,000 square feet of office space and 221,000 square feet of retail. Since Playa Vista is minutes from the Pacific Ocean, Pondella wanted Allura Fiber Cement Products for the multi-family, mixed-use and commercial properties on the exterior cladding surfaces and specialty custom work.

Distributor of Allura, Capital Lumber boasted about its exceptional advantages. Capital is excited to be the distributor of Allura fiber cement products, said Grant Pearsall, Branch Manager for Capital. It offers superior quality and the best aesthetics, plus program support.

With the anticipated stores at the Runway opening just in time for the 2014 holiday shopping season, the main tenant structures are ready for build-out and the landscaping and underground irrigation systems are underway. Allura fiber cement siding installation will begin on commercial stores at Runway, including Whole Foods Superstore and Cinemark multiplex.

For more information about Allura USA, please visit http://www.alluraUSA.com/runway

Link:
Multi-Million Dollar Runway Playa Vista Project Picks Allura for Protection

When Wendy Davis visited Odessa last month, the Democratic Partys candidate for governor made a campaign stop at a local crisis center for women.

She went on the attack, railing against her opponent. She received high praise from the centers director, forcing our newspaper to ask why the center would get involved with a gubernatorial candidate right in the middle of the race. At the time, we said we hope Midlands nonpartisan nonprofits dont put their respective facilities front and center in a political race like this, because the residents seeking their services dont do so as Democrats or Republicans.

The Odessa Hispanic Chamber of Commerces annual banquet and installation of officers was Wednesday. Attorney General Greg Abbott, the Republican running for governor, was the guest speaker.

According to our reporter at the event, Abbotts appearance did provide a contrast with Davis event. Abbott didnt bring up his opponent during his 17-minute speech that was filled with talking points weve heard before, and the Hispanic Chamber didnt offer a virtual endorsement of the GOP candidate.

Still, Abbotts appearance at the event fits into the gray area we hope Midlands nonpartisan organizations dont follow. During campaign season, if a high-profile candidate appears at your banquet or function, please make sure the candidate from the other major party has had an opportunity to speak.

We would prefer to see organizations not being seen as siding with one candidate or one party.

Laurel

For the family of Steve and Mai Johnson. The Samaritan Counseling Center of West Texas is honoring Steve, Mai, Kate and Ben as its pick for Midlands family of the year. We commend the group on its choice -- a family that is an example of overcoming adversity. Mai suffered a brain injury 3 1/2 years ago, and just as she works through rehab, the family sees its place as being able to not only survive but thrive. And they see their role as helping others who go through a similar situation.

Arrow

- For the editor. On Tuesday, we had a story about the renewal of the contract to manage the Horseshoe, and the headline didnt really portray what the article was about. While county commissioners are deciding on the path going forward as it pertains to the managers contract, there is no reason to believe that the current manager will be replaced. The headline indicated that was a possibility.

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Our View: Residents benefiting from nonprofits shouldnt require political affiliation

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