Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (WMBD) Seven months following a devastating fire, a Bloomington church has started the process of building a new permanent home.

Construction began this week on Victory Churchs new building after a January fire totaled the previous building. Executive pastor Jarrod Herald said after speaking with insurance, it was more cost-effective to tear down the old building and start over from scratch.

In January of this year, the church caught fire and it took multiple fire departments nearly nine hours to fully extinguish.

Herald said the church will once again be located at 18180 U.S. Highway 150.

We just felt like God said here on 18180, this is where God wants us to be and so we decided to take the whole building down, re-build and make it better; we were always told if you could do things differently what would you do? Well, were doing it now, Herald said.

Herald said tentatively, that the plan is to open the new building by April 2023.

Weve totally re-oriented our sanctuary, the steel building will actually be bright red and weve taken that time to re-do our logo and the new building will also have a great Victory kids wing and area for our youth ministry, Herald said.

Currently, Victory Church is holding its Sunday services at Cornerstone Christian Academy.

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Construction begins on new Victory Church | CIProud.com - CIProud.com

Churches are one of the largest landowners in the country. The Catholic Church is one of the largest private landowners in the world. According to a 2020 study from UC Berkeleys Terner Center for Housing Innovation, California faith institutions collectively own about 38,800 acres of undeveloped land. Almost half of that land is located in resource rich areas, where there is better access to schools, public transportation, grocery stores and economic opportunities.

The movement to take advantage of that land is known as YIGBY Yes in Gods Backyard. But its not been easy. Affordable housing is notoriously difficult to build in California, and without deep pockets or the experience of developers, many churches have tried and failed.

Jordan Court is one of the few church-led affordable housing developments successfully built in the Bay Area. The process started in 2014, when Rev. Phil Brochard and the All Souls Episcopal congregation were trying to decide what to do with an apartment building the church owned next door. The parish had used it as a makeshift office space, but it was becoming decrepit and underused.

At the same time, we had members of our congregation who were themselves starting to feel the housing crunch that was happening, said Brochard. We wanted to be part of strengthening the community in a different way and one that was going to provide space for people who are most vulnerable.

The church decided on an affordable housing development specifically for seniors with low incomes, to help serve the citys aging population. They also figured senior housing would be a pretty easy sell to neighbors.

But the projects road to completion was a long and tiresome one with all the usual speed bumps that face affordable housing developments: high construction costs, bureaucracy and neighbors saying "not in my backyard."

For some, they didnt want to see a bigger structure here we added a story to the building that was previously here, Brochard said. For some, it was just that they didnt want poor people living in their neighborhood and they felt like they or their families would be at more risk.

One neighbor appealed the project, causing All Souls to miss out on an opportunity for millions of dollars in funding.

But All Souls had their advantages, too. The project got some help from the state Legislature, with a new state law designed to spur housing construction. SB 35 was passed in 2017, and streamlines project approvals in cities that have failed to build enough housing to meet state-mandated requirements. If a project meets certain criteria and contains fewer than 150 units, local governments must greenlight them within 60 days. Jordan Court contained 34 units and met all the criteria.

Another thing going for All Souls: its size and financial stability. The church has many affluent congregants who volunteered their skills toward developing Jordan Court, including an architect who assisted in the design process and an attorney who helped sort through the legal red tape. The church could also afford to build affordable rather than market-rate housing, which would have earned a profit.

Were also in a position where we didnt need the income stream for us to be able to survive, Brochard said. Weve been a pretty stable congregation over the last 15 years or so. We felt we had enough stability that we could make this choice.

All Souls built Jordan Court in partnership with Satellite Affordable Housing Associates. Though SAHA has helped house 4,000 residents across the Bay Area, this is the first project it has completed on church property.

Weve had other glimpses and potential projects with congregations, but this is really the first successful one weve done, said SAHA CEO Susan Friedland.

Friedland has talked with parishes who wanted to build affordable housing for their congregants, but backed out after realizing theres no guarantee that the finished projects would have room for them.

Under fair housing laws, affordable housing projects must be open to anyone who qualifies.

Because we take government money we cant lease the building only to a certain group of people we have to open it up widely. Thats often a game changer for a congregation, said Friedland.

Another misconception is how financially lucrative an affordable housing project could be.

Some organizations see they have surplus land and they want to monetize it, said Friedland. But building affordable housing isnt always a great way to maximize profit. Its not a moneymaker.

Developing affordable housing takes a lot of time and resources, which can be daunting for new developers like churches. Since 2020, state Sen. Scott Wiener has been working on legislation that would make the approval process easier specifically for churches that want to develop affordable housing, but it has failed both times he has introduced it. Wiener plans to introduce a similar bill in December.

Pastor L.J. Jennings leads the Kingdom Builders Christian Fellowship in Oakland. Born and raised in the East Bay, Jennings has seen his neighbors and family members get pushed out of the area by the rising cost of living.

We talk about gentrification, but my word is displacement, Jennings said. When I look at who is being pushed out, its minority folks, its people of color. Its changing the demographics of our city, of our communities.

Before becoming a pastor, Jennings worked in residential and commercial real estate and decided to put his experience and skills to use. In 2010, a year after opening the Kingdom Builders Christian Fellowship, he built a sober-living facility on land the church owned. Seven years later, he opened a hundred-bed home for formerly incarcerated individuals looking to reenter society.

All of [the tenants in our facilities] are classified as homeless, said Jennings. We knew right away early on that we needed to address the homelessness crisis, so thats what weve been doing.

After learning the ins and outs of building subsidized housing, Jennings wanted to help other churches do the same. In 2019, he started the Kingdom Builders Project, a nonprofit with two goals: to help churches build affordable housing and to make the projects as financially sound as possible to help struggling churches stay afloat.

The Kingdom Builders Project has been working with churches across the East Bay on housing projects: four in Oakland and one in Hayward. All the churches are Black churches.

We know in the Black community that Blacks are being displaced in record numbers, Jennings said. So as a community, were really trying to stem the tide of Black displacement. Were fighting for our survival.

While building housing may align with a churchs mission to serve its community, its not always cost-effective. According to Jennings, this is because faith institutions arent familiar with the financing of housing developments and therefore dont know how to negotiate with savvy housing developers.

We have these situations where nonprofit housing developers are getting land from the church and the church doesnt benefit from it other than their name on the building, Jennings said.

For example, many affordable housing developers make money through a developer fee, a sum of money included in the total housing development costs. Jennings argues housing developers should share that fee with churches, especially if the church is involved in that development process and owns the highly valuable land.

There are other ways to access revenue streams, Jennings says, if only churches knew how to tap into them. Traditionally, an affordable housing developer would manage the apartment property or contract it out, but if church members learned how to manage the property, they could keep that revenue. Jennings envisions the church providing other services, too.

Whether its computer assistance, whether its after-school care, whatever it is its for the community and the residents, he said. We would help them develop their services that are going to be housed inside the development so that they can create additional revenue.

Jennings also wants to increase the odds that churches can house their own members who are at risk of displacement. Getting a unit in an affordable housing project usually happens by lottery, to make it a fair process. Jennings says that in the time it takes to build the housing, churches can work with their members to help them qualify.

Were working with them on their credit, were working with them on their budgeting, making sure theres job stability, Jennings said. Were working with them on all the areas so that when the application opens, our people are ready to apply.

The four housing projects in Oakland are in the early stages and havent started construction yet, but Jennings says they look promising. The project in Hayward, however, is running into roadblocks from the churchs neighbors and confusing county regulations.

The Blessings of Faith church, located a few blocks away from downtown Hayward, wants to build a 42-unit complex for seniors with low incomes in a small parking lot behind the church. Pastor Tally Knott grew up in Hayward, attended the church and witnessed the displacement of seniors and others in her community.

I was always around seniors, so my care for older people came about by just being around them, said Knott. This is my home, these are my people. I understand the community here and the needs of the people.

Since starting the development process, Knott says the church has gotten pushback from neighbors who fear the apartment building will be too large for the area. Others in surrounding homes fear it will bring crime and disorder to their quiet community.

We live in a community where people are comfortable and dont want change, but everyones going to become older one day, said Knott. I was even thinking about putting up signs that say Seniors Matter.

Despite the setbacks, Knott and Jennings are resolute in their goal to build affordable housing in their communities. Theres no guarantee that these projects will work out exactly as envisioned, but it makes sense that faith organizations like the Kingdom Builders Project are giving it a try. Churches and other faith institutions have provided shelter to their communities for centuries.

With the affordable housing crisis, there are no silver bullets, said Tia Hicks, program officer at the Bay Area chapter of the nonprofit Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC). This is just one opportunity to really get at our regional affordable housing crisis.

Since 2019, LISC Bay Area has worked with 20 churches in the East Bay that wanted to develop housing on their property. One church is set to start construction on their property by the end of this year while others are selecting development partners and getting started on the approval process. Hicks says faith institutions are some of the best organizations to get involved in housing because they are usually entrenched in the communities they serve and understand the specific needs.

It enables communities to retain ownership over what gets built, she said. Especially if were prioritizing racial equity in our work, in supporting Black congregations, theres a lot of powerful synergy there.

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California Churches Want to Build Affordable Housing on Their Land, So Why Is It So Hard? - KQED

Next week construction will start on the new playground that has been years in the making.

BUFFALO, N.Y. On Monday, State Senator Sean Ryan and other local leaders held a groundbreaking for a playground in the Elmwood Village.

The space is located at Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church where construction is beginning next week and should be fully installed.

The playground is set to include a playhouse, slide, accessible staircase, ground-level activities, and an obstacle course. It was designed by KOMPAN Playground.

Plans for the playground were originally created in 2019 but were delayed because of the pandemic and supply chain issues as a result.

"We are blessed to be able to donate this space for this great project. We feel it is an amazing step in the continued growth of this community. We feel that it will be a positive in this community," Jamie Owens the pastor at Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church said.

The playground is funded by $135,000 made up of grant funding and donations, including $25,000 from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Legacy Funds administered by the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo.

After facing some unprecedented challenges caused by the pandemic, we are excited to finally get this project to the finish line. When this playground is installed next week, families in the Elmwood Village will have a new, walkable community gathering place where kids can get some fresh air and exercise. A special thank you goes out to our community partners and donors, whose generosity made this project possible, Ryan said.

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Construction to begin at new Elmwood Village playground - WGRZ.com

Two temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced during the past year now have official names given by the First Presidency.

The second temple in Rexburg, Idaho, will be known as the Teton River Idaho Temple, while the temple announced for Birmingham, United Kingdom, will be called the Birmingham England Temple.

An announcement of the temple names was published Monday, Aug. 15, on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

During the October 2021 general conference, President Russell M. Nelson announced plans to build 13 new temples, including one identified for Rexburg North, Idaho. In the April 2022 general conference, President Nelsons list of 17 new temples included a temple for Birmingham, United Kingdom.

The name of the new Birmingham England Temple lines up with the two dedicated and operating temples in Great Britain the London England Temple and the Preston England Temple.

And the Teton River name for the second Rexburg temple helps alleviate possible confusion with the dedicated and operating Rexburg Idaho Temple.

Both temples are still in planning stages, without exterior renderings, site locations or groundbreaking plans announced.

The two are part of the 58 Latter-day Saint temples that have been announced and are being planned. With the 173 dedicated temples and 51 more under construction, the Church has 282 temples worldwide operating, under construction or renovation, or in planning and development.

Link:
First Presidency names 2 temples: Teton River Idaho and Birmingham England - Church News

KENSINGTON, Maryland Meg Foulger Pratts youth was filled with Sunday afternoon outings to survey the construction of the Washington D.C. Temple.

Her father, Sid Foulger, worked as the general contractor of the historic temple project and regularly brought his family to the site. They watched the temple in each phase of construction from excavation to completion.

We have been close to this temple for a long, long time, she said.

Pratt still remembers the day her father came home and announced that while digging the caissons the retaining structure of the temple the team hit bedrock.

He just thought it was so significant that this temple was on bedrock, she recalled. They hadnt anticipated that completely.

In retrospect, the day was also significant for Pratt who with her husband Brent Pratt has always seen the temple as the bedrock of her life.

The Washington D.C. Temple in Kensington, Maryland, on Saturday, Aug. 13, 2022.

Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

The temple, the Churchs 16th in operation and the first built in the Eastern United States, was dedicated in 1974.

In the year before the dedication, Brent Pratt joined the temple project overseeing the work on some of the finishing stages. He would later serve in the Washington D.C. Temple presidency and, for more than three decades, worked in the construction business in the area, overseeing massive development projects.

He said while the construction of the temple was not perfect, it was as close as possible. We strive to be perfect, he said. Its not perfect perfect. But it is as close as we can get.

Throughout the years, the Pratts have personally experienced the comfort, peace, knowledge and revelation that comes with temple worship.

The temple is a light in the nations capital city, Brent Pratt said.

It is a monument in a city of monuments, Meg Pratt added.

The Washington D.C. Temple in Kensington, Maryland, on Saturday, Aug. 13, 2022.

Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

The temple closed in 2018 to update mechanical and electrical systems, refresh finishes and furnishings, and improve the grounds. Brent Pratt, a member of the local temple rededication committee, has coordinated many of the logistics of the open house and rededication. Meg Pratt has worked with hosting.

After a four-and-a-half year renovation project and delays connected to the COVID-19 pandemic, President Russell M. Nelson will rededicate the Washington D.C. Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Sunday, Aug. 14.

We have waited for this for a long, long time, Meg Pratt said. This is a temple that we have loved for so many years. It thrills me to see it now, more beautiful than its ever been. I feel like everything has been refined and elevated.

Since the temples original dedication in 1974, millions of people have seen the prominent and commanding edifice from the Capital Beltway.

Motorists travel the Capital Beltway near the Washington D.C. Temple in Kensington, Maryland, on Saturday, Aug. 13, 2022.

Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

Excitement for the temples reopening began the day the temple closed in 2018, said Jeffrey Cook, who served on the local temple committee as the Awareness Committee chair.

Cooks parents served for more than 25 years as ordinance workers in the temple; his father was a temple sealer. He lost two of his brothers in separate automobile accidents in 1980 and 1982. To be involved in the reopening of the temple was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the sacrifice of others to provide the temple blessings to all of Heavenly Fathers children, he said.

In the years the temple was closed, he said it was amazing to hear from faithful members who had similar stories as mine, he said. The members I have served with have been an eternal blessing to me.

He and his wife, Heidi, retired from their work to take part in the open house. They also used the time to prepare for a full-time mission. In one week, the couple will fly to Munich, Germany, to serve in the Alpine German Speaking Mission for the next 18 months.

Kent and Kathryn Colton served as president and temple matron of the Washington D.C. Temple prior to its closing for renovations in March 2018. Since then, they have overseen the work of the temple open house and rededication committee.

First moving to Washington, D.C., in 1974 so Kent Colton could work as a White House fellow, the couple attended the original open house and dedication of the temple. They too have witnessed the temples bedrock impact on the area.

Washington, D.C., is a very intense community, with all the vital organs of national and international government, Kathryn Colton said. Many of our patrons that come here are involved in positions that are very stressful, she said. And as they would come to the temple, it was their refuge, really a place to find peace amid all the turmoil of the world that they were aware of and involved in.

They knew the temple had taken its place as a monument in the city when radio personalities began using it as a reference point in announcing the traffic, she said. Now it is simply everyones temple.

The Washington D.C. Temple in Kensington, Maryland, on Saturday, Aug. 13, 2022.

Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

Mount Vernon Virginia Stake President Keith Davey said he has been excited and humbled that in anticipation of the temples rededication, there has been a personal rededication to making and keeping covenants, receiving ordinances, and temple service. Patrons take their holiness into the temple, where it is expanded and they leave to make their communities better places.

The temple is a light on the hill, a blessing to the area, he said. The temple brings us closer to God, closer to mankind and develops an anchor for us all that will impact society at large not just the members.

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Why, for Latter-day Saints, the Washington D.C. Temple is the bedrock of the community - Church News

The Catholic faithful in Angola have a deep love of the Blessed Virgin Mary and profound devotion to her, ACN has reported, adding that the Diocese of Mbanza Congo that is situated in what the foundation refers to as a very impoverished region in the Northwest of the country, still has no shrine.

The Angolan Diocese was the very place in sub-Saharan Africa that witnessed the first ever Christian baptisms and where the first Cathedral was built in 1595, the ACN August 10 report indicates.

The foundation stone for a Diocesan shrine to Our Lady of Victories in the village of Bungo that is part of the Parish of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Kikudo was laid in 2019, ACN has reported.

However, with the COVID-19 pandemic, and the already existing desperate economic situation in Angola, the construction of the Shrine came to a halt, ACN has reported, adding that the situations in the country tore up their careful financial planning, and the building work had to be suspended indefinitely.

As for the Catholic faithful, already living in poverty before, they were now quite simply unable to help the Church anymore, ACN has reported.

The charity foundation is appealing for financial support towards the construction of the Shrine, saying, We are proposing a contribution of 21,000 to support this project, which we believe will inspire renewed faith, hope, and love in many people. Will you help us?

Agnes Aineah is a Kenyan journalist with a background in digital and newspaper reporting. She holds a Master of Arts in Digital Journalism from the Aga Khan University, Graduate School of Media and Communications and a Bachelor's Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communications from Kenya's Moi University. Agnes currently serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.

At ACI Africa, our team is committed to reporting the truth with courage, integrity, and fidelity to our faith. We provide news from Africa, as seen through the teachings of the Catholic Church - so that you can grow in your Catholic faith.

When you subscribe to the ACI Africa Updates, we will send you a daily email with links to the news you need.

Use the form below to stay informed, and to tell us where we can send the ACI Africa Updates!

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Catholic Charity Rallying for Support to Fund Construction of Marian Shrine in Angola - ACI Africa

There will be no major traffic shifts this week in Johnson County, but drivers can expect to see construction work in Marion and Morgan counties as crews continue on the Interstate 69 project.

Within Johnson County, northbound traffic will shift to new pavement north of State Road 144 as soon as next week, with southbound lanes switching to the new pavement the following week. The State Road 144 bridge over I-69 will open in September, which will eliminate the traffic light currently installed, according to the weekly construction update from the Indiana Department of Transportation.

In Marion County, drivers will see intermittent 20-minute stoppages Tuesday night on State Road 37 as workers install overhead power and communication lines near Epler Avenue. Nightly lane closures will continue on Interstate 465 between State Road 67 and Interstate 65 for median removal and bridgework. The southbound I-65 ramp to westbound I-465 will remain closed as construction crews work on the Carson Avenue overpass, INDOT officials say.

In Morgan County, two overpasses opened at Teeters Road and Myra Lane last week, as Morgan Street and Egbert Road extensions opened west of State Road 37. Temporary driveways for Martinsville First United Methodist Church and Ozark Fisheries will close permanently this week, and State Road 37 will remain restricted to one lane in each direction in the vicinity for temporary driveway removal, paving and striping, INDOT officials say.

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Heres the latest on I-69 construction in Johnson County - Daily Journal

If you have ever needed a window replacement, you may have been curious how different companies provide new window prices that may differ by thousands of dollars. What do they consider, and why could some small local companies charge more than a big famous window replacement brand?

This post will break down the key factors that drive the price for new windows and what you need to keep in mind before requesting a quote or even signing a window replacement contract with your preferred company. Sounds interesting? Keep reading!

Window style is your number 1 concern when choosing new windows since it not only determines the final quote for your project but also impacts the property value, energy efficiency and even the overall look of your house.

With this in mind, Calgary window companies may provide different quotes based solely on the window style homeowners prefer.

Of course, the size of your new windows also matters. The bigger window you want, the higher the price tag. But what is essential to keep in mind is that your rough opening should allow for the size of the new unit you want to install. If you want a larger window, and your current rough opening does not allow it, you should expect to pay extra to enlarge it, which leads to a more complex installation.

Glazing is one of the most essential window elements that directly impacts the energy efficiency of your new window. And while gone are the days when single-glazed windows were in use, today's market provides homeowners with different glazing options to make windows more energy efficient and save you money in the long run.

Double-pane windows are a standard option that work well for most houses in Canada. But if you live in regions with harsh weather conditions, you might need to consider going with triple-pane units, which according to window experts are 15% more expensive than standard double-pane windows.

Moreover, installing LoE coating or filling the spacers with Argon or Krypton also influences the price, so make sure to ask your window company to provide you with the average option that works best for your region and house. Choosing the wrong glazing type may lead to longer return on investment, or might not pay off at all.

While you might think that hardware and painting sound like insignificant details, they add a lot to the final quote for your new windows.

If you want to perfectly complement your house design, exterior and interior decor, choosing the right colours is vital. The same goes for hardware; elite handles, quality hinges, and locks are a real game-changer, so you should expect to fork out in case you want to add on aesthetics.

This one probably needs the least explanation the bigger the number of windows you want to replace, the higher the final cost. An average Canadian house has 10-12 windows, so if you want to replace all of them, it can be pretty expensive, with an average bill between $9,000 and $12,000.

If you deal with a reliable window company, your quote usually includes the installation. So you can expect professional installers to come and do the job so your new windows are installed correctly, ensuring smooth operation and maximum energy efficiency.

However, some companies may charge extra for installation, and homeowners usually overlook this issue when signing a contract, which leads to frustration later on.

To avoid common pitfalls, you need to ask questions in advance, asking your installers to clarify every detail regarding your replacement project. You can do this at your quote appointment with the company representative, and we highly advise you to prepare a list of questions in advance. Curious about what to expect from your quote appointment? Watch the video below.

What to Expect From Your Quote Appointment

Window replacement is a great home improvement project to boost your property value and energy efficiency. But as a rule, it can be expensive, so consider it a long-term investment into your property. Now that you know what drives the cost for your new windows and which aspects to consider when asking for a quote, you can better analyze your replacement project and get the best price from your local window companies. Good luck!

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Spotlight:Six factors that impact the cost of your home window replacement project - CambridgeToday

Installing a window air conditioner is typically a straightforward DIY process that can quickly transform a muggy room into a much more comfortable space.

If you have any questions about your specific model -- or the window where you're planning to install it -- consider hiring a professional to help. Otherwise, we'll walk through the basic steps to set up a window air conditioner below. (You can also check out our tips on how to save big on AC costs with a small home upgrade, and the best temperature to set your thermostat to to save money.)

Read more:Best Window AC Units of 2022

To come up with this basic set-up guide, I reviewed the installation instructions from three different window AC units: the LG LW5016, the Toshiba RAC-WK0511CMU and the GE AKLK14. Keep in mind that some details may vary from unit to unit, so always check your user manual before you begin installing a window air conditioner.

For a window AC installation, you'll need a screwdriver (some guides specify Phillips head, others flathead -- and some both), a level, a pencil, a tape measure and scissors.

Most window AC units come with mounting panels andweatherstrippingmaterial in addition to the air conditioner. These accessories help create a seal designed to block the cool air from leaking outside and the hot air from leaking in.

Once you have the required tools, unbox the air conditioner, along with all of the accessories and hardware. Next, attach the panels to the AC unit. Side panels that open to a desired size are common. Your unit might also have top and bottom panels. Depending on the unit you have, this may require hardware and a screwdriver. Other panels slide into place without requiring screws.

Use the included weatherstripping material to create a seal on the window. Typically, this material has an adhesive side for easy installation. Cut the strip to the desired size with scissors and place on the window to restrict air leakage.

Lastly, attach the air conditioner to the window. This step will likely require a screwdriver and hardware to make sure the AC unit is securely connected to the window. Follow the manufacturer guidelines closely here to ensure the air conditioner is positioned correctly. The panels should cover any space that would otherwise be open to the elements; the weatherstripping should create a tight seal between the window and the air conditioner.

Before you buy your window air conditioner, make sure you select the right size unit for your room to allow it to function optimally. Once you've made your selection and set up your AC unit, there are some other things to consider. In order to ensure your air conditioner lasts as long as possible, make sure to clean it regularly. Also be aware of these signs that your window unit might need a repair.

And, if you aren't sold on a window air conditioner for your space, consider a portable AC unit instead. They're more versatile than a window unit because they can travel with you from room to room as needed.

Read more: Window Air Conditioner Buying Guide: What You Need to Know Before You Buy

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How to Install a Window AC Unit - CNET

A man is accused of smashing out the windows of three downtown Vancouver businesses with a skateboard Tuesday morning, causing extensive damage to an art gallery and supply shop.

Vancouver police were called at about 6:45 a.m. to the area of West Sixth and Columbia streets after a witness reported a man broke into a vehicle with a skateboard and was now shattering windows at an art gallery, according to a probable cause affidavit.

The man then went inside the Plaid Pantry, 514 Washington St., and stole a cigar and broke another window there. A photo from surveillance video at Plaid Pantry was given to officers, the affidavit states.

The suspect was located walking through traffic on the Interstate 5 Bridge and taken into custody, police department spokeswoman Kim Kapp said in an email.

Benjamin Scott Wilson, 41, no city of residence listed, was booked into the Clark County Jail on suspicion of first- and second-degree malicious mischief. He appeared on the allegations Wednesday in Clark County Superior Court, during which time his bail was set at $10,000, court records show.

According to the affidavit, the cost to repair or replace the window at Plaid Pantry is more than $750. The responding officer saw 10 broken windows at Geme Art, 209 W. Sixth St., and estimated it will cost more than $5,000 to repair or replace the windows. Another window was broken at Vata Salon & Spa next door at 205 W. Sixth St.

Jennifer Will, office manager for Geme Art, said the business remains open and is in the process of cleaning up the damage. But theres no timeline for when the repairs will be completed.

It wasnt just one window; it was multiple windows, so we suffered a lot of damage, she said. Were just doing what we can right now.

Reporter Zo Buhrmaster contributed to this story.

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Vandal smashes windows at three Vancouver businesses - The Columbian