Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design
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July 2, 2021 by
Mr HomeBuilder
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Tile trims add a clean, professional look to any tile design. Its critical not to skip this step. Tile trim covers rough or sharp edges, cuts down on cleaning and maintenance and protects a tile installation for years to come. Installing trim is no more difficult than installing the rest of the tile. Similar materials are needed like adhesive or mortar and trowels. Install tile trim as the second to last step of a tile installation project.
NOTE: You can also paint tile if you cant find a style to your liking.
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There are many different types of tile trim, but the most common options include:
Bullnose tile trims are one of the most commonly used trims. They provide a smooth, finished look that protects against sharp hazardous edges. Bullnose trims have curved edges that fit perpendicularly around the corner edges of tiles. They can be placed in the corners of walls, backsplashes, tubs, steps or over the joint where the wall meets the floor.
As its name suggests, quarter round trims are usually a quarter of a circle around. They provide a protective smooth even-radial-rounded corner that seals an exposed perpendicular edge. These are perfect for turning a corner along the edges of bathrooms, showers, benches, tubs or doorways.
Cove base trims are often used where the floor meets a tiled wall. They have a curved edge that seamlessly covers the joint, and provides water-resistant protection to keep moisture from seeping into the walls or floors. Theyre especially useful along the base of showers. Cleaning should be easy and less frequent when these types of trims are installed.
Baseboards are typically installed along the joint where the wall meets the floor. Similar to cove base trims, they are especially useful in wet areas like bathrooms or showers. However, unlike cove base trims, they have a straight edge that should be properly caulked to be watertight. Tile baseboards are a good option for places that get mopped frequently (as opposed to using wooden baseboards).
Pencil trims are cylindrically shaped with round edges (roughly like a pencil). They tend to be used on the edges of mosaic designs on walls. They help to create borders or outline the end of the design. They also offer a great statement piece for places where the design transitions from one tile shape to another.
Like pencil trims, flat liner trims are used to frame designs or statement pieces. But instead of being round, flat liners are straight, flat pieces of tile. They lack the depth that pencil trims have but can provide a more sleek and contemporary look. Flat liners are perfect for framing edges where different materials meet (like tile and wood), especially on the floor where rounded tile may not be desired.
Chair rail tile trims were originally used as baseboard trims to prevent chairs from scraping the walls. Now theyre more commonly used to provide an ornate, architectural frame to backsplashes or mosaic tiles. Their carved decorative molding design provides more depth than a flat liner, but is less bulky than a regular tile baseboard.
V-caps are the only trims that can be used to completely cover perpendicular corners in tile installations. Theyre frequently used to finish the edges of sinks in kitchen or bathroom countertops (or anywhere the tile hangs over the edge). They can also be used in window sills, shower niches or partitions.
Tile trim should be installed as the second to last step of a tile installation project. Its important not to skip installing tile trims in favor of less working time or money spent. Tile trims provide a finishing touch and make tile last longer.
The only time tile trim may not be needed is when the tile meets flush against other surfaces like wall corners or floor edges. Continuous tile designs can also be used instead of installing tile trim (but the tile edges should be glazed to remove rough, sharp edges).
Use gloves to prevent scratching yourself against sharp tile edges. Be careful not to crack the tiles that youre trimming or covering. Wear safety glasses and gloves whenever cutting tile and if using an electric or gas-powered cutter, ear protection is also advisable.
First examine the tile design to find where sharp edges, unsightly harsh lines or gaps between the tile and other material may occur. Common places where you may consider installing trim include:
Pick a trim type that complements your tile installation. This is the opportunity to be creative. You can choose a trim that blends into the tile design, provides a custom high-end accent or one with contrasting colors for an eye-catching look.
Measure the areas where the trim will be installed. Determine how many tile pieces are needed to complete the trim. Give exact measurements to your tile trim provider to make sure that you have the right size and amount of tile trim pieces.
Once you have all of your materials in order, get ready to install the tile trim. Make sure to install the trim before you complete the entire tile installation. Apply the adhesive with a caulking gun or spread mortar with a trowel on the edges where the trim will go. Apply this one tile at a time so as to not allow adhesives to dry out
Use a trowel to even out the mortar. A caulking gun will help with applying an even layer of adhesive. This step ensures that the tile trim is installed properly with a professional look.
When installing tile trims that have an open back like bullnose, V-cap or chair rails, use a technique called back buttering. Back buttering means applying extra adhesive or mortar to the open part of the tile. Make sure to apply evenly. This technique provides good adhesive or mortar coverage and guarantees a long-lasting installation.
Most tile trims can be installed by simply pressing the tile into its place. Use spacers if necessary to ensure even spacing between tiles. If using mortar, you may need to comb it with the notched edge of the trowel and twist the tile trim into place.
Repeat the process for each piece of tile trim. Once the trim has been installed, you can continue to install the rest of your tile design.
A professional interior designer can help you choose a design of trim type. Call a flooring or tile professional if you crack or break the tile youve already installed while installing the trim. If for some reason the trim is not staying in place after pressing it into the adhesive or mortar, this may also be a good time to call a pro for advice and assistance.
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Tile Edge Trim How to Choose It and Install It - Forbes
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July 2, 2021 by
Mr HomeBuilder
Whether you love hosting company, you have busy kids or you keep your furry friends in your home, you know there are areas that get more traffic than others.
Those areas of your home can quickly wear down, and since there is plenty of traffic, these are the areas people see most.
If youre looking for something more durable, but also want your home to look stylish, quite possibly the best way to do that could be with tile.
Tile is a lasting and attractive way to update your home. Do you know there are so many kinds of tile now? Not just the plain old stuff you might be imagining. You might even fool your company into thinking you have real wood flooring, if thats the style you choose.
And just think of how easy the clean-up will be when the kids come in with their muddy shoes.
If this sounds like exactly what youve been needing, 50 Floor will bring all the flooring samples to you, so you never even need to leave your home. A specialist will also be on hand for you to ask all your questions about warranty and durability.
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When it comes to installation, 50 Floor will move all of your furniture. There is no prep work needed on your end before they come.
Click or tap here to learn more about current 50 Floor deals and to get more information. Call 877-503-5667 to set up an in-home consultation.
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These could be the best floors for homes with high traffic - WDIV ClickOnDetroit
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July 2, 2021 by
Mr HomeBuilder
The access flooring project at 5 Martin Place, Sydney was both challenging and rewarding for ASP Access Floors with the building featuring a large central atrium and fusion between the existing heritage section and the newly built tower wing.
Dexus 5 Martin Place offers 19 levels of premium office space with the building comprising a redeveloped heritage building and a new tower extension with an 11-storey central atrium, triple height foyer and large floor plates.
ASPs access flooring was installed in both the heritage building as well as the new tower. The heritage building installation was particularly challenging since it was important to ensure the existing heritage floors remained unmarked.
ASP engineered a solution to the large expansion joint between the heritage building and new tower, so that the access floor was able to run seamlessly through this transition point.
Completed in April 2015, the 18,800-square-metre office fitout features two access floor systems: Steel cementitious ultra fix stringerless system with a 3.0kN loading at 150mm FFH; and steel cementitious ultra fix stringerless system with a 4.5kN loading at 150mm FFH.
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Access floor seamlessly connects heritage and new wings in challenging project - Architecture and Design
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July 2, 2021 by
Mr HomeBuilder
Van Gogh's sunflowers used to just be visible on a canvas in a climate-controlled museum, but starting Aug. 12 they'll take over the walls, ceiling and floors of Lighthouse Minneapolis at 1515 Central Av. NE. along with "Starry Night" and 400 other paintings.
Visitors to "Immersive Van Gogh" can become part of the art rather than just experiencing it. Extra points if one wears a white shirt and actually becomes the canvas for these digitally projected works.
Thinking about what Van Gogh might have imagined seeing before he passed away, Italian digital artist Massimiliano Siccardi created this hour-long, animated installation.
"Massimiliano is the [Steven] Spielberg of immersive installation art," said producer Corey Ross. "He's been doing this in Europe for 30 years and sold millions of tickets."
In true Hollywood form, U.S. audiences caught a glimpse of Siccardi's work in episode 5 of the Netflix show "Emily in Paris." His Van Gogh-themed light show from the Atelier des Lumires in Paris was featured in the show.
To date, more than 2 million tickets have been sold in 20 venues across North America, including Toronto, New York, Chicago, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Minneapolis tickets will run from $40 for off-peak hours to $100 for a VIP experience that includes souvenir merch.
The setup for each installation is quite simple: Choose an interesting building, map it, then plan the install. Everything in the building's guts becomes part of the experience, but it's the architecture that makes each city a unique experience.
Much like the recent up-close-and-personal immersive installation of "Sistine Chapel" at the Mall of America, visitors to "Immersive Van Gogh" can catch details they'd never be able to see in a museum.
"You see the scope of this 500,000 cubic feet of projection," said Ross. "You see these pieces blown up and see the brush strokes, paint specks. You'll never see an original piece under a microscope but here you can see those techniques."
Ross compared Siccardi's technique to the way a DJ samples songs, transforming tunes into completely new ones.
Yet "Immersive Van Gogh" is both an animated film and an art exhibition. But really, it's an experience that you have to witness in-person, a pleasant break from screen-filled Zoom lives.
"It becomes emotional because it dives into Van Gogh's mind," said Ross.
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'Immersive Van Gogh' will turn a Minneapolis building into participatory art - Minneapolis Star Tribune
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July 2, 2021 by
Mr HomeBuilder
NEW ORLEANS (press release) The Terra Foundation for American Art has announced the awarding of nearly $2.5 million in grants to 35 arts and cultural organizations in the United States, including Ogden Museum of Southern Art. These grants support projects through the foundations new two-year exhibition grant initiative, Re-envisioning Permanent Collections: An Initiative for U.S. Museums. Awarded $75,000 from The Terra Foundation, in 2023, Ogden Museum will present a collection re-installation titled The New Story of the South: A 20th Anniversary Exhibition.
The New Story of the South: A 20th Anniversary Exhibition will draw from Ogden Museums permanent collection to trace the history of the visual arts of the American South from the early-19th century to the present. Spanning all five floors of the museum, this exhibition will be organized chronologically by movement and genre.
Building upon the grand opening exhibition of the collection in 2003, this iteration will seek to dispel antiquated stereotypes, promote inclusivity and representation, and examine under-represented artists contributions in consideration of the indomitable presence of place, says William Pittman Andrews, Executive Director of Ogden Museum.
The New Story of the South will illustrate how the collection and the adjacent scholarship has grown to more fully represent the diversity of the region while honestly engaging the complicated and often tragic history of the South, says Bradley Sumrall, Curator of the Collection. It will trace how artists in the American South with every developing art movement responded with a characteristic blend of tradition and innovation.
Drawing inspiration from Ralph Ellison, who said knowing where we are has a lot to do with our knowing who we are, this exhibition will provide a portrait of place. With a geographic region spanning from Baltimore to Miami to El Paso, The New Story of the South will highlight the diversity of the South its histories, cultures and proximate traditions offering a view of Southern identity that is inclusive and representative of its people. The exhibition seeks to further examine the critical role that museums can play in confronting the past, embracing the future and being a bridge for the reconciliation of both.
Subjects that will be explored through the exhibition and associated programming include women in Southern abstraction, photography of the Civil Rights Movement, LGBTQ+ artists in the deep South, the immigrant experience in the American South, and the role of art in developing community. A series of lectures and discussions will support this exhibition, both online and in-person.
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Ogden Museum of Southern Art Awarded $75,000 by The Terra Foundation for The New Story of the South: A 20th Anniversary Exhibition - My New Orleans
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July 2, 2021 by
Mr HomeBuilder
Their home was built in the 1890s, and their front door was likely the first and only front door the home had ever had -- until now.
As winners of LumBros. Building Solutions first-ever "Shut the Front Door!" contest, the Steinkes just got a brand new front door, at no cost to them. The door was professionally installed on June 25 by Justin Waagmeester, of Detroit Lakes-based Limitless Carpentry.
The Steinkes worked with LumBros. to select the door, deciding on a Bayer Built Front Entry Door with a craftsman style and rich wood tone that matches the overall look of their home and its original wood trim and floors.
Originally built on Summit Avenue, the house was relocated to its current spot near Snappy Park sometime in the 1950s or 60s, the Steinkes believe. While they love the look and feel of the historic house, they said they wont miss the old front door, which was an energy-sucker and would sometimes stick, making it hard to open and close.
Were just really appreciative; it's such a blessing to us, Katie said of winning the contest, adding with a laugh that, "I dont know if we ever would have replaced that door ourselves!
The Steinke family, from left: Simon, Raven, Abram, Katie, Corey and Lucy. (Submitted Photo)
The "Shut the Front Door!" contest called on the community to submit nominations for worthy winners of a new front door, and the Steinkes received several nominations, according to Susie Felt, who runs LumBros. with her husband, Zach.
Katie said a Facebook post she made about the contest probably helped garner some of those nominations. The post included a link to contest information along with a comment that said something along the lines of, We could really use this!
"The front door is over 100 years old. It has a big crack in it where you can see the sun shine through it and feel the cold air blow through it," stated one of the Steinke family's nominations. Another stated, "They (the Steinkes) are both amazing people and do so much for everyone around them without expecting anything in return. Their front door is in desperate need of a change. It lets in too much cold air and they have to block it off to hold in heat."
LumBros. received more than 45 nominations in all for the contest, according to Felt. They intend to make "Shut the Front Door!" an annual contest, as they've found it to be a fun promotion that also helps make a positive difference in the community.
For more information about future contests, follow the LumBros. Building Solutions Facebook page, or visit the business website, lumbros.com.
The Steinkes' old door was more than 100 years old. (Submitted Photo)
The family's new front door, a Bayer Built front entry door, is more energy efficient while still matching the look and feel of their historic home. (Submitted Photo)
A close-up of the crack in the old door. (Submitted Photo)
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Steinke family calls 'Shut the Front Door!' contest win 'a blessing to us' - Detroit Lakes Tribune
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July 2, 2021 by
Mr HomeBuilder
A garda who suffered injuries when the lift he was in at a Kerry hotel plummeted three floors to the ground has settled his High Court action.
Paul Meehan, 45, helped other members of his extended family who were seriously injured when the lift at the Killarney Plaza Hotel crashed into the basement car park 10 years ago.
He helped pull the doors of the lift open after it buckled on impact as those inside shouted for help.
In the High Court on Tuesday, the Meehan family counsel Richard Kean SC, with Barney Quirke SC, told Mr Justice Michael Hanna that Mr Meehans case was the last one before the courts in relation to the lift fall and it had been resolved.
Mr Justice Hanna congratulated the parties on reaching a settlement.
After he had helped with other members of his family, Mr Meehan was put in a neck brace and stretchered out of the basement to hospital.
It was later discovered he had suffered injuries to his lower back and knees.
It was claimed he later suffered extreme pain in his knees when he tried to return to sports or running and after any such exertion he would be unable to walk for a few days.
Post traumatic stress
It was also said he suffered daily back pain, had flashbacks of the accident and was diagnosed as suffering from post traumatic stress.
Paul Meehan, from Lucan, Dublin, had sued the hotel owners, Shawcove Ltd with registered offices at Castleisland, Co Kerry, and companies involved in installing and maintaining lifts Ellickson Engineering Ltd, in receivership of Kilmurry, Waterford; Kilell Ltd also of Kilmurry, Waterford; and Otis Ltd, Naas Road Business Park, Dublin and Otis Elevator Ireland Ltd of the same address, as well as lift components manufacturer Daldoss Elevetronic Spa of Valsugana, Italy.
It was claimed there was a failure to ensure the intended pathway from the car park was safe and free from hazard. There was a failure, it was also claimed, to install a proper functioning lift from the car park to the hotel.
Mr Meehan is one of five from the same extended family who sued over the accident as they tried to return to their rooms in the Killarney Plaza Hotel after a wedding ceremony on July 9, 2011.
His brother, Kevin Meehan from Celbridge, Co Kildare, who suffered multiple severe injuries in the lift accident was last week awarded 508,000 by the High Court.
His wife Jennie Wong settled her action on confidential terms and Andrew Meehan and his wife Patricia OLeary, both garda from Co Meath, also settled their actions on confidential terms.
Liability conceded
The court has previously heard liability was conceded in the case in 2019 and the cases were before the court for assessment of damages only.
In 2017, engineering company Ellickson Engineering Ltd now in receivership was fined 750,000 after it was found guilty at Tralee Circuit Criminal Court of a single breach of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act over the installation of the hotel lift in and around April 2004.
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Garda injured when lift in Kerry hotel fell three floors to the ground settles case - Irish Examiner
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July 2, 2021 by
Mr HomeBuilder
While wall colors, cabinet finishes and window treatments might be some of the more well-known ways to style a room and the most visible, since all are at eye level the surface beneath your feet is just as important. And today, there are several versatile selections to choose from.
As people of the 21st century, we can benefit from the beauty of different flooring styles and new advancements in the industry, with innovative features that make them suitable for nearly every area of your home.
"Luxury vinyl plank is selling like hotcakes, because it is waterproof, says Kari Muse, who owns C. Dalton Flooring, 2405 Main St., Ste. 6, with her husband, Anthony Muse.
"Because it looks like wood (or tile), you can put it everywhere instead of having it cookie-cutter around the house, she adds.
Christine Prater, owner of The Carpet Lady, 1174 Main St., Ste. C, agrees, and says there are some considerations as to where it should be placed.
"I highly recommend thinking about whether you want to put it on your stairs, she says. "People get used to putting carpet there, and it is a different feel (that affects) how you walk up and down on it.
There are two different types of luxury vinyl plank WPC and SPC.
WPC wood plastic composite has the benefit of being waterproof. For heavily trafficked areas or households with children and pets, SPC stone plastic composite offers greater durability and has the same waterproof features of WPC.
"You can put it in laundry rooms and bathrooms, says Muse. "There are all different wood looks and colors.
And, she says, there is a smooth finish, and a beveled finish. The beveled finish gives the "hardwood styles a more pronounced and authentic look.
"It looks like real wood I have it in my own house, says Prater, adding that it is reasonably priced, beautiful and easy to maintain.
With so many colors and styles to choose from, this versatile flooring option can help elevate a room and give it an all-new feel.
Whether paired with additional architectural elements or installed on its own, luxury vinyl plank could be the design key youve been waiting to discover.
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Versatility and Style - Ramona Journal
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July 2, 2021 by
Mr HomeBuilder
Wilmington-based JSL Home Repairs started about five years ago and since then has been gradually growing and learning first-hand the wants and needs of area homeowners.
At the same time, residents began learning at first hand what they could expect from JSL Home Repairs.
We deliver quality work. If there is an issue we deal with it head-on. We dont dance around it, said Jake Lambert, owner and CEO who runs the production end of the business and makes the projects happen.
Lambert is originally from Clarksville and his life partner and JSL Office Manager Nita Lambcke is from Wilmington, and they wanted their company to focus on Wilmington and surrounding communities.
Business has been good and the customers have been great, said Lambert.
Early on, the work was basically roofing, siding and gutters as well as a lot of storm claims Nita has a background in catastrophic storm services.
As a general contractor, they now pretty much do anything, said Lambert.
In addition to roofing, siding and gutters, JSL Home Repairs does bathroom and kitchen remodels, flooring, insulation, windows, concrete work, decks, doors and more.
We get calls on anything from installing a toilet seat, to building a pole barn, to a roof, he said.
Along with homes, JSL Home Repairs has roofed churches (Wilmington Baptist Temple) and barns and a three-story building in downtown Wilmington (a metal roof on Rose & Dobyns).
They also did gutters and rubber repair at the Wilmington Public Library, and an extensive redo of the Cowan Lake State Parks Nature Center and bird sanctuary.
The Nature Center project was a full remodel, involving concrete work, a gravel driveway pad, 130 feet of sidewalk, two decks with ramps, two metal roofs, an interior and flooring.
JSL also does work for New Housing Ohio, Inc. in the region.
The range of work they offer is wide, and includes house additions and interior work like complete bathroom remodels, Lambcke said.
JSL has the ability and manpower and experience to be that one-stop shop, she added.
Its been her experience that Wilmington-area residents are looking for a contractor that will do everything, rather than going to five different contractors.
So its nice to provide them an estimate of everything they need. If they need to break it down and do one project and then go to the next, they know they have a little company that can fulfill that for them, said Lambcke.
Take note veterans: JSL offers a 10 percent discount for military, either veterans or active military.
They have a 15-year warranty for a roof replacement.
It has two roofing crews, a couple siding crews and a gutter crew.
JSL has its own gutter machines which can be taken on-site and then perform continuous roll-off gutters at the house, making for seamless gutters instead of sections.
And JSL offers free estimates and free roof inspections.
Soon, there will be a show room at the 712 South South Street offices and base of operations for JSL Home Repairs. There will be display samples of siding and roofing, windows, and maybe some bath items for interior projects.
There are two different forms of financing at JSL. One is through Synchrony which gives you different options including interest-free promotional financing.
Then there is Hearth for which your credit score can be less than perfect. Lambcke called Hearth a good product for those who need it.
Its nice to have different options to give them, she said regarding financing.
Speaking of options, JSL can do roofs of the following types: asphalt shingles, metal, clay or concrete tile, wood shingles or wood shakes, and slate; and for commercial projects or factories there is EPDM synthetic rubber and there is the TPO alternative to rubber.
Both Jake and Nita emphasize the importance of customer service.
Jake said they try to treat customers equally, even if one job is $350 and another project $10,000.
Nita said that at the end of every job each customer no matter how big or small gets a thank you letter and receives a packet that lets them know they can give JSL a review and say how it did. Your feedback is going to make us better in the future, she said.
The company has provided a lot of donated work, said Nita, such as to shelters and the like.
We believe in helping the community, she said.
The past year or so has been a bit challenging due to the pandemic, said Lambert. Workers started wearing masks and JSL paid for staff to get tested for COVID-19.
To fit the company to the changed circumstances, they transitioned a good deal to online for example, for contracts they started using DocuSign as a way to handle electronic agreements. DocuSign offers eSignature, a way to electronically sign upon different devices.
We just adapted to the times. Tried to keep everybody safe, Lambert said.
As a roofer, JSL offers a tarp service. People can call at any hour when water is bursting through a ruptured roof, and if the call is made in the middle of the night, somebody should be there at the break of dawn to cover the area.
This is usually a situation where a tree has come down on a house. JSL has a service where you can get the top of the house waterproofed as an emergency stopgap solution and get the tree off the roof, too, said Lambert.
When weather damages roofing shingles, did you know Ohio is one of a comparatively few states to have a matching law? Thus if your house has, say, older roofing and that type of shingle has been discontinued and is no longer available, then your insurance company must pay for a full replacement because they cant use a shingle-type that doesnt match the rest of the roof in a patch repair job.
Looking ahead to the future, Lambert anticipates they probably will add an excavating service, having obtained Bobcat machinery a while back. He said they would grow into the service, similar to the organic growth that JSL Home Repairs as a whole has seen.
JSL is a Better Business Bureau (BBB) accredited business. It is a member of the Wilmington-Clinton County Chamber of Commerce and the National Federation of Independent Business. Jake holds a contractor license with the City of Cincinnati.
The company phone number is 937-382-3350. The email address for Office Manager Nita Lambcke is nita@jslhomerepair.com .
Jake and Nita
Jake
Nita
JSL Home Repairs team
Jake and Nita emphasize customer service
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JSL Home Repairs in Wilmington has the ability, manpower & experience - Wilmington News Journal, OH
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July 2, 2021 by
Mr HomeBuilder
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When City Hall was undergoing its recently completed $38 million renovation, architects Ford, Powell & Carson uncovered 18 shallow niches in walls that formerly held indoor windows, a common source of interior ventilation in buildings built before the advent of air conditioning.
Architect Allison Chambers suggested using the niches for artwork, and the staff of the citys Department of Arts & Culture saw an opportunity. It commissioned six artists to fill those niches, which are situated in groups of three abutting hallways in the main lobbies of floors two, three, and four in City Hall.
The resulting works are by contemporary San Antonio artists Ruth Leonela Buentello, Ana Fernandez, Emily Fleisher, Raul Rene Gonzalez, Megan Harrison, and Mari Hernandez. All reflect aspects of the city they call home. The artists were tasked to consider the theme creative geographies, which could include notions of mapmaking, local culture, and the history of the areas residents.
Gonzalez chose genres of local music as his subject for a set of three paintings. Hernandez created photographic portraits of members of the Tap Pilam Nation. Fernandez depicted three San Antonio streets, while Harrison elegantly framed three views of acequias and local waterways. Buentello highlighted migrants role in the city.
By focusing on the very niches that would hold her artwork, sculptor Emily Fleisher said she tried to pick apart the truth of the site that City Hall is, and always has been, an office building since its construction in 1889.
In her three-part work titled Foundational Elements, Fleisher pays homage to the original City Hall while bringing to light other generally unseen aspects of City operations.
A miniature rendering in concrete of the pre-renovation City Hall is set atop a miniature desk, with a slew of stacked papers and file folders, also cast in concrete, between the building and desk surface.
I thought it would be a fun nod to all of the people who have worked in the building over the years and all the mundane office tasks they must perform, she said.
Behind the more glamorous and public roles of mayor, city manager, and City Council are the many staff members who make City Hall what Councilwoman Melissa Cabello-Havrda (D6) called the house of the people work.
They are the backbone of the city, they are making the city run, she said. Without them, Im not here. Without them, all of the work I try to do to get your streets fixed doesnt happen.
Joining City Hall are miniature renderings of the Bexar County Courthouse and Mission Espada. Above each are glass lamps that echo the three tiny Espada mission bells in the center niche.
Fleishers sculptures sparked a joyful reaction when Cabello-Havrda first saw them, both because Fleisher is a resident of District 6 and her work represents the talent there, and for what she chose to represent.
Those are very important buildings to me as a native San Antonian, the councilwoman said, in that they represent law, government, and the citys deep and complex cultural identity.
While Fleisher highlights the work most constituents of local government rarely see, most members of the public wont be able to see any of the new artworks for some time. Due to standard security precautions, only people with official City Hall business are permitted access inside the buildings newly renovated floors.
An open house is in the works, however, to give San Antonians a chance to see not only the new building, but the artworks that now adorn its many niches and walls, said Department of Arts and Culture Executive Director Debbie Racca-Sittre.
In addition to the six commissioned installations, Stephanie Torres, a senior management analyst with the department, curated a selection of the Citys art collection to fill the walls of the basement level and other floors with framed artworks by a selection of the citys artists.
Included are works on paper by Jose Villalobos, who has lately received national recognition, small portraits in pencil by Csar Martnez, who has been collected by the Smithsonian American Art Museum, and a distinctly Trumpian visage by Richard Armendariz titled Time Will Tell.
The basement features an oil painting honoring the Tuskegee airmen by Howard Roeder Jr., portraits by Anthony Francis, and drawings by Joe de la Cruz, one of which features a Black Lives Matter hoodie.
Racca-Sittre said final approval of the artworks rested with the city managers office, which had no issues with the installation.
In a media statement issued by the city, Mayor Ron Nirenberg praised the inclusion of local art: These artworks bring much more than interior dcor for this space. They intrinsically set the tone for the important issues tackled here, rooting us in the fabric of San Antonio.
Cabello-Havrda emphasized that including art in the seat of local government is a point of distinction for the city.
It warms my heart to go into City Hall and know that Im in San Antonio City Hall, she said. This isnt just any city hall across the country. It is San Antonios City Hall. And you see that everywhere you look in that building. I love this city, this city is my whole heart. Seeing [the art] just inspires me.
Excerpt from:
City Hall renovation includes hallways filled with San Antonio art - San Antonio Report
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