August 14th Update

Historic Trades worker Wes Watkins installs lathing on the ceiling of the porch.

First, we wanted to mention that the Coffeehouse webcam is up and running again. Thanks to Project Manager Clyde Kestner, the camera is now located just to the west of the porch, and shows the preparation work being done in order to plaster the porch ceiling.

And, as usual, we’re sharing a quick list of some of the work that has recently been completed on the coffeehouse, along with work that will be done in the coming weeks.

Last three weeks of work

• Installed metal lathe and plaster on ceiling of southwest room and applied whitewash
• Completed installation of metal lathe in north room, adjacent closets and east stairway
• Applied scratch coat of plaster in north room, adjacent closets and east stairway
• Completed installation of west stair
• Completed installing trim on first floor
• Continued installing trim on second floor
• Installed shelves in first floor closets
• Completed installation of supports for hung ceiling in servery and restroom area
• Began installing floor tile in restroom and servery
• Continued making hardware offsite
• Fabricated window sashes for cellar windows
• Continued work on corner cupboard offsite
• Completed installing trim at porch ceiling and began installing wood lathe on ceiling

Next two weeks of scheduled work

• Continue cleanup inside and provide protection for trim, mantels, etc. as required
• Complete plastering north center room and closets, and apply whitewash
• Complete installation of trim and mantels on second floor
• Obtain inspections of framing and electrical on second floor
• Complete installation of metal lathe in west stairway
• Install metal lathe in second floor rooms
• Begin plastering west stairway and second floor
• Install window sashes in southeast and southwest rooms
• Apply primer coat of paint on trim in southeast and southwest rooms
• Complete installation of wood lathe on porch ceiling
• Complete installation of coffee bar and close-in of dumbwaiter shaft
• Complete floor tile in servery and restroom
• Continue making hardware and complete corner cupboard offsite
• Willie complete drawings for cellar exhibition kitchen shelving/boxes to conceal ducts
• Obtain material and begin making posts and rails for east courtyard fence at Great Hopes Plantation

Photos by Peter Inker and Joshua Muse

Several window sashes ready to be installed in the first floor.

A closer view of Wes nailing lath on the porch.

A view of the completed plaster in the southwest room.

A staff member working on the second floor of the Coffeehouse.

Construction of the bannister for the northwest stairway.

The first coat of plaster in the north room.