Inspired by Spring...

Yes we missed making an entry last week, as yes, we're still waiting for the Building Permit.  I raised my heavy heart up to focus on being positive.  This does seems like endless process of waiting so I decided to focus on "soon".  Soon, we will get the permit.  Soon, it will be spring.  Soon, things will be moving forward.  Soon, soon, soon...

Soon it will be Spring, even if there are constant snow warnings.  With Spring comes gardening and a walk to the local gardens was just what the Positive Doctor ordered.  Happily I share the Strathcona community gardens that are only 3 minutes from 851 Union.  

The Strathcona Community gardens have grown from an informal dump in 1985 to a volunteer managed public green space on 3.34 acres.  It has been recognized as playing a role in leadership for community-run ecological stewardship.  The Park Board has signed a lease with the non-profit charitable organization to keep it going until 2030.  Hopefully, by then we'll have our Building Permit and these images will be a reality...  

The first photo is how the idea of the infill, affectionately called the Octopus, came to be; pulling community space together to form the homes in the back.  The Big House, in the front will be given love and brought to life again.  Marianne, of MAAStudo, had created a magazine  (851 Union) showing how the project evolved from concept to the model in the trunk that awaits becoming homes in Strathcona.

While we wait for these exciting ideas to evolve into reality I thought it would be fun to play with some present realities.  Here you can see how the flooring from the Big House can play with floor covering in an apartment in Burnaby. -- this is what happens when 2 old lino floors merge to have a baby called carpeting.

Long live the 70's right?

Until next week may all your flooring dreams merge...

Basics plus changes...

Getting a Building Permit requires a LOT of energy, compromise in addition to back and forth; my heart goes out to professionals in this area.  As I've said before it is astounding how much work goes into getting to a point where building can begin.  Yes, we are still waiting and the team is moving to satisfy the "powers that be" to get to the start/finish line.  

Knowing what I do now, would I have taken on this project? Possibly.  

Would I have driven head on into the back of the "non-compromising" truck? Yes.

Would I have made different choices? Absolutely.  

Would I have stayed with our design?  Without a doubt.  

Would I have had different questions during the process? Oh ya!  

Would all this have mad a difference?  Who knows.

Hears to hoping an announcement of comes through for the start/finish line next week!!

Back to basics

Waiting, waiting, waiting... for the Building Permit. So, let's turn to other things.  A meeting on Thursday will let us evaluate what is needed to  satisfy the city powers that be as well as let us review what can actually be done while waiting for that to happen.

Looking towards  the green light,  we know that  abatement and demo will unfold.  What does this mean?  Well we don't want to destroy the Big House built in 1898 (see the history of this house under the BIG HOUSE section) but the truth is, that while  we honour the many people who came before us we also need to be realistic about the marks that have been left on the structure; marks of vinyl flooring, drywall taping, joint compound, paper duct taping, caulking, lead based paint etc.  Basically a 24 page report on conditions good and bad needing to be dealt with.  Anyone, who's gone through this knows what I'm talking about.  Those of you who have not, be thankful.

When you look at the pictures of the house, as I now do, along with the joy of this being a home for people for over 117 years there's also the ka-ching of the cash register to keep in mind.  I've heard from many that this is an insane overkill process, but what can you do?  ka-ching, ka-ching, ka-ching... :( 

FLOORING

FIXTURES

DUCTS & PIPES

WINDOWS  

PAINT

GEMS

Stress and Hardship...

As mentioned last week my thought on the building process is that  "the road to hell is paved with good intensions".  That road can lead to stress, ailments and financial hardship, especially when the property owner is new to the process.  This is particularly true when one is unfamiliar with the unnecessary delays and he or she can end up questioning if the city is on his or her side to move things forward?

Trying to stay positive and focus on win-win.  I am  very grateful to all involved and not involved for supporting us through this process.  The small things count, like an acquaintance in the "hood" asking you "when are things going to start moving?" and then encouraging you to keep at it and letting you know they too are looking forward to seeing things happen and change to take place.

In our case, we did background history on the house, (which you'll find in the BIG HOUSE section) hired the Landscape Architect, Architect and Contractor,  held a community meeting with our neighbours, posted the Development plan  (BLOG October 10, 2016), agreed with changes by the city and conceded a dwelling unit, attended many meetings and had many budget revisions, paid for City overtime all to make good decisions and  keep us moving forward.

 Here we are  in February without a Building Permit in hand, but I have faith is will come soon.  It feels like your spirit is being bent  before a shovel gets into the ground; this surely is not intentional. 

I can't help but ask the question why does it take so long to make something good happen? We've all heard that patience is a virtue, -- and like "the road to hell is paved with good intensions" I'm also reflecting on patience being a virtue.

The first known recording of this expression is in Piers Plowman, a narrative poem believed to have been written by William Langland between 1360 and 1387.  It is similar to the Latin expression, maxima enim, patientia virtus.  Not being the most patient person on the planet I feel this character trait is certainly being tested and stretched to GROW.

This week patience and honour to poetry and the song and dance of life... (and the desire to stay positive)