The Demolition done (mostly),
the Construction can begin!
Bruce with Crest NW working on the new Sanctuary wall, expanding the Narthex with a wall with lots of windows!
Here's the arch that will lose its' last 10'. You can see the end of the arch sitting in the "boot" that is attached to the heavy-duty beam that is attached to new footings at either end. Quite the structural engineering feat!
Here's the beam - heavy "shear walls" at either end. Big bolts into new reinforced footings at either end. Thick plywood in the walls (on both sides). They cut the bottom the arch off and nothing moved down or out!!
The walls on either side of the old chancel, now referred to as "The Stage" are shorter and more open. It'll all be essentially one level going across and will be open for use for some services and performances in the future.
Here's the new wider stairway to the Upper Room fellowship hall. Much better than the narrow stairway that we used to crowd into to get at a cup of coffee after the Sunday Service. What a difference an additional 6 feet to the stair width makes!!