Vendors have been rocking and rolling at the makerspace this week, with multiple pieces taking shape. Here’s a quick update on progress towards this community resource:

• HVAC has finally kicked off! This was our big blocker, with vendor selection and then the loan process for our $59k ducting changes.  PMG started ventwork in the space last week, building ducting off site and then assembling it in the southern studios.  We’re not certain how long the rest of the ducting will take, but estimate another week and a half to go. 
• First pieces of drywall installed, in order to prepare for a PMG return air duct.  Our volunteers came out in force last Saturday to start the process, and professional drywallers installed the rest Tuesday afternoon. This was also important, as the city came and inspected the wall’s framing and gave us the green light.  It’s only a fraction of what needs to be installed (about 130′) but with all the windows, doors, and pipes was a fairly complex install.  We’ll mud and tape the seams, then let PMG install their ducting.
• Big drywall delivery was Wednesday morning, with Bond from La Crosse dropping off 230 sheets of 4×12 drywall (nearly 12 tons).  That, plus the donated material from Simonson Lumber, should cover all our walls.
• Electrician now on site, working on a punch list of outlets for equipment, reconnecting lights, and about 50 more items before walls can be fully closed up.
• Fire exit doors have been installed, and just need closers and weatherstripping installed.
• Coworking space about ready to go, just need to finish furniture, art for the walls, and a lot of dusting and mopping.
• Sign on 3rd street is being built by Woodduck Design with installation of at least one half taking place this Saturday. 

Saturday the 7th is our next big volunteer day, so please consider joining us as we prep the space!  We’ll be prepping window frames, improving the men’s room, painting more of the loading dock railing, and much more.  Hope to see you there!