Back in the Office!

NACD staff returned to the office today, eager to get settled into their newly renovated “digs.” As with any major move, there are a few challenges getting settled back into our “second home.” Technology is wonderful when it works, but after literally moving all of it out of the office and back in for the renovations, it takes a while to work the kinks back out. We do not have phones today and we appreciate your patience. The contractors will be in and out this week taking care of minor issues, but overall, things look great!

(As you can see in the picture below, NACD Western Issues Specialist Ralph Thier is thrilled about the fresh paint, new carpet and double-pane windows in his office!)

More Heavy Lifting

Staff was back at the office early this morning, ready for another full day. It was a little overwhelming at times, but Krysta and Keira stayed all day with help in shifts from Arthur and Mary. They moved and unpacked boxes to make room for all the furniture to come into place.

At the end of the day, they were exhausted and had tired backs but were eager to be back in the office with the rest of the staff and to find a new sense of normal again! There are remaining issues that will have to be taken care of during the next couple of weeks as we settle back in.

Moving in, Come Hell or High Water!

The contractors worked until one in the morning last night trying to finish up all the final touches. This morning, movers and NACD staff braved the fury of the remnants of Hurricane Hanna in an effort to get NACD moved back into the office.

The company unloaded 3 of 11 trucks in pouring rain and ankle deep water. The storm drain in front of the building could not handle the amount of water coming during the hard down pours, resulting in a plea for help from Krysta to keep the basement from flooding. Water was standing in front of the building and coming over the sides of the walk during hard down pours. Jeremy Peters and his wife Emily came to the rescue, bringing 600 pounds of sand.

Krysta, Jeremy, Nicole and Emily worked hard to fill and stack sandbags to prevent water from spilling down the stairway and flooding the office’s lower level.

Good news…their efforts kept the water from coming down the stairs into the beautiful new basement and the rain subsided. The movers worked almost 4 hours but it was so slow going so they will be back tomorrow for a full day.

Finishing Up

Today was the final site visit with the 509 Capitol Court renovation team. During the four-week process, NACD CEO Krysta Harden met with the team to discuss progress and problems with the renovation project. Today's session was key to finalizing the project and last minute activities are well underway. Final inspections are scheduled for later today and the move into the building is planned for tomorrow....right on schedule.

The renovation team is pictured below on the new spiral staircase with Krysta. Members of the group include Christian Reinke, HITT Construction project manager, Willie Harling, HITT Construction site superintendent and Dan Curry, 3DG Architect and Design Group.

The renovation is moving right along...

Things are really taking shape! As of today, the spiral staircase is complete and in place. The staircase connects the bottom floor of the building to the main level and gives the bottom level a second exit (an important safety concern in case of emergency). Previously, the four staff members who worked in the bottom level had to physically exit the building, rain or shine, to access the main and upper levels. This change has solved a major safety and logistic issue.

Progress continues with the ceiling tiles are mostly in place; replacing broken and stained tiles and providing a clean and healthier environment. The building was also primed for painting tomorrow. The updated bathroom fixtures are currently being installed and the double pane windows should be in tomorrow.

We still expect to finalize the project on Friday, which is exactly on schedule and within Executive Board approved budget!!!