This past week the construction workers worked on the foundation walls of our new building. Specifically, this means they built wooden framing that served as molds for the concrete beams that sit on top of the caissons. A grade beam now runs the perimeter of the building and there is also one down each side of the center section of the building to support internal loads. Half of the grade beams have now been poured and the rest will be installed next week.

Above you can see a picture of the framing around the perimeter of the building. Below is a shot of the workers pouring the concrete for the grade beams.

The basic outline of our new building is now clearly visible! There was some rain this past week, but thankfully construction is still proceeding more or less according to schedule.

Cold weather construction: it’s no picnic.

Last week’s huge Midwest snowstorm was followed by frigid temperatures that lasted well into this week. Amazingly, amidst it all we only lost three total days of construction. The crew was back out on the site today, continuing to work on the foundation.

The temperature is supposed to warm up this weekend and the first shipment of steel is scheduled for next week. If all goes well the workers will install the rebar, which will provide reinforcement for the foundation. Hopefully it will be warm enough to pour the concrete foundation floor as well. Stay tuned.

Needless to say, I have new-found respect for Chicago construction workers…