December 19. The etched glass has been carefully removed in prep for knocking out the wall.  

Just in time for Christmas: The walls have fallen in. Literally. Here is the elevator room for the upper narthex/nave being built. Dec 21, 2005 

The basement elevator shaft and ramp heating unit has been framed in and awaits drywall. I noted with pleasure that the crew swept and cleaned and took out some trash. It had been building up. December 21, 2005 

Fire Code required a wall be built around the lower narthex elevator opening. It is now framed in awaiting inspection. A new outside door will be installed in the corner. I really wish we didn't have to add this feature, but Summit County required the architect do this. This is one of the reasons why the project was delayed so. Also note that the handrails have not yet been installed outside on the ramp. Notice how the construction crew had to rehang the Christmas greens. 

Dec 21. Drywall framing has been completed, and awaits inspection. Here is the back of the church nave. This will be completely walled-in to prevent the elevator from disturbing the Divine Services. Users will have to enter the church through the customary double doors. This is also done for Fire Code compliance. 

People coming to church this Christmas can finally say that the walls have fallen down! December 21, 2005. The opening has been cut into the narthex. The elevator is installed in the nave of the church, but a wall is being built around it. You will exit the elevator in a little room that opens to the narthex, not the nave. This will prevent elevator users from disturbing the Divine Service. 

Eric and Sam of Kone Elevator. Great guys who installed the elevator from scratch in 14 working days. 

December 14 2005. The basement elevator shaft is now bricked up. Needless to say, anytime there is cement work, the mess it makes of the church is terrible. Due to the below freezing weather today, the crew had to use a torch outside to keep the mortar warm enough to mix and bring inside. Today was not a good day to do this kind of work, especially on the lower narthex - it's cold outside! 

What a mess! Here's what half our basement looks like.  

December 14, '05. The bricklayers came back today to finish the brickwork. Now that the bulk of the elevator's structural work is finished, it's time to fill in the gaps left in the shaft. I am told by the workers that drywall will be used for the finishing touches. I wonder what they will do about that little chunk of Terrazo floor they had to take out on the right bottom of the door? 

Another view of the upper reaches of the elevator shaft.  

Here is the wire ribbon installed 

December 14, 2005: This picture was taken last week. I went for a ride in the elevator. Very smooth. Here's the control panel being installed. 

At Long Last! The pile is gone! Everything under the tarp is now inside. December 2, 2005, Friday. Just before taking this picture a 'Dumpster Diver" was rummaging through the trash. He left when he saw me. 

02 Dec 2005. Here is the ribbon wire that will be installed today.  

Control panel work in progress 

12/2/05. It's starting to look more and more like an elevator. The overhead lighting has been added. 

Men at work. Kone Elevator Company. 

The lower narthex is decorated for Christmas and for trimming the elevator door. The general contractor will have to come back to brick and floor around this area. 12/2/05 

Another view taken on Dec 2, 2005 of the elevator door work being done. The black plastic 'ribbon' contains wiring. 

2 DEC 05 - Trimming the door that opens to the main floor of the church. That electrical switch box mounted on the side of the cinder block has flexible conduit, as the box will be relocated when work progresses to that point. 

12.02.2005. Here is the work inside the elevator car. This is the control panel being installed 

Friday December 2, '05. Elevator doors are being trimmed and installed.