When we sat around the conference table the other day and shared some history with employees, I could not help but think of how much you and John have shaped the direction of PKHLS. You have helped lay a foundation that is rooted in honesty, integrity, and fairness. Those common traits are embedded in our culture and you exemplify each.

This transition has been guided by the same compass. I am happy for you and glad we can offer the freedom for you to practice the architecture you are passionate about.

~ Vince E. Haines

Samuel Butler once said, “Every man’s work, whether it be literature, or music or pictures or architecture or anything else, is always a portrait of himself.” I applaud and support your decision to fully engage your work and incorporate it into the essence of your life creating a portrait of yourself.

I believe the craft of Architecture is best practiced without the distraction of the business of Architecture. Have fun taking full advantage of your craft!

~ Lester L. Limón II

Building erection is well underway.  This is the part of the project that things begin to look smaller than you expect, but that soon changes, as we all know.  One hundred plus temperatures during the day make the installation of the exterior metal skin an unenviable task, but we have a good crew that works through the heat to keep on schedule.

This project moves forward on a surprisingly fast pace from day to day and the progress is sometimes remarkable.  The second floor mezzanine is framed and will be poured later this week.  First floor light gauge metal framing has begun and small changes are starting to find their way into the layout.  All project partners are watching intently to make sure all the original decisions are still making good sense.

Keep an eye on this one as it’ll change character often!

The deadline is here and the finish line is, too.  We’ve pushed harder than we thought possible and our team of designers, contractors, sub-contractors, suppliers, installers, delivery people and general laborers have found the drive and determination to get this project finished.  We still have eight additional classrooms to put the finishing touches on, but the administration area and the first four classrooms will be ready for admission as planned.  almost 100 children will have a place to come to school in two weeks.  Now, it’s all about the “touch-up.”

Thanks, team!

Drive by at the end of next week and you’ll see a building project that is nearing the finish line.  It’s street side facade presenting it’s final look.  It’s an attractive addition to the neighborhood and will be another quality project by The Opportunity Project Charitable Trust!

There are grassy areas that will surround the rings and allow for, not only other equipment, but free play area.  This outdoor space will see more than this first iteration in it’s lifetime.  As the TOP program continues to evolve, outdoor play spaces will likely adapt to become outdoor laboratories and exploration areas for expanded education opportunities.

In this photo, you see one of several tests being performed on the interior slab prior to the installation of floor finishes.  This test will help the installer comply with the warranty requirements set by the manufacturer.  This is an important step in the lifecycle performance of the flooring.

Also, the rear yard, which will be the main playground, has been rough graded into the two main equipment rings with the connection sidewalks.  You can see the two areas in the second photo.  Trees and landscaping will complement this western playground making it a great place to play in the summer!

Inside, the kitchen equipment is starting to arrive.  The third photo shows the large fire suppression hood that will be installed above the main cooking area.  It is rather large, as can be seen with three men trying to position it for installation.  I like commercial hoods in large kitchens, but I’d hate to have to install one!  These guys do a great job.  Progress meeting tomorrow.

As for the interiors, the lids are are installed and the ductwork is being hung. Each trunk will split off into the individual classrooms to supply air.  Once the ductwork is finished, the rooftop units will be installed and we’ll have conditioned space!  Conditioned space means the interior finish can begin to arrive on site for installation.  Cabinets, counters and paint will all be scheduled soon.  The rooms are starting to look complete.