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Update: March 2003
GLREA's
new headquarters has been designated as a state Energy
Demonstration Center. The renovation features how a
two-story 1897 G.A.R. Civil War Memorial Hall can be
restored with 21st century technology. Upon completion
of the first floor in May 2003, the center will be the
home to GLREA's offices, showroom, and training center.
The
State of Michigan Energy Office provided a $12,500
grant to begin the exhibit development process as well
as a $6,000 grant to install a Solar PV Demonstration
System on the roof. DTE Energy gave $15,000 to
help GLREA acquire the building and Dave Lankheet
of Sundu Solar has provided many volunteer hours managing
the renovation project. Thanks also to Jim Bates,
of Bates Electric, Inc. for his timely enthusiasm and
for traveling in from Ortonville to help Dave with the
prep work.
PROJECT
HIGHLIGHTS
ARCHITECTURAL
DRAWINGS
Bob Tinker of Ann Arbor's Kelly-Tinker Architects
donated at least $10,000 worth of his services to prepare
the architectural drawings and plans necessary for the
renovation of the first floor. Taking on the challenge
of upgrading a historic building, Bob prepared detailed
plans that maximize the benefits of energy efficient
materials throughout the design. "They did things
different back then" was muttered by Bob often
as he found practical solutions to tricky conditions.
BASEMENT
Over 100 years old, the basement of this old building
has turned out to be quite an adventure! The building
was the second to be built at the site (the first building
burned down in an 1890's fire). In order to access plumbing
and incoming utility lines and to place down a vapor
barrier, the rear part of the first floor was removed
to access an old crawl space. While cleaning out the
crawl space, Sundu Solar's Adam McDonely uncovered
a surprise…a well-preserved 15ft. deep fieldstone
well (or old cistern). We're still determining how,
or if, we can use it as part of a display.
The
steps down to the basement were another story. After
knocking our heads on a header joist a few times, Dave
Lankheet heightened and braced the supporting beams
so now we don't see stars when we go down the steps.
FURNACE
We were fortunate enough to have an energy efficient
90% plus furnace already in place. With a regular tune-up
performed by Adam's Heating & Cooling of
Lansing, it was ready to go. However, the duct work
was another story. Dave and Brian Taylor replaced
the old cold air return and cleaned, sealed and insulated
the existing ducts with fiberglass duct wrap. If you
want to see duct tape applied in the proper environment,
take a look at this.
WINDOWS
& DOORS
Again, we were lucky, the previous owner had replaced
the windows with Energy Star rated Andersen Low E models.
The three doors are going to need some work. The original
and elegant front door is worth preserving, but making
it energy efficient is going to be an interesting challenge.
The other two doors will eventually be repaired or replaced.
ROOF
After the first rainfall, we discovered that the roof
was leaking and water was pouring into the basement.
This was abated by getting the polybutelene roof repaired
by Spartan Roofing of Holt. Dave Lankheet and Adam also
cleaned out the gutter and downspout and placing netted
wire over the gutter to keep debris from blocking the
flow.
BRICK
RESTORATION
The charming brick veneer needed a lot of TLC to halt
deterioration and restore its strength. Ben Lyons,
Tony Strouse and Rick and Cari Tanner
of Dimondale based Tanner Construction, took on the
task of carefully repairing and tuck pointing the brick.
The rear wall of the building had suffered so much water
damage over the years that the solution was to reinforce
it with wire netting and stucco. Cari Tanner also provided
us with photos of the process which will be posted the
website.
INSULATION
As well as increasing the energy efficiency of the building,
airtight insulation prevents outdoor pollutants, such
as radon, mold, pollen, and dust, from entering the
building. GLREA business member John Savaro,
of Eagle Tec in Grand Rapids and Stony Creek Services
in Ypsilanti, has kindly arranged for the donation of
$2,500 worth of sprayed foam insulation.
Keeping the first floors original studs and boards intact,
the NCFI 2lb density closed cell foam insulation will
be sprayed between steel studs which increase the insulation
value and minimizes air leakage. A wood fiber based
spray insulation will be blown in the floor over the
basement. This will keep the first floor area sealed
from being affected by the potentially humid basement.
GENERAL
CONTRACTING
The carpentry, electrical, plumbing, wall framing and
covering etc. work will be performed by Carl
and Gary Cranson of Ledges Home Improvement in
Grand Ledge. They are starting out with the erection
of steel studs over the original hardwood boards (this
takes place prior to the foam insulation).
There is much more to come...and we are running out of space! Watch for updates on the building's progress in the next issue of Energy Times and at www.glrea.org. There will also be an Open House in a few months and you'll be sure to get an invitation!
Great
Lakes Renewable Energy Association
URL: www.glrea.org
Email: info@glrea.org
Lansing:
(517) 646.6269
Toll Free:
1.800.434.9788
Join GLREA
Go to our membership
area and find out how you can join GLREA!
Contact GLREA
Feel free to contact
us if you have any additional questions or comments.
GLREA
is a 501c3 nonprofit organization and contributions
may be tax deductable.
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