October Construction Update
Construction has continued on our project! October weather was kind to us which helped many things move forward swiftly. Our parking lot actually looks like a parking lot now! All of the underground wiring was set up for the lighting and EV charging station, curbs were installed, and the asphalt was poured.
Inside the building, work continued on MEPs (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing), and just recently the air barrier was fully installed. An air barrier is a system of materials that controls the movement of air through the building's envelope by creating a continuous, airtight plane. It prevents uncontrolled air leaks that cause energy loss, moisture damage, and a decrease in indoor air quality by sealing gaps and cracks. The Bluff Lake building will be Net-Zero (with solar panels being installed in February), so the air barrier is a very important piece of the puzzle to ensure an energy efficient building.
Coming up in November fencing will begin to be installed, as well as the corrugated metal being installed on the building facade!
(1 and 2) The stone steps were installed on our new Universally Accessible Ramp and Stairs! Handrails will also be installed.
(3) Siding being installed on the Programming Building! The siding is a White Ash wood, which while it currently is a darker brown, will fade to a lighter grey/brown shade. The upper sections of the facade will be a black corrugated metal.
(4) The concrete floor in the Outdoor Classroom was poured, making this space feel even more real!
(5) Our new parking lot! The parking lot will include two accessible parking spaces, two EV charging spaces (one of which is also accessible), two bus parking spaces, a dedicated drop off zone, and sidewalks throughout making it safer and easier to navigate! The building is off to the left of this image, and our old BLNC Entrance Sign is visible on the far right at the entrance (this sign will be getting a refresh and will be installed again).
It's not too late to make your gift to this amazing project. Your support will help build more community spaces, improve accessibility, and leave a lasting impact for generations to come. And don't forget: We have campaign challenges for many of our Bluff Lake community, like Camp Families, Birders, Bluff Lake Explorers (our homeschool and forest school kiddos), Alumni (past board, volunteers, and staff), as well as our board members and more!
