Pittsburgh Greenhouse

This month's Pittsburgh Green Drinks was hosted by the East Liberty Development, Inc.. I had some interesting and insightful discussion with Jeff Dzamko, construction manager for the ELDI's green initiative. ELDI is in the process of building as many as 50 LEED homes. They may be an invaluable resource for professional contractor references.

Gliffy.com has a great lightweight CAD application written in Flash/AJAX that functions well for basic floor plan design. A great way to illustrate ideas, even with a lack of comprehension of established design experience you can assemble diagrams quickly. See: Hancock 1 and Hancock 2

We had a great visit this morning. Josh and Yoko gave a positive appraisal. We performed a thorough walk-through with an eye on structural integrity. We identified a variety of joists that need to be replaced. We discussed interior stairwell positions. We also identified the need to add an additional structural I-Beam to the basement on the south face (We assumed that there was one, but in reality there is only one structural center-wall and one I-beam. Basically we will budget a replacement of 1/3rd of the joists, and all of the sub floor of course.

I've given the 'LEED for Homes' guidelines a brief review. It seems pretty straightforward and I don't think that we'll have any problems meeting the minimum requirements. My initial estimate is that we'll able able to obtain 90 points, for a silver rating on a 3000sq/ft unit.

This week MBS introduced me to Josh Anderson at Morris Knowles. They can provide a structural analysis of water damage at Opportunity329HancockSt. We also took a Friday night walking tour -- she gave a very optimistic appraisal. Hopefully I can arrange a meeting with all parties: Terry, Tai+Lee, Tom Fallon, Josh, etc...

In other news, Its time to get Alexis Miller on her way towards a URA loan, so hopefully I'll have an early AM meeting with Dollar Bank over the next two weeks.

~BAS

The PHCA participated in Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh's annual rebuilding day event. Terry Doloughty and I visited the PR kick-off in the lower hill, then returned to Polish Hill. One of the buildings being restored was the home adjacent to the apartment building where I'll be renting for until Opportunity329HancockSt is complete. There were representatives from the Pittsburgh Steelers on site to volunteer.

Dollar Bank has given me the green-light on financing for Stage 1. I'll be having lunch tomorrow with Tom Fallon to discussion next steps (A project proposal, etc.). This is all encouraging news. Send in the clowns. ~BAS

With the receipt of a positive assessment of Opportunity329HancockSt from Tom Fallon, I'm planning to rent a flat from Blue Dog Homes PA on Polish Hill. Renting in the neighboorhood that you're planning to buy a house is a generally good idea -- it allows you to confirm that you enjoy the area. Additionally, I'll have an apartment very close to the construction site -- not to mention work (Driving route 65 / Ohio River Blvd. sucks the life out you!).

Meeting with Tom Fallon for a very early lunch break today. Just an initial discussion and maybe tour Opportunity329Hancock. There should be good news to report today. Also, Terry Toloughty has told me that he'll have a per-unit shopping list for the Rain Barrels project. ~BAS

I recently heard on WDUQ an underwriting ad for Scott's (think Miracle Gro) stating that they "Support Community Gardens." Google reveals that indeed there maybe direct or indirect grant funding available, as a story in Ohio reads. I have therefore sent a general inquiry about formal grant applications and/or charitable donations for PHCA to Scotts