Pullen Building Expansion

In early July, the Cox Avenue entrance is closed and demolition for the new entry courtyard begins; pouring of concrete slab begins with the future Missions and Kitchen areas; elevator demolition and excavation continues with removal of walls and sections of floor to expand the shaft 's width, and hand-excavation around the old piston for increased depth to serve the cellar.

June brings hot weather, continued steel trim work, completion of utility rough-in, and installation of the 3000-gallon cistern. Its spot prepared with compressed backfill, the cistern is constructed of snap-together milk crate like panels, forming a sturdy rectangular skeleton that will hold shape and protect the inner vinyl bladder after the cistern is covered with earth. The form is wrapped in a protective outer fabric and left-over panels are "scavenged" for creative use as shelving and storage bins. The entire assembly is buried under what will become the new front courtyard. In the rear of the property, the 20 geothermal wells are connected by a manifold piping system and buried, while inside, the old elevator is removed and demolition begins for a shaft to support a new, larger ADA-compliant one.

In two dramatic days, the addition comes "out of the ground". On May 12, steel beams are delivered and stacked on-site and all vertical columns are erected. Then on May 13, all but a few of the horizontal beams are placed. In the days that follow, the steel work wraps up with the remaining beams and miscellaneous steel components, including metal decking across the beams on which will be poured a concrete upper slab to support the chapel and the roof garden.

In May, the forms are removed from the concrete walls, final footings are poured, and rough-in is completed for the utilities that will be under the slab. All is in place for the dramatic steel work that comes next...

In early April - despite much-needed rain - the outline of the addition takes shape with the placement of concrete and rebar for the foundation footings. Wall forms are erected and filled with concrete to create the walls of the addition's mission space and the brick veneer and windows of the existing building are removed where the old and new will meet.

In March, underground utility work begins with relocation of the Public Service gas line. Twenty 350-feet deep wells are dug for the geothermal (ground-coupled heat pump) system that will heat and cool the addition. The rear of the existing building is selectively demolished where the new construction will connect. By month-end, excavation, grading, and soil compaction have prepared the building footprint.

Starting January 30, general contractor Clancy & Theys Construction Company has workers on-site. A wooden ramp is built at the west entrance (the only door not impacted by the addition) to provide handicap-accessible building entry for the expected year of construction. Tree protection, silt fencing, and safety fencing are put in place to designate the construction area and protect the surroundings. Tree roots and the parking lot asphalt are removed.

Site work began on January 10 with start of tree removal. Wood is sorted and distributed for various uses, including multiple artwork and woodcraft projects that will be created for the church. The favorite Japanese Maple at the front entrance is relocated from within the construction area to a temporary home at the rear corner, with intent to re-plant in a prominent location in the completed site. Shrubs and grasses are removed by members for re-use in home landscapes.

Photos taken on January 6, 2008, the day of Pullen's Groundbreaking ceremony. There are multiple sub-albums in this Groundbreaking album. Click Groundbreaking title above or photo to left to open album then click on a sub-album.

Photos of Pullen building and east/south side of the property prior to start of clearing and construction.