The roofers have moved onto the next phase of their work on the back of the Playhouse and have begun installing the new slate. On the front of the Playhouse the old slate continues to be removed so the roofers can repair the under tiles.

The Tot-Lot work is now focused on building retaining walls, planters, and pathways.

The Tot-Lot area is really starting to take shape. The retaining walls are partly built and the construction workers continue to work on grading and drainage.

The roofers have started removing the slate from the roof on the front of the house. Just like on the rear of the Playhouse, they will remove all the old slate and repair the under layers and then begin putting on the new slate.

The roofers continue to work on the roof on the back of the house. This work includes inspection of all of Smith's chimneys and repairing any needed damage. Soon they will begin laying down the slate tiles.

Work continues to move along quickly on the Tot-Lot. Most of the drainage work is complete and work on the retaining walls has begun in the infant-toddler area.

This week the construction on the Tot Lot has focused on drainage which includes digging the holes and pouring cement for future drains.

Roofers continue to work on replacing the terracotta under tiles on the back part of the roof. Smith is so excited about getting the new roof. Smith knows that all our visitors are enjoying the progess and watching the construction. In fact, one of our smallest visitors told us that the new roof will keep the Big Bad Wolf from blowing down our house.

The roofers have removed some of the slate from the roof on the back of the Playhouse and have started to replace the terracotta under tiles.

Work continues on the Tot Lot which includes digging to lay some new pipe.

The construction workers have finished the final subgrading on the Tot-Lot area which is going to provide over 9,000 square feet of play space for children 5 and under. Drainage work is next.

The roofers have removed much of the slate roof on the back of the Playhouse and have started to repair the under layer which is made of terracotta. This will be followed by laying wood planks to prepare for the slate.

The roofers have begun removing the out slate from Smith’s roof and sending it down the long black trash shoot. Once all the slate is removed they will repair the under layer of terracotta and then begin putting on new slate. Smith’s slate roof has lasted more than 109 years and we hope to get another 109 out of this new roof.

The construction workers working in the Tot Lot area have almost completed clearing the area and will start grading soil and work on drainage.

Smith is excited the work has begun on the first phase (site preparation) of the Tot-Lot. The Tot-Lot will be located directly behind the Playhouse and will provide a space on the Playground just for children 0 – 5.

This area is being cleared to make space for swings.

The construction workers continue to add to the scaffolding so it reaches the top of the roof. The scaffolding includes a set of steps and black protective netting.

Today the scaffolding around the Playhouse began to go up. This will give the construction workers access to the roof while they are working. The Playhouse will stay open during the all the construction.

Construction is really getting started at Smith. The contractor has put in an access road for their machinery and has started shoring up the terrace around the Playhouse so that scaffolding can be erected to start removing the old roof.

Construction Begins!

Today, July 22, 2008 Smith started the next phase of renovations - replacing the 109 year old slate roof. On day one the construction company fenced off their work area in front of the Playhouse.