When you restore the lights get LED kits so you never have to worry about replacing ballasts and they will save you on electricity and not be as harsh as well and you might be able to control the intensity with a dimmer or from a bluetooth device like an Alexa, Google, Apple device or a phone app like an Iphone or Home on your Iphone or Mac.
I always admire chris' vision for repurposing those items. Another great video! Also amazing is continuing to find such cool things even a year into this. What a space this is turning into! And a great gift indeed to achieve this transformation alongside the help of friends!
You had me chuckling on this one guys. The small details you are preserving. It’s great to see. Allison is such a help to your team, quietly working away in the background. Bob holding his kite string everywhere. (😜) and as always Chris enjoying his finds, always on the lookout for treasure. 😂
Hey Phil, maybe you could bid on a self driving scissor lift! Just kidding. Better ladder is on the list thanks for being in our corner and keeping me in line.
Thanks for sharing the update. It's coming along quite nicely. What I would suggest with those light fixtures instead of painting is taking them and having them powder coated because it will last much longer and look a lot better. I like the look of some color with some polished aluminum, it gives it a good art deco 50s vibe. You just have to choose colors that suit the needs of the project. I know you don't wanna cover up a lot of of that original green paint but having the room is different period correct colors would help differentiate the spaces.
oh yeah, they are aluminum so we are thinking about just painting the recessed areas. But powder coating could work too then just reveal the high spots.
T8 LED replacement bulbs they dont use any of the starter or ballasts just need 110 AC they can be found a major home center stores some are adjustable to cool white warm white sunlight
@@coldwarmercantile not that i saw but the potential for there to be that kind is likely but they will be pricey the circuitry to dim LEDS without flicker is not cheap
Chris, things are really looking good in that area of the building. I’m not going to make any comments about safety because I have had my own many falls, accidents, injuries, ndes, etc..while I was working in construction many years ago, so I could only advise you on certain things based on experience if you were really interested, but usually you just need to get hurt a few times and you will get the point! 😉 Keep on Truckin’ 😎
If you find the right plumber they can locate your drain lines without disturbing the the floor, and they should even be able to tell you how deep they are.
Chris, at 8:09 in the video that sure looks like a head of a body behind the door!! I know you said in a prior video that sometimes you felt like you were being watched. This might be the same room....Interesting
boy look at them antique fused fire sprinkler heads! you may need to get them replaced as part of a fire inspection. they have to be replaced every 50 years i believe
Save and sell the old sprinkler heads. Firefighters collect those. I bet too, that the hangers that do NOT have the 2 screws in the ceiling plate, are probably LAG screw types. Grab it with a pipe wrench and see if it screws out of a ceiling joist. That way you won't have to try and make a flush cut. The pushbuttons and junction bow are probably the same system. The pushbuttons on require 2 terminals to make and break a circuit. It makes or breaks 1 wire of a 2 wire circuit. The junction box has connections to both wires of every circuit, so the pushbutton of 12 would probably go to an junction box with 24 terminals in it. The string that ties the bundles of wire into 1 run, inside the switchbox, is a running clove hitch. I used to use them in high school and still use them today, when I have no zip ties. It's still a semi common practice. When electronic technicians refurb old tube amps, they often still use the running clove hitch to maintain authenticity.
Let your tenants do the renovation on the space in lieu of rent. I worked for a large company and that was how we did it. No rent during renovation and the landlord got a renovated code compliant space in return. Talk to a local commercial realtor or lawyer to see if thats how its done.
Yeah that would be great, at the moment we are focused on getting it up to code, electric, smoke detectors, exit signs, outlets, fire suppression. Stylizing is something for further down the road.
Suggestion for protecting your glass during storage: put a piece of cardboard or several sheets of thick paper between glass pieces making sure to keep it flat, wrap the group in something padded (bubble wrap ot foam), & tape card board to all sides. Label in large letters on outside what it is.
Do you have any ideas for potential tenants? What is the zoning for the building and neighborhood? It looks like a mostly residential neighborhood but if there’s a business district nearby the building might be a good place for more retail.
In the past , he has talked to organizations like Habitat for Humanity , for their local meeting / office space . I think the idea is to have some sort of non-manufacturing or educational business in the space .
I've watched you from the beginning and really admire what you've achieved so far but I'm beginning to think that you have taken on too much. I can't see how you can get this area up to code and renovated to a state that a business or restaurant will want to rent it out without you injecting lots of money and a team of workers to get there. I admire your ethic to keep as much of the original as possible , such as restoring the lights, but this distracts you from the enormous task of the walls, windows etc.etc. I only wish you the best and really hope that you achieve what you're after with this building.
The future of the front part has been decided and we will be concentrating on that area alone until complete. It is a monumental task but I think we are headed in the right direction doing one area at a time. Bob
and I can totally see where you might get that opinion from. I constantly struggle with self doubt myself but I am pretty stubborn so I think it is more just a matter of time. I am working on some grant applications and partnerships. We'll see how it goes. Fingers crossed.
we had 5 days, we were able to determine all the actual mechanical parts work which was great! the only thing we still have to do is figure out the relays to send the signal and power the brakes. We have a diagram but it doesn't tell us everything we need so we are going to have to come up with workarounds. Next attempt will be early Nov. in about 6 weeks.
..... ??? ..... were you paying attention , when he said that all of the electrical and fire-suppression system was going to be replaced ??? ..... obviously not ......
It was a nailbiter till the end. Almost got it fixed. Elevator moved. Needs a little bit more work but the big issues are solved. I think it still had some issues with the brakes not releasing.
@@Davett53 No problem, I skipped through the video. The progress was towards the end. I suspect the working elevator video will show up around November.
What ever happened with "the bathroom project"? Did you ever get it up and running? I think your first floor renters, may want one, too. Every project seems so "scatter-shot",....starting something and not following through.. I'm sure you never fixed more than one window. Howz that gutter repair going?,......no new up-dates on the brick restoration?. I bet there are rooms that still need cleaning out, still loaded with junk. You get all hung up on old Art Deco fixtures,.....future renters may want, reliable LEDs, off-the shelf products. Has anyone expressed interest in renting any of those spaces? You should find a way to connect with the "artist' community". Artist's in my town are always looking for affordable studios. They'd have to be renting at below market value, because your building needs so much rehabilitation. What will heat & cool those rooms?
Hang on a bit all of your questions will be answered soon. It has taken a long time to find the right direction for the project and in the future that will be our focus.
45:11 - if only you had a cape, Chris, we could call you Captain Renovation. We'd have to edit out the ladder, though..
Hey Kevin, I'd probably get the cape snagged on something haha. .
When you restore the lights get LED kits so you never have to worry about replacing ballasts and they will save you on electricity and not be as harsh as well and you might be able to control the intensity with a dimmer or from a bluetooth device like an Alexa, Google, Apple device or a phone app like an Iphone or Home on your Iphone or Mac.
That is exactly the idea. Thanks for confirming.
If you get a septic maintenance company come over, they have devices to find all of your water lines and sewer lines.
There is some big news about that coming up soon.
The distressed look on the brick is a desired look to many!
Yeah, But it is lead paint so we are exploring our options.
I always admire chris' vision for repurposing those items. Another great video!
Also amazing is continuing to find such cool things even a year into this. What a space this is turning into! And a great gift indeed to achieve this transformation alongside the help of friends!
Thank you so much kidnurse!
@@coldwarmercantile you’re so welcome! 🙏 And thank you, as always, for bringing all of us along for the journey!
Chris another great video 📹. Bob and his wife are hard worker .The building is looking great. 🎉🎉
You are so right@! Thanks so much.
would be really cool to fix the com system to the whole building
I totally agree, not only that but super useful too.
@@coldwarmercantile yea you don't have to scream to each other then
You had me chuckling on this one guys. The small details you are preserving. It’s great to see. Allison is such a help to your team, quietly working away in the background. Bob holding his kite string everywhere. (😜) and as always Chris enjoying his finds, always on the lookout for treasure. 😂
Startin to make a regular cast of characters!
I love seeing the progress you are making. ❤️👍🇺🇲
Thanks JustNana. You have been with us for a long while now!
All that masonite plywood probably was put in in the 40s
Hey Chris next time I go to an auction I'm going to buy you an aluminum good ladder
That’s sounds like a great idea!! Keep them safe!
I know old shaky and the widow make me nervous. Some of them I won't climb. Bob
Hey Phil, maybe you could bid on a self driving scissor lift! Just kidding. Better ladder is on the list thanks for being in our corner and keeping me in line.
The wood junction block with twelve rows of screws is probably the original telephone terminal block for the building.
Yeah we were thinking that or intercom.
Try some Simichrome polish on the aluminium, it will help bring it up to a high shine.
Bear we keep circling back to that topic, I think I am going to break down and take that advice.
Thanks for sharing the update. It's coming along quite nicely. What I would suggest with those light fixtures instead of painting is taking them and having them powder coated because it will last much longer and look a lot better. I like the look of some color with some polished aluminum, it gives it a good art deco 50s vibe. You just have to choose colors that suit the needs of the project. I know you don't wanna cover up a lot of of that original green paint but having the room is different period correct colors would help differentiate the spaces.
oh yeah, they are aluminum so we are thinking about just painting the recessed areas. But powder coating could work too then just reveal the high spots.
Did the lights have a bottom cover to hide the tubes? The hangers would make great table lamps. Save the screws.
thats a good question, but I would think that at least one would have survived if so. So I am guessing not. Saving everything.
Epic!
Thank you! I agree. it's a long journey.
Looking good! The lights will look awesome, all polished up. Great job guys!
I can't wait to see them, plus we have some other big reveals soon too!
T8 LED replacement bulbs they dont use any of the starter or ballasts just need 110 AC they can be found a major home center stores some are adjustable to cool white warm white sunlight
Super tip. Are the dimmable too? I'll look that up.
@@coldwarmercantile not that i saw but the potential for there to be that kind is likely but they will be pricey the circuitry to dim LEDS without flicker is not cheap
Chris, things are really looking good in that area of the building. I’m not going to make any comments about safety because I have had my own many falls, accidents, injuries, ndes, etc..while I was working in construction many years ago, so I could only advise you on certain things based on experience if you were really interested, but usually you just need to get hurt a few times and you will get the point! 😉 Keep on Truckin’ 😎
They say that what doesn't kill you makes you stronger, unless you its a chainsaw or a buzz saw, then not so much. LOL>
@@coldwarmercantile so true…I really shouldn’t be alive.😂
Should take the masonite wall down between the rooms
working on that now. open it back up to original.
If you find the right plumber they can locate your drain lines without disturbing the the floor, and they should even be able to tell you how deep they are.
Yeah, I talked to the city they said there are several that have yearly permits that can do anything we require.
Chris, at 8:09 in the video that sure looks like a head of a body behind the door!! I know you said in a prior video that sometimes you felt like you were being watched. This might be the same room....Interesting
I just checked it out it does look like someone is there. It's actually a trash can but I totally get it. Bob
Now I am going to have to go look. LOL>
Chris, speak with some of the locals. We have the local blacksmith and local metal workers who could help I bet
Oh yeah, I know her. She has been to the building. I keep meaning to stop and talk to her. just a few blocks away.
Save the power boxes as you can scrap the same with the wire but if allie less value from copper.
saving all the electric boxes some are really unique.
boy look at them antique fused fire sprinkler heads! you may need to get them replaced as part of a fire inspection. they have to be replaced every 50 years i believe
yeah, none of it can be salvaged sadly.
Did Bob buy tee shirt to match the scaffolding colour? He is hi viz - as is Alison! Time for you to get with the programme Chris!
They are so much better about protective equipment than I am.
Don't throw any of that neat electrical stuff away
definitely not.
Save and sell the old sprinkler heads. Firefighters collect those. I bet too, that the hangers that do NOT have the 2 screws in the ceiling plate, are probably LAG screw types. Grab it with a pipe wrench and see if it screws out of a ceiling joist. That way you won't have to try and make a flush cut.
The pushbuttons and junction bow are probably the same system. The pushbuttons on require 2 terminals to make and break a circuit. It makes or breaks 1 wire of a 2 wire circuit. The junction box has connections to both wires of every circuit, so the pushbutton of 12 would probably go to an junction box with 24 terminals in it.
The string that ties the bundles of wire into 1 run, inside the switchbox, is a running clove hitch. I used to use them in high school and still use them today, when I have no zip ties. It's still a semi common practice. When electronic technicians refurb old tube amps, they often still use the running clove hitch to maintain authenticity.
thanks for the tip/info. As for the sprinkler heads some are seized. I need to try heat and see if they will start to back out.
Let your tenants do the renovation on the space in lieu of rent. I worked for a large company and that was how we did it. No rent during renovation and the landlord got a renovated code compliant space in return. Talk to a local commercial realtor or lawyer to see if thats how its done.
Yeah that would be great, at the moment we are focused on getting it up to code, electric, smoke detectors, exit signs, outlets, fire suppression. Stylizing is something for further down the road.
clean it up get it working and hook up an intercom with the original 😁😁😁
I have a friend who wants to work with it and see what he can do.
Regulation requires doors to swing out for easy exit.
that might explain it.
Chris, Division st was seminary street before the factory was built.
......and - there IS a Lucas Road in St. Louis .......
@@urbanurchin5930 Lucas and hunt in St. Louis
So I think that solves it. both mysteries. Thanks!
The door was reversed because all doors had to open outward to leave the building in case of a fire.
Yeah that makes sense. But why didn't they make it that way originally? maybe codes were changed at some point?
Use scotchbrite on the aluminum.
thanks for the tip. just checked out your channel. New subscriber!
You can usually date by UIL label style.
Suggestion for protecting your glass during storage: put a piece of cardboard or several sheets of thick paper between glass pieces making sure to keep it flat, wrap the group in something padded (bubble wrap ot foam), & tape card board to all sides. Label in large letters on outside what it is.
When you take the painting off those pipe hangers, they are likely more ornate. The paint is covering cool stuff.
yeah I was thinking about submerging them in stripper. It wouldn't take much.
How are you handling the PB paint?
Encapsulation in some places, doing nothing in others.
Back in the day the teacher would crack you on the knuckles for poor penmanship.
Penmanship is a lost art. I'm afraid I would have suffered from sore knuckles 😂. Bob
And you never see ugly handwriting on anything from back then.
Why are you taking the light down
The ceiling is getting repainted and a complete rewire and relocation of the lighting. Bob
Do you have any ideas for potential tenants? What is the zoning for the building and neighborhood? It looks like a mostly residential neighborhood but if there’s a business district nearby the building might be a good place for more retail.
In the past , he has talked to organizations like Habitat for Humanity , for their local meeting / office space .
I think the idea is to have some sort of non-manufacturing or educational business in the space .
I don't think he has announced yet the future for the space but it has been decided and the city is on board. Hold on for updates. Bob
oh yeah, thanks bob, exciting things to be revealed in the not too distant future.
I've watched you from the beginning and really admire what you've achieved so far but I'm beginning to think that you have taken on too much. I can't see how you can get this area up to code and renovated to a state that a business or restaurant will want to rent it out without you injecting lots of money and a team of workers to get there. I admire your ethic to keep as much of the original as possible , such as restoring the lights, but this distracts you from the enormous task of the walls, windows etc.etc. I only wish you the best and really hope that you achieve what you're after with this building.
The future of the front part has been decided and we will be concentrating on that area alone until complete. It is a monumental task but I think we are headed in the right direction doing one area at a time. Bob
and I can totally see where you might get that opinion from. I constantly struggle with self doubt myself but I am pretty stubborn so I think it is more just a matter of time. I am working on some grant applications and partnerships. We'll see how it goes. Fingers crossed.
Without $$$$. This is a lifetime project.
Am I missing something with the end result for the lift?
They ran out of time. Probably won't see the next elevator video till November.
we had 5 days, we were able to determine all the actual mechanical parts work which was great! the only thing we still have to do is figure out the relays to send the signal and power the brakes. We have a diagram but it doesn't tell us everything we need so we are going to have to come up with workarounds. Next attempt will be early Nov. in about 6 weeks.
I cut it off 3 times and it's still too short! LOL
oh man, Thats the story of my life.
what are you doing with the old sprinkler heads?? i’d be interested in a few
I need to see how many I can get off, eventually I will have a lot of them but they are really hard to get off without damaging.
@@coldwarmercantile i would be okay with cut pipe on each side of sprinklers
Yep hope you don’t get dinged for the music. If you have it next time, just do a voice over during that segment instead of cutting whole segment.
oh yeah, its a challenge because music is nice but you never know when you'll want to press record.
Not lead
Don’t you need the sprinkler system if your gonna rent that out Im pretty sure it’s code to have them
..... ??? ..... were you paying attention , when he said that all of the electrical and fire-suppression system was going to be replaced ??? ..... obviously not ......
Unfortunately none of the existing fire suppression will pass code. Bob
@kevinhudson5570 ...... * YOU'RE ....... can't spell - can't pay attention ..... this viewer is a lost cause .....
I don't have the patience to watch the video on The Elevator repair. Can someone tell me whether they got it repaired and running?
It was a nailbiter till the end. Almost got it fixed. Elevator moved. Needs a little bit more work but the big issues are solved. I think it still had some issues with the brakes not releasing.
@@sparks869 Thanks!...I watched some it, but after awhile, I gave up.
@@Davett53 No problem, I skipped through the video. The progress was towards the end. I suspect the working elevator video will show up around November.
Yes thats right. We need to get the brakes to communicate, they do work, just need the wiring to communicate with them.
You are screwing up all the original futures of the building up
What ever happened with "the bathroom project"? Did you ever get it up and running? I think your first floor renters, may want one, too. Every project seems so "scatter-shot",....starting something and not following through.. I'm sure you never fixed more than one window. Howz that gutter repair going?,......no new up-dates on the brick restoration?. I bet there are rooms that still need cleaning out, still loaded with junk. You get all hung up on old Art Deco fixtures,.....future renters may want, reliable LEDs, off-the shelf products. Has anyone expressed interest in renting any of those spaces? You should find a way to connect with the "artist' community". Artist's in my town are always looking for affordable studios. They'd have to be renting at below market value, because your building needs so much rehabilitation. What will heat & cool those rooms?
Hang on a bit all of your questions will be answered soon. It has taken a long time to find the right direction for the project and in the future that will be our focus.
One bite at a time.
never never going to get anywhere at this rate...sorry
Too much talk........not enough work Buddy