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Archive for July, 2008

July 31: Crews Everywhere You Turn

Thursday, July 31st, 2008

Walking through the construction site this week is a study in coordination and keen observation. There are people everywhere, doing everything from drywalling, welding and electrical; to masonry, window installation and painting.

“We have 40-50 guys working on site this week,” says Matt Hollman, construction superintendent. “There are 7-8 trades all working at the same time. Schedule-wise, we’re right where we need to be.”

Crews are working on all sides of the building, as well. In the photo above, Jefferson Glass, of Jefferson, installs new, energy-efficient windows on the Cady Street side of the original classrooms. Exterior Insulation Finishing System (EIFS) will also be installed around the windows, which will serve as insulation while maintaining the stuccoed-look of masonry.

Inside the school, ironworkers from H&B Steel, of North Freedom, are installing structural steel, bar joists and metal decking, all of which support the ceilings, second story floor and roof. Statz & Harrop Drywall, of Middleton, are putting up the steel studs and drywall.

Which leads us to painting!

We need you!
We’re looking for people to help paint. St. Mark’s must complete the classroom painting within one week, Aug. 4-8.

Want to wear a hard hat? Paint during the day, Monday-Friday, 7 AM- 4 PM.

Don’t like hats? Come for an evening shift, Monday-Friday, 4:00–9:00 or 10:00 PM.

If you’re able to help, please email AJ Ritschke or call him at 262-8505. Let him know the day and shift you’d like to volunteer. If you provide the paint pan, roller handle and good quality brush; St. Mark’s will provide the rollers, paint and hard hat!

Posted in Construction, Volunteers | 1 Comment »

July 24, Up and Over with the Concrete

Thursday, July 24th, 2008

Technology is great and when it comes to working with concrete, it adds convenience and safety to the job.

This week crews from Middleton Construction directed concrete with a remote-controlled pump into the new classrooms where men worked to smooth it in place. The concrete will level out the pre-cast floors installed earlier this month in the second story.

Next week…roof and windows!

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July 17, Lots of Concrete

Thursday, July 17th, 2008

Things definitely are looking different on the inside! Check out the downstairs hallway from the corner of Miss Hafemeister’s classroom—what used to be stairs leading to the exit is now a hallway leading to new classrooms.

At right, is a closer view of the hallway and new classrooms.

This week crews from Middleton Construction poured concrete flooring in the stairwells and first floor of the new classrooms. Plans are to pour the second floor in upcoming days, however, with rain in the forecast, it may be delayed.

Also happening inside: A maze of HVAC ductwork by American Indoor Environments, of Madison. Obviously, this isn’t as noticeably exciting to the outside observer, but come next winter we’ll certainly appreciate it. The new heating and cooling mechanicals will be located in the same area as the school’s previous boiler system.

Anxious to see what’s happening inside? Volunteer to paint —it will be fun!

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So Who’s This Super Matt?

Thursday, July 17th, 2008

If you discuss the construction project with school principal Fred Uttech or maintenance manager A.J. Ritschke, you’ll likely hear them mention Super Matt.

Just who is Super Matt and how does he relate to St. Mark’s?

Super Matt is Matt Hollman, the Maas Brothers superintendent for our school addition and renovation project. He’s been labeled “super” to differentiate him from our 4-5th grade teacher, Matt Nottling (who, by the way, is also super), and he’s the guy responsible for planning, directing and coordinating our construction. As the new building goes up, it’s obvious to see we’re on the right track with Super Matt.

Matt’s been working with Maas Brothers Construction since 2000, when he started as a carpenter.

“Shortly after starting for them, I was made superintendent,” he says. “My first two projects were the rest areas between Lake Mills and Johnson Creek.”

Matt’s done quite a few projects in Watertown, including Maranatha’s dining commons, women’s dorm and science building. He’s also done smaller projects at WISPAK, Spuncast and Watertown Metals.

“I have two projects that standout,” says Matt. “They are the dining commons at Maranatha and the Ashley Furniture Store in Richfield. They both were fast paced, demanding, and had many architectural features.”

Originally from Waunakee, Matt now lives in rural East Bristol. He and his wife have a 10-month-old daughter and are expecting a baby in October. They also have two dogs, four goats, a cat and several chickens!

Outside of work and family, some of Matt’s interests are hunting, fishing in Canada, and ATVing. “If I’m not doing one of those,” says Matt, “I always have some project at home that I’m working on.”

God’s blessings to you, Super Matt, and to your family! We appreciate the great work you’re doing for St. Mark’s!

Posted in People of Interest | 1 Comment »