Historic District Commission wants to see old building preserved

The Historic District Commission has raised concerns about the demolition of this building because of historical significance.Jeff McMenemy photo

EXETER A longtime local businessman's efforts to demolish an abandoned downtown garage to create a new mixed-use development has run into opposition from the town's Historic District Commission.

Pam Gjettum, chairwoman of the commission, told Allen Lampert, owner of the garage at 1 Franklin St., she is opposed to having the building demolished because she believes it is "historically significant."

"They would be tearing down something that means something to Exeter," Gjettum said during the commission's recent meeting in the Town Offices.

The commission eventually deadlocked 2-2 on a vote to demolish the building.

But Gjettum said in an interview earlier this week that a recent tour of the site the first garage and auto dealership in Exeter has her hopeful that commission members can work with Lampert's architect to save at least some elements of the garage.

"They're thinking about (putting) a restaurant there," Gjettum said. "At least if we could save a wall or save a facade so people could look at it and know there was a garage there once."

Gjettum said she is "cautiously optimistic" that something can be worked out.

"Al is a really, really nice guy and he does a lot for the town," Gjettum said.

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Exeter garage developer meets opposition

Historic District Commission wants old structure preserved

The Historic District Commission has raised concerns about the demolition of this building because of historical significance.Jeff Mcmenemy photo

EXETER A long-time local businessman's efforts to demolish an abandoned garage in the downtown to put up a new mixed-use development has run into opposition from the town's Historic District Commission.

Pam Gjettum, the chairman of the commission, told Allen Lampert, the owner of the garage at 1 Franklin St., she is opposed to having the building demolished because she believes it is "historically significant."

"They would be tearing down something that means something to Exeter," Gjettum said during the commission's recent meeting in Town Offices.

The commission eventually deadlocked 2-2 on a vote to demolish the building.

But Gjettum said in an interview earlier this week that a recent tour of the site the first garage and car dealership in Exeter has her hopeful that commission members can work with Lampert's architect to save at least some elements of the garage.

"They're thinking about (putting) a restaurant there," Gjettum said. "At least if we could save a wall or save a facade so people could look at it and know there was a garage there once."

Gjettum said she is "cautiously optimistic" that something could be worked out.

"Al is a really, really nice guy and he does a lot for the town," Gjettum said.

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Developer meets opposition on garage demolition

BY GARY GOULD

810-452-2650

A look down Main Street in Davison following the completion of the makeover project. File photo It has been a busy and eventful year in the Davison area, so here are just some of the news events we thought were important to readers of The Davison Index.

Main Street resur facing

Work began July 8 on what Davison City Manager Michael Hart called the Main Street Makeover project. At a total cost of $1.248 million (funded primarily through federal grant money) it included replacement of the old water main, widening about a half-mile stretch of the street between Clark and Flint streets, and lighting and landscaping improvements.

About half of the funding, more than $616,000, is federal transportation grant money and the remainder of projects price tag including about $134,000 in overruns came from the citys capital improvement fund.

Some overruns arose due to unexpected issues which cropped up during underground work to install a new water main on Main Street.

Bob and Geraldine Callis at the unveiling of plans for Lake Callis at the new 40-acres being added to the Jack Abernathy Regional Park. File photos The first issue was a 30-plus year old water main which broke during construction at Main and Rising streets. The broken main flooded and damaged an old sewer line which collapsed and resulted in a small sinkhole.

That was $35,000 just to fix, said Chris Brinks of Wade Trim on Oct. 14. Another $7,000 for the emergency repair to the main.

Overall, that emergency repair cost the city about $63,000 total when it was all completed. Other unexpected expenses arose with additional work needed to curbs and gutters, iron tree grates, the replacement of aging catch basins and removal of an underground gas tank discovered in front of Chucks Barbershop and Larsons Ace Hardware.

Continued here:
A look back at the top five stories of 2013

Building a garage addition is a great way to gain comfort, convenience, and storage space. Its also a reasonably good investment. According to Remodeling magazines latest Cost vs. Value Report, a home owner who invests the national average of $48,806 in a freestanding two-car garage addition can expect to recoup about 63,7% of the cost at resale a higher rate of return than an added-on bathroom or sunroom, and on par with a major kitchen remodel.

A garage addition makes especially good economic sense in the Pacific region of the country, where home owners can expect to get back almost 78% of the cost of a midrange project, although garage construction costs are about 20% more than the national average. Returns tend to be lowest in the countrys midsection. In Omaha, for example, the same garage recoups less than half its cost.

As a general rule, youre likely to recover a higher percentage of your investment if you build a relatively basic garage one with open walls, an unfinished concrete floor, and shelves for storage rather than one with interior drywall and trim, an epoxy floor coating, and designer storage solutions. Such an upscale project runs a national average of $80,511 and returns around $44,034, or about 54.7%, of its cost at resale.

But there are financial considerations to adding a garage that go beyond resale value. Protected from the elements, your vehicles will stay in top shape, which could make them more valuable when you sell them. If you include workshop space, youll be able to do many home repairs yourself, saving on the cost of pros. And if you outfit the garage so that its easy to access stored items, you can save leftover materials, reducing the cost of future projects.

National average cost, 26 x 26 ft. midrange garage addition:

Job cost: $48,806 Resale value: $31,091 Cost recoup: 63.7%

National average cost, 26 x 26 ft. upscale garage addition:

Job cost: $80,511 Resale value: $44,034 Cost recoup: 54.7%

Regional info:

New England

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About Garage Additions | Garage Addition Investment | HouseLogic

2013 in Philadelphia was marked by the fleeting, spontaneous phenomenon known as "pop up." From shops to beer gardens, and Orchestra performances to winter wonderlands, many of the best attractions to hit Philadelphia this year were ephemeral delights. In a year thats number signals bad luck, we can only hope that by some stroke of good fortune, many of these find a way to stick around.

We break down some of the welcome additions to Philadelphia this year, but dont be surprised if some of these hot spots dont return in 2014. Sorry triskaidekaphobes, but we're keeping our list count in theme with the year.

13. Shawmont Trail. Thanks to a $1.4 million project led by Philadelphia Parks and Recreation, Philadelphia and Montgomery counties are now safely connected via a new one mile trail renovation. Its no Panama Canal, but the expanded portion of the 23-mile Schuylkill River Trail allows runners and cyclists a safe passage away from automobile traffic.

12. SEI Innovations Studios. Just when we think the Kimmel Center cant get any cooler, it goes and opens studio space to attract and cultivate new talent. The intimate theater is aimed at a younger demographic than those in the parquet boxes, and its 200-hundred seat theatre promises to host a variety of performances. The buildings Spruce Street entrance displays a stylish 22-foot-tall glass panel structure that allows for changeable graphics.

11. Franklin Flea. Upscale flea might seem like an oxymoron, but the temporary shopping spot managed to bring some much-needed foot traffic to Market East. A veritable bazaar including art, funky fashion, live music, hot food, and eccentric wares, Franklin Flea enjoyed a November-through-December run as a weekly winter flea market at the old historic Strawbridge & Clothier building at 8th and Market. Borne from the ashes of Brooklyn Flea, this indoor market with a hometown name and feel still has room to grow, and will reopen in April 2014. Well see what effect, if any, it will have in a Market East strip starved for shopping options outside of The Gallery.

10. Hollywood Recognition. Its been a while since Philadelphia got its due respect on the big screen. Sure theres been the odd Jennifer Wiener or Alice Sebold adaptation, plus that streak of biennial efforts from M. Night Shyamalan, whose caliber of work seemed to weaken with each new film, but our fair city finally basked in the limelight of silver screen recognition when Silver Linings Playbook was up for Oscars in all the major categories in this years Academy Awards. The Llanerch Diner, a City Line staple affectionately known as The Big L provided the setting for a key scene by this years Best Actress winner Jennifer Lawrence, and Delco and city residents alike could point out familiar spots as the world watched. Major films such as World War Z with Brad Pitt, and Fanny with Richard Gere were set or filmed in Philly this year. Could more Hollywood crews be on their way?

9. Philly Pheud. The concept is simple: A local TV game show based on the familiar format of Family Feud, but with a Philly twist. Our sports teams may not have been very competitive this year, but this new game show tests Philly groups on their knowledge of city history, culture, traditions, and sports, and provides both audiences and contestants the chance to trade trash talk and flaunt the competitive edge that defines our sports fans. The fight cards so far have showcased such heavyweight match-ups as St. Joes versus Temple, The District Attorneys office versus the Defense Attorneys, The Inquirer versus the Daily News, and of course, Pats versus Genos. Disclosure: This writer and his philly.com colleagues recently set a record for the shows highest score. Challengers are welcome.

8. The Cronut. Its not our creation. We recognize that. The delectable, calorie-count-be-damned fusion of croissant and doughnut started in New York with chef Ansel Dominique in SoHo. Thankfully, local bakeries like Swiss Haus, Potitos, and Frangellis cooked up their own versions of the glazed craze soon after to meet the growing local demand. Swiss Haus jumped on the scene early, creating a concoction of fried dough, glaze, and cinnamon with cream inside for $5 each. The taste? Who cares if we didnt invent it? Who cares if it launches us back among the ranks of fattest, ugliest cities? Theyre just that good.

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Welcome additions to Philadelphia in 2013

Musically-inclined Burnsville High School students will have an even greater opportunity to explore their talents next year now that the School Board has approved a recommendation to expand its music offerings.

At its Thursday, Dec. 19 meeting, the Board approved BHS Principal Dave Helkes recommendation to add four new music classes to the schools course catalog: Strings Chamber Orchestra, Beginning Guitar, Beginning Piano and History of Rock and Roll.

The music people have met a lot and have been engaging in really good conversation, and they really want to find ways to provide other students an opportunity to tap into music that may not be in the traditional band or traditional orchestra [setting], Helke said. We have lots of kids who are not in band or orchestra, but do have garage bands or are in bands outside of school, so it would be a way to capture those students in our own music program.

A strings program was first established at Envision Academy of the Arts, a District 191 magnet high school that was only open in the 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 school years. After the academy closed due to enrollment and funding concerns, the strings program was revived at Harriet Bishop Elementary School and Eagle Ridge Junior High. Officials say the program has been extremely popular.

That [Strings Chamber Orchestra] course really is being proposed because we have our first small cohort of students that are coming through the Harriet Bishop [and] Eagle Ridge strings programs, Helke explained. Even though it will be a small cohort next year, I did talk to [Principal Donald] Leake at Eagle Ridge and I do understand that over the next two or three years those numbers will grow, so we need to put in place some type of a course for those students so they can continue their instruction in strings.

While the course is aimed at students who have been through the Harriet Bishop and Eagle Ridge strings programs, all students will be allowed to enroll in the class as long as they show the necessary level of proficiency in an audition.

Helke said the music teachers at BHS have been looking for more creative ways to get students interested in music education, and more new classes could be on the horizon. Long range, theyve even been talking about eventually looking at music production as an opportunity for kids, he said.

Board member Abigail Alt was pleased to see the new additions. Its really refreshing to see the addition of [these] music [courses] at BHS, said Alt. I would like to challenge us all as a district to continue thinking outside of the box as far as what we can do, not just at the high school level, but also at the other levels to offer enriching and meaningful musical experiences for all of our students.

Thats definitely the tone I get from the music teachers as were talking through new courses and new opportunities for kids, Helke responded.

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BHS offering more music choices

On a white sheet of paper, Tessa Groshoff spills hersecrets.

She swirls, lines and scribbles to tell her stories in the universal language of art that words simply cannotconvey.

Art is my way of communicating, she said. I believe a persons voice can be heard without words. Each stroke is a memory to be created or released, and each stroke has a purpose whether it is dark orlight.

To her friends, Groshoff is a groovy girl or a kumbayah girl, embodying all that was right in the 1960s, including the ideas of peace and freedom, and

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S-R Media, The Spokesman-Review and Spokesman.com are happy to assist you. Contact Customer Service by email or call 800-338-8801

Tessa Groshoff has a passion for art, and she believes in its therapeutic value. Her work is full of memories and philosophies of life. Painting in acrylic or manipulating natural found objects, Groshoff is in a constant search ofmeaning. (Full-size photo)

of theweek

Art is the half-effaced recollection of a higher state from which we have fallen since the time ofEden.

Saint Hildegarde(1098-1179)

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Tessa Groshoff finds safety in art - Thu, 26 Dec 2013 PST

Organization delivers free food packages for annual Christmas giveaway Organization delivers free food packages for annual Christmas giveaway

Updated: Tuesday, December 24 2013 5:31 PM EST2013-12-24 22:31:45 GMT

Updated: Tuesday, December 24 2013 5:28 PM EST2013-12-24 22:28:09 GMT

Updated: Tuesday, December 24 2013 5:27 PM EST2013-12-24 22:27:53 GMT

Updated: Tuesday, December 24 2013 5:22 PM EST2013-12-24 22:22:09 GMT

Updated: Tuesday, December 24 2013 5:21 PM EST2013-12-24 22:21:05 GMT

A group of community leaders in Georgia announced their opposition Monday to President Obama's nominations for the U.S. District Court's northern district of Georgia.

They say the proposed candidates do not reflect the diversity of the district.

"Some of those nominees have views and impulses that are out of step with citizens of the northern district of Georgia, and it's for this reason that we're asking President Obama to withdraw this slate and to restart with process that's open, transparent and inclusive," said Charles Johnson with Advocate for Action.

"Justice cannot be found in some secret deals and negotiation that shut the people out," said Rep. John Lewis (D). "Mr. President, the lives of the people in this state are hanging in the balance. We question whether this is the kind of legacy you want to leave in the state of Georgia. We believe it is not too late to turn this train around."

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Community leaders oppose President Obama’s Ga. judicial court nominations

Since the 1960s, Topsider Homes has designed and prefabricated garages of all types, from stand-alone and attached garage plans, to apartment garages and multi-purpose garage structures, incorporating workshops, offices, studios, mother-in-law suites and home gyms. Topsider Homes' panelized post and beam building system offers unlimited design flexibility, and unrivaled quality prefabrication which results in "weather tight" assembly within days... not weeks like most "stick-built" construction. Each prefab garage kit is designed and engineered to meet or exceed local building codes and requirements.

Topsider's garage kits make the perfect stand alone or attached garage addition. Sizes range from two and three car garage plans, up to 1,100 sq. ft., plus four car and larger custom garage sizes as large as may be needed. Each Topsider prefab garage kit is custom designed and prefabricated to the highest quality standards in the controlled environment of our modern factory facilities in Clemmons, NC.

Topsider garage kits deliver ready for local assembly in post and beam and panel form. Our building system reduces to days the normal construction time required to complete a "weather tight" structure, making it ideal for the do-it-yourselfer or contractor needing a fast build out. And our garage plans are adaptable and blend with nearly any existing architectural style or theme. Exterior finish options include stone, brick, stucco, HardiBoard and along with many other traditional siding options.

Whether your interest is a stand-alone garage or an attached garage addition, Topsider Homes' flexible building system can be the ideal solution. We offer stock two, three and four car garage plans, that range in size from 600 sq. ft. up, and can custom design larger garages to virtually any need.

Adding a garage apartment on a second story, or a ground level garage apartment addition can be a good investment and an efficient way to add more living space. Many Topsider clients design guest quarters, mother-in-law suites, rental units, offices, or studios into their garages. With Topsider's post and beam building system, such spaces are only limited by the imagination.

One of the most cost-efficient ways to add needed living space is with an apartment garage. These can easily be attached to an existing home as an addition for extra bedrooms, guestrooms or a mother-in-law suite, or as a stand-alone structure for a rental unit or guest house. The alternatives for design are endless with Topsider's post and beam building system.

Topsider has even designed and prefabricated garages that have multiple spaces above, such as garage apartments, offices or studios, all with separate entrances and with enclosed garage parking below for two, three, or four cars. It is not unusual for clients to also build small vacation homes or getaways over a garage, which allows them storage for their boats and recreational gear below, and security when they are not there.

View Sample Garage Apartment Plans

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Attached Garage Addition To The Existing Carport. - Youtube

If you are a car owner without a garage you must be familiar with the agony of braving the snow on a freezing morning while walking towards your car, only to find the doors frosted with the snow. While you struggle to get inside and turn on the ignition, the sluggish engine simply refuses to cooperate. Sheltering your car becomes a must if you live in regions of extreme weather. Even otherwise, protecting your car from impish teenagers in the neighborhood would be a good idea.

Ideas

Although the main purpose of a garage would be to house a car, it can also serve a number of other purposes. You can use it for storing various garden tools and equipment such as lawn mowers which occupy substantial storage space in the house. You can also use it as additional living space by building a story on it. The extra space can also be used for housing boats, kids' bicycles, and toys. If you install a work bench inside your garage you would be able to complete your do-it-yourself projects in there. It could also serve as a good place for setting up your home office.

Designs

Design would primarily depend on the purpose for which you would be utilizing the space. Even though you might intend to use it only for parking your car, it wouldn't be a great idea to build an unattractive box next to your beautiful house. Irrespective of the purpose of the garage, aesthetic plays a vital role in its design. The size of the garage is the most important factor to be considered while designing. Ideally, you should not extend its size more than two-thirds of the total size of your home. If you have plans for constructing an enormous garage equipped with many utilities, then it is recommended that you construct it behind your house, where it won't be visible. While adding a story to your garage, care must be taken that it ends well below the roof of your home. Before you approach a general contractor, you should be ready with the rough sketches, designs of the plan, as well as some conversion ideas of your own.

Construction

If you are an avid 'do-it-yourselfer' with a penchant for construction, then you can consider doing this job yourself. However, make sure you possess the requisite skills for doing this job. You may also approach a general contractor who may finish part of the job for you. Usually, contractors take care of the construction of frames, drywall, roof shingles, insulation, doors, and windows. Thus, you are left with the foundation, slab, electricity, floor sealing, and painting which can be accomplished with the help of a laborer. If you decide to entrust the job to a contractor, get a proper cost estimate from him. Interview a couple of contractors before finalizing the deal.

Garage additions open a plethora of opportunities to utilize the available space. This home addition can take care of all your space-related woes. Do not forget to equip your garage with a cabinet, closet, and other essential furniture for additional comfort and functionality.

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Garage Additions - Buzzle