GIFFORD Country Health Nursing Home officials have unveiled the results of a multimillion-dollar renovation.

The $8.9 million project was started in 2008 and involved remodeling and expansion.

Administrator Chris Kasper said Gifford area residents have been enthusiastic in their backing of the project and have contributed a great deal.

"Everybody just thinks it's amazing. They can't believe it's a nursing home," Kasper said of the facility's interior.

"For what our rates are, they're very pleased with the price because we're very competitive with the area. We've had a lot of excellent comments on the care because we're a five-star facility with CMS Nursing Home Compare."

Kasper said Country Health was recently listed one of the top 50 nursing homes in Illinois by U.S. News and World Report. It received five out of five stars based on health inspections, nurse staffing and quality measures.

The nursing home's expansion, designed by Worn Jerabek Architects of Chicago, included gutting and renovating the building's original 37 rooms and adding 27 more rooms in extensions that branch off from the south and north wings.

Whereas before some rooms housed as many as four residents, now there are private rooms and rooms with two residents.

The rooms also include more amenities than before, with an oval sitting area and walk-in shower. Each room also has its own closet.

The most recent phase of the project has included renovating the core of the building, which encompasses a new chapel, new activity room, beauty shop, physicians office and renovation of the old dining room. The front entryway was also completed.

Continue reading here:
Country Health finishes remodeling

SAN FRANCISCO, May 18, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The 75th Anniversary of San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge is an integral part of the multi-million dollar remodeling and renovations at the Radisson Hotel Fisherman's Wharf. This iconic hotel, which has long been a favorite for leisure and business travelers because of its ideal location on the Wharf, is celebrating the anniversary of the historic Golden Gate Bridge with a photographic mural that is artistically placed in each guestroom. The beautifully depicted scene of the Golden Gate adorns the wall over the bed in each guestroom.

"The stunning mural brings the beauty of San Francisco's most famous landmark into the hotel and helps to accent the hotel's new interior design which is striking, contemporary and comfortable, says General Manager, John Sevilla. "Since we cater to so many leisure travelers, particularly international visitors, we thought it appropriate to bring the most symbolic image of San Francisco into each and every guestroom. So far our guests are enjoying sleeping 'under the bridge' which is depicted at sunset in the mural," added Sevilla.

About the Radisson Hotel Fisherman's Wharf

Located at 250 Beach Street in the heart of Fisherman's Wharf, The Radisson Hotel Fisherman's Wharf is steps from Pier 39, the Wharf's famous eateries and attractions, as well as the Ferry to Alcatraz Island, Ghirardelli Square and San Francisco's Cable Cars.

The hotel welcomes guests in its newly appointed selection of 355 guestrooms, many with exclusive views of the San Francisco Bay or the hotel's courtyard. All of the guestrooms have been completely refreshed and feature Sleep Number Beds(TM) (in most rooms) with plush bedding and comforters, contemporary seating, and privacy window treatments. The new spa style bathrooms have granite countertops, expanded showers, and custom vanities. In addition guests may enjoy 37 inch flat screen TVs, work desks with an ergonomic chair, in-room coffee makers and dry bars (in select rooms). Rooms that feature a terrace have stylish new patio furniture ensuring a perfect place to enjoy the view. Additional amenities include concierge and bell service, complimentary wireless service throughout the hotel, a business center, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a year-round heated outdoor swimming pool with new resort style lounges.

For more information and reservations at the Radisson Hotel Fisherman's wharf San Francisco visit http://www.Radisson.com or call: 415.392.6700.

See the rest here:
The Radisson Hotel Fisherman's Wharf Completes a Multi-Million Dollar Remodeling That Includes a Tribute to the ...

ANTIOCH, Ill., May 17, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Antioch Hotel & Suites is celebrating the completion of a major renovation, remodeling and rebranding as a full-service BEST WESTERN PLUS hotel. The Lake County community is invited from 6 -- 9 p.m. on Tuesday, May 22nd for complimentary hotel tours, a 6:30 p.m. ribbon cutting with Antioch Mayor Lawrence Hanson, as well as live music and complimentary hors d'oeuvres.

The Antioch Hotel & Suites Best Western Plus is in the heart of Lake County, IL, overlooking Lake Antioch. It is in close proximity to Chain O' Lakes State Park, the Port of Blarney, and the area's other popular recreational facilities. It is less than a one hour drive from both downtown Chicago and Milwaukee.

The multi-million dollar renovation included all 68 guestrooms and suites as well as the hotel's lobby, the indoor/outdoor pool and Jacuzzi, the addition of a state-of-the-art exercise room, and new mixed-use meeting and banquet space located off of the lobby. The hotel also added Antioch's only lakefront lounge, Fox's, with its fabulous 2,000 square foot outdoor patio, large all-season fireplace and fiber optic lighting.

The 2500-square foot indoor heated swimming pool & Jacuzzi tub has also been completely remodeled with expanded outdoor sundecks that can be cross-utilized as function space. Inside the hotel, the new decor is sophisticated and welcoming incorporating natural stone and warm colors. Guests are greeted in the lobby by a beautiful grand porcelain surround fireplace and seating area. The new breakfast bar opens to the lobby and creates a comfortable place to enjoy breakfast or a meal throughout the day. Each of the guestrooms and suites includes new 37 inch flat screen TVs, new plush pillow-top bedding, updated bathrooms, contemporary furnishings including a work and seating area, and an in-room coffee maker, mini-fridge and microwave.

The BEST WESTERN PLUS Antioch Hotel & Suites offers a wide array of amenities, including a complimentary hot breakfast, complimentary wireless access, local telephone calls and long distance access, a business center, and an onsite laundry.

The BEST WESTERN PLUS Antioch Suites & Hotels is located at 350 West Highway 173, Antioch, IL . It is owned by New Midwest Hotels Antioch, LLC. For information and reservations visit: http://www.AntiochSuites.com or call: 847.395.3606.

See original here:
The Best Western Plus Antioch Hotel & Suites Completes Re-Branding and Renovation

13-05-2012 13:01 Stretch ceiling installation for a dining room. Watch how stretch ceilings are installed by professionals. Video by

See the original post here:
Ceiling Installation by Vic Ceilings - Dining Room Remodeling - Video

10-05-2012 10:54 New housing costs have you overwhelmed? Why not spruce up your existing home with help from the experts? With the proper skills, tools and experience, we specialize in a wide range of remodeling and renovation services. We work with you to create an exciting design, then our experienced and knowledgeable crews work quickly to complete the job to your satisfaction, while maintaining a high standard of excellence. Whether you want to remodel a single room or your entire home, call us today.

View post:
Always There Remodeling LLC - Video

By MONICA DRAKE monica.drake@oakpress.com; Twitter: @monica_adele

Students wait in the lunch line at Clarkston High School recently. The Clarkston School District is the subject of a $20 million bond issue that raises annual taxes by 1 mill per year for Clarkston residents. The Oakland Press/TIM THOMPSON

Residents within the Clarkston School District will have a decision to make on Tuesday, May 8 whether to support the $20 million school bond proposal.

The bond would be used for remodeling, equipping and furnishing school buildings; acquiring and installing educational technology in school buildings; and developing and improving athletic facilities and sites.

Every student and teacher within the school district would have access to a handheld technology device, such as an iPad, according to administration.

The current enrollment of the school district is about 8,100 students. The bond series would provide the district with $10 million in 2012 and $5 million each in 2016 and 2020.

Supporters, who call themselves Clarkston Kids First, stressed that this bond will allow the school district to catch up with surrounding districts.

Clarkston Kids First member Aimee Baker, mother of a fifth-grader and a ninth-grader, said, Were not trying to lead the way. Were just trying to catch up.

George White, former principal of Pine Knob Elementary and former Clarkston High School teacher, said, Were trying to provide an opportunity for our kids to be competitive when they leave Clarkston Schools and go into the work force so they have similar skills and a similar background to move forward.

Excerpt from:
$20M Clarkston school bond includes remodeling plan, iPads for students WITH VIDEO

07-05-2012 20:43 **CRISTAL INDIGO SERVICES** In this video above we present to you one of our latest, successful project near West Palm beach. We specialized on bathroom remodeling, kitchen, living room, offices, and outside the house remodeling.. ect. **COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL** Interested by our work? This could be your own dream bathroom!! Contact us for more information or a FREE estimate - BROWARD COUNTY FL: (954) 607-8684 MIAMI-DADE COUNTY FL: (305) 576-7988 WEST PALM BEACH COUNTY FL: (561) 630-8966 Or simply visit our website at God bless you and have an amazing day!

View post:
Bathroom remodeling video complete - Video

by Martin Moylan, Minnesota Public Radio

May 7, 2012

ST. PAUL, Minn. Peg Wangensteen and her husband, Doug, had been in their St. Paul home for about 40 years when a number of things inspired them to remodel their upstairs bathroom this spring.

"One was our granddaughter saying to us, 'Grandma why do you have paint peeling off the ceiling of your bathroom,'" she said. "But it was also that the water pressure wasn't as good. It was the room was kind of cool because it had two outside walls."

Workers gutted the bathroom to the studs and installed new insulation, sheetrock and tile. They also replaced aging pipes, along with the bathroom window, sink, toilet and tub.

It was a significant expense but the Wangensteens think they received a good deal, saving about $1,000.

"We thought the bids were going to be better than they might be in a few years from now," she said. "We have a sense that there isn't as much remodeling going on and that people want the work. We were hoping to tap into that."

As more homeowners undertake such projects, the hard-hit construction industry appears to be recovering slowly -- improvement is starting to show up in the remodeling business.

But times are still tough in the building trades. These days there's often intense competition for the remodeling work that is available. That's pushed down the cost of home renovations.

Many remodelers agree with Peg Wangensteen's read of the market.

Read the original here:
Slow building recovery boosts remodel business

Dustin and Patti Lavallee's project to remake their unfinished, dank basement into a full-on, mini apartment landed Dustin in the ER only three times.

Once he was in a hurry to cut something; twice he didn't use protective goggles.

He imparts these lessons learned with the skill of the middle-school teacher he is: holding his hand up to prove his thumb is still attached; pointing to his eyes, which still work.

The project transformed 800 square feet of, well, not much -- other than a washer and dryer as far from the stairs as possible, some water damage along the side wall, a toilet sort of in the middle of nowhere, and a few windows tucked up next to the ceiling.

The one thing the space had was a ceiling high enough for 6-foot-2 Dustin to clear.

The other thing the space had was two owners with smarts, design savvy, patience and pluck.

"You really have to see what it used to look like," Dustin says, walking down the newly re-coated concrete stairs, explaining that there was one load-bearing wall and an exposed furnace and water heater.

"It was icky," he says.

But not any longer.

In a year of weeknights and weekends, the Lavallees created a basement in their Northeast Portland home worthy of renting out -- something they considered until they fell in love with it too much.

More here:
Remodeling a basement into a mini-apartment (with tips on how to avoid the ER)

By MONICA DRAKE - monica.drake@oakpress.com; Twitter: @monica_adele

Students wait in the lunch line at Clarkston High School recently. The Clarkston School District is the subject of a $20 million bond issue that raises annual taxes by 1 mill per year for Clarkston residents. The Oakland Press/TIM THOMPSON

Residents within the Clarkston School District will have a decision to make on Tuesday, May 8 whether to support the $20 million school bond proposal.

The bond would be used for remodeling, equipping and furnishing school buildings; acquiring and installing educational technology in school buildings; and developing and improving athletic facilities and sites.

Every student and teacher within the school district would have access to a handheld technology device, such as an iPad, according to administration.

The current enrollment of the school district is about 8,100 students. The bond series would provide the district with $10 million in 2012 and $5 million each in 2016 and 2020.

Supporters, who call themselves Clarkston Kids First, stressed that this bond will allow the school district to catch up with surrounding districts.

Clarkston Kids First member Aimee Baker, mother of a fifth-grader and a ninth-grader, said, Were not trying to lead the way. Were just trying to catch up.

George White, former principal of Pine Knob Elementary and former Clarkston High School teacher, said, Were trying to provide an opportunity for our kids to be competitive when they leave Clarkston Schools and go into the work force so they have similar skills and a similar background to move forward.

See the original post here:
$20M school bond issue that includes remodeling and possibly an iPad for every student at forefront in Clarkston WITH ...