Here is the latest update on Expansion efforts at the Dallas Makerspace.
- The Board of Directors approved the plumbing contract to add a new hot water heater and hot/cold/sewer lines to both the Science Area and the Warehouse Area. The new 45 gallon hot water heater will be installed in the Wet Classroom, it will replace a 4 gallon unit. Most of the construction work will be to install a new sewer line, suspended from the roof, above the ceiling in the Flex Area. Sump pumps will be installed in the Science and Warehouse areas. Work should start next week.
- The Board of Directors approved the purchase of 10 new ventilation hoods for Fired Arts, Jewelry, and Glassmaking. They should arrive at any time.
- The Amateur Radio SIG installed their radio antenna conduits to the roof. This was accomplished with volunteer labor.
- Engineering Drawings for all the electrical work in the Warehouse area will be released to the City for approval next week. This includes all electrical for; Fired Arts, Jewelry, Lapidary, Glassmaking, Machine Shop, Plastics SIG, and Hatchers.
- Engineering Drawings for the 22 foot tall wall around Blacksmith and the Electrical Room will be released to the City for approval next week.
- Engineering Drawings for the Ventilation systems for Fired Arts, Jewelry, Glassmaking, and Blacksmiith will be released to the City for approval next week. An Engineering study is required to verify that the roof can support the weight of the roof mounted air handlers.
- Engineering Drawings for construction of Digital Media’s Audio Room will be released to the City for approval next week.
- Engineering Drawings for construction of the new aisle that goes through the old Creative Arts Room will be released to the City for approval next week.
- Engineering Drawings for the relocation and the moving of several doors around the Makerspace will be released to the City for approval next week. This includes the relocation of the Men’s Restroom door in the Wet Classroom to the Flex Area. Several other doors must swing in the opposite direction to meet the new Fire Code.
Some people may think that Expansion is running rather slow. Please keep in mind that when working with a commercial building that:
- All construction must be properly documented with Engineering drawings. All drawings must meet all of the Building Codes and ADA requirements for the Disabled.
- Drawings must be signed off by a Professional Engineer. I am a Professional Engineer, licensed by the State. I am also the General Contractor on record with the City of Carrollton.
- Drawings are released to the City for approval, may take up to 2 weeks.
- Request for Quotes (RFQ) go out to various Contractors.
- Wait for all RFQ’s to arrive.
- The Board of Directors must approve the winning quote.
- Building permits are issued by the City.
- Contractor starts the job.
- City Inspector comes back to inspect the work.
Please be considerate of my time when asking me about issues other than those that are Expansion related. I am the only person doing a majority of the work. I am a volunteer just like many others. My professional services to the Dallas Makerspace are pro bono.
Edit: Item #1. Grammatical error: Changed the word Sub-Pump to Sump Pump. Thanks to @jrkriehn for pointing this out. Wow! Some people actually read this stuff!