You can't see the new roof from ground level, but the new flashing is visible and looks great. I'm so happy the roof is done and we can now focus on replacing the ceiling tile and painting.

The shiny, restored terrazo floor is also done. I learned a lot about terrazo floors this week. The process originated in Ancient Egypt and Italy. New methods include tinting the concrete with rich colors and embedding decorative metal shapes into the terrazo. The Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport recently commissioned a huge public art project using terrazo, check it out!

We have been hoping to open in mid-to-late April, but our plans may be delayed due to the coronavirus outbreak. Although this is a bit disappointing, it is a small inconvenience compared to the hardships being faced by many businesses.

My thoughts and prayers are with all of those people who are impacted. Please protect yourself and others.
​Beth 

On Monday Grant and Taylor from Concrete Treatments Inc., Rogers, Minnesota arrived and started work to refinish the terrazo floor. The first step involved removing the mastic adhesive, this took all day Monday and Tuesday morning. The next steps involve polishing the floor eight times with progressivly finer diamond bits. Next week I will post photos of the finished floor!

Work to replace the rubber roof began last Thursday and will continue to the end of this week. We really needed a new roof and our contractor, Duluth Architectural Metals started the project as soon as the weather permitted! We really appreciate their concern for our building and my need to open this spring. They are doing a fantastic job, starting early and working late each day to get the project done before the next rain or snow.

We also want to give a big shout out to Lincoln Park Restaurateur, Tom Hanson, for giving up his spot up on the roof scheduling list so our project could be done first! Tom you are such a great guy, thank you! 

I hope you are enjoying the warmer weather, spring will be here soon!
​Beth

The work continues! Last week Dave and Mark dismanteled the Train Station canopy. It will be reassembled and used at the old Railroad Depot in Knife River. I'm so happy it will be installed at a place where people can enjoy it for many years to come!

I have been busy moving things into the basement and doing anything else I can do to help. We have to clear the entire main level so the floor can be restored. We discovered a beautiful 1940's terrazo floor beneath the tiles. It has flecks of reddish, rust, ochre and grey. We had the existing tile and the mastic glue tested and both are asbestos-free! My next job will be to remove all of the old tiles. Thankfully they pop off easily with a ice chisel. 

The walls are being repaired and soon I can prime and paint. 

The replica Train Depot will be repainted and transformed into a "Fish Market". The fun continues! 
More updates next week!
​Beth

We worked so hard deconstructing things at the shop last week that I missed posting my blog for the first time. We were also busy selling fixtures and showcases. The last two showcases sold last night.
We had to deconstruct the full-size, walk-in toy house too. It was really sad to see it go, but it was impossible to move it out of the room it was in.
Another structure has to be disassembled and sold. It is posted on Facebook Marketplace. It is a one-of-a-kind canopy that could be used as a garden feature or as a backyard picnic shelter. It was designed and built by Jack Carr, and is made of wood and custom made steel fittings/decoration. It is wired for electricity and also has thick-cut cedar shakes. 
We have bids in for the roof, flooring and new windows and doors.
We hare hoping to be ready to open in mid-April!
Have a great week and enjoy the warm weather!
Beth

​Happy Valentines Day!

We are selling some really nice lighted display cases ($100 each), Lozier shelving ($25 and up) and pegboard. Other store fixtures and miscelaneous displays are also available. All of the displays, etc. can be seen at Carr's Hobbies. The store will be open until Friday, Jan. 31. Stop in during business hours to see the items. After Friday, please email theboathousemn.com to set up an appointment to see the items.
Please checkout our Craigslist ads for complete details. 
https://duluth.craigslist.org/for/d/duluth-1940s-50s-matching-display-cases/7064978699.html
https://duluth.craigslist.org/for/d/duluth-mid-century-lighted-display-cases/7064977862.html
https://duluth.craigslist.org/for/d/duluth-mid-century-tanker-desk-globe/7064979509.html
https://duluth.craigslist.org/bfs/d/duluth-lozier-retail-shelving-units/7064976569.html
https://duluth.craigslist.org/mat/d/duluth-pegboard-and-accessories/7064975610.html
​Beth

I love the lake when it looks like this, but I'm getting tired of winter! It's supposed to be warm later this week, can't wait.

Work continues every day on the building. The office and back hall are finished. Many store displays will be available for purchase soon. I will post photos and prices next week.

Stay warm! Beth

The Captain's Office renovation is almost complete. The walls have been painted a soft grey. The door will be painted a nautical, dark royal blue. Note the porthole in the door. It is a real brass, ship's porthole! Read more about portholes below.

From Wikipedia:
A porthole, sometimes called bull's-eye window or bull's-eye, is a generally circular window used on the hull of ships to admit light and air. Though the term is of maritime origin, it is also used to describe round windows on armored vehicles, aircraft, autos (the Ford Thunderbird  a notable example) and even spacecraft.

On a ship, the function of a porthole, when open, is to permit light and fresh air to enter the dark and often damp below-deck quarters of the vessel. It also affords below-deck occupants a limited view to the outside world. When closed, the porthole provides a strong water-tight, weather-tight and sometimes light-tight barrier.

We are cleaning, painting and gradually will move in merchandise. There is a lot do. Changes to the exterior won't happen for a month or two.

We will be selling some of the furniture and displays left in the store. I will list them on this blog and on Craigslist. The first items are a couple of fantastic Globe-Wernike mid-century tanker desks! If you are interested let me know! Details at link below.
https://duluth.craigslist.org/fuo/d/duluth-mid-century-tanker-desk-globe/7051447133.html