Sheetrock City!

Here are some updates from around the construction site in the last few days! Houston's generally dry weather recently has allowed a lot of the exterior work - both roofing and brick cladding - to move forward.

 

Yes, the brick work on the curved section is complete! Here is the very last brick to be installed (on the wall next to the curved section).

Next, new exit doors will be installed in the curved section and new windows will be placed all along the front of the building. The existing front doors remain where they are.

On the inside, the installation of insulation and gypsum board (commonly known by one brand name, "Sheetrock") is happening everywhere.

(above, the auditorium looking northwest, with the Classroom/Rehearsal Room stage opening on the upper right; below, the West Lobby looking south)

 

(below, the Green Room and the door to Dressing Room #1 on the right; below, inside Dressing Room #2)

(above, the Front Stair that is adjacent to the Lobby; below, the Technical Booth looking south)

 

This shot out of the Technical Booth window shows a very important item that has also been installed this past week: AIR DUCTS. Our new central air conditioning and heating systems will make for a much more comfortable experience for audience, actors and staff alike.

Finally, last week, our general contractor, Arch-Con, hosted a wonderful "Topping Off" barbeque luncheon for the construction crew, MST staff and board members in the auditorium. On tall building construction, the "topping off" often celebrates the reaching of the highest point of the structure and is marked by a tree branch. Since our exterior and roof are almost done, we thought it was an appropriate time to celebrate a little!