Last time I wrote, we had just hosted our first President's Project demonstrational show home open house. And we had worked like the dickens to get ready for it. Immediately after the event, we swung into high gear again to get ready for the second event that was only a week out.

Builders First Source supplied the wall panels and trusses and Norbord supplied the Wind Storm structural sheathing. Then, S.A. Robinson Construction framed the entire house. We also want to thank Anthony Forest Products for supplying the glulams Power Beam and Lumber Unlimited for supplying the radiate roof sheathing. Boise Cascade supplied the Grace Tri-flex roof underlament. It really is amazing to see so many of our partners contribute to the project!

Due to the donations and hard work of everyone listed above, we were ready to show an unbelievable amount of progress by April 22. So, we invited everyone back out to the site. Once again, we had a great turnout of architects, engineers, builders and building officials. The hot topics of the day were the in-line framing techniques and the trusses with raised heels.

At 2:00 p.m., C.W. with Raised Floor Living taught a CEU class. After that, it was time to sit back, enjoy our progress to-date, and have a beer! (Well, I had a glass of wine, but you get the point!) Keep checking back for more updates to the President's Project!

Progress at the President’s Progress showhouse is going gangbusters now!

Progress at the President’s Progress showhouse is going gangbusters now! Shortly after our groundbreaking, construction got underway. A week ago Wednesday, Capitol Concrete dug the footer and the following day they poured the footer. That Friday, they built the foundation columns and this past Tuesday they poured the foundation columns solid and installed Simpson Strong Tie embedded hardware.
As Capitol Concrete was hard at work on that, Lumber Unlimited delivered the girder lumber and Bluelix floor trusses. Meanwhile, Manning Building Supply delivered Norbord Pinnacle Gold floor sheathing. On Wednesday, S.A. Robins Construction framed the Raised Floor System using the Bluelix floor trusses and Norbord Pinnacle Gold floor sheathing. See what I mean when I say work has been fast and furious!
All of this work was done to be ready for our first of two events at the showhouse, which was last Thursday. We had a great event and want to thank the representatives who were there from Raised Floor Living, True Design, MasterCraft Builder Group, Bluelinx, Norbord, and Apex Engineering. We received feedback from a variety of the people who attended the event, including architects, engineers, building inspectors, Realtors and trade contractors. They said they learned a lot and loved how many ideas were shared among the group. Of course, they loved the free lunch too, which Raised Floor Living generously provided.
We invite all of you to see the President’s Project showhouse for yourself at our next event, which is this Thursday. If you want details more details about the upcoming event, please call Jamie at NEFBA at 725-4355.

Two Events Planned at President's Project House

Well, we are making all kinds of progress on our demonstrational showhome! More than 20 NEFBA members were on hand for our ceremonial groundbreaking on April 1. In the photo, you will see (left to right) Judge Nottingham of Carolina Lumber Company, Mike Kozlowski of Apex Technology, Andy Chambers of Mastercraft Builder Group, and C.W. Macomber of Raised Floor Living. They were selected to be in the photo because Judge is co-chair of NEFBA's Wood Council, Mike is chair of the council, Andy is president of NEFBA and C.W. represents the event sponsor.

Now that construction is underway, we have scheduled two on site events! The first one is Thursday, April 15 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. You will be able to tour the site and meet the home designer, engineer, framers, and material manufacturers. They will talk about raised wood floor framing, proper installation and common installation errors. They also will share information about options for hot/humid climates. From noon to 1:00 p.m., we will serve lunch. Both attendance and lunch is free! All you have to do is RSVP to Jamie at jatkins@nefba.com.

The second event is scheduled for Thursday, April 22 from noon to 5:30 p.m. From noon to 2:00 p.m., you can tour the site with the builder and we will serve lunch. You will learn more about raised wood floor construction and advanced framing techniques - things that could save you money and benefit your company's bottom line. You will witness new construction methods that will help you build more energy efficient homes. In fact, the information is so valuable, we are offering an hour CEU presentation from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Then, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. we will open the bar and serve a few appetizers! I've heard a rumor there will be music there too! Of course, the home designer, engineer, framers and material manufacturers will be there to answer questions and give away prizes. And all of this is free to you! Please RSVP to Jamie for this event too.

The home is located at 3630 Green Street, Jacksonville 32205. That is lot 5 in the Murray Hill neighborhood. If you need better directions, call Jamie at 725-4355. Hope to see you all there!