Preservation and rehabilitation of the HP garage

August 16, 2005 - Another week of visible and invisible change rolls along. The shed gets cedar shingles, the house’s second floor gets windows, and custom rafter tail supports are built so that the restored swoop can safely bear the weight of the roof.

Preservation and rehabilitation of the HP garage

August 12, 2005 - A bonus peek at the buzz of action at Addison Avenue reveals progress in the house and preparations that will lead to a new, more accessible mounting for the landmark plaque designating the Birthplace of Silicon Valley.

Preservation and rehabilitation of the HP garage

August 9, 2005 - Down on Addison Avenue, the house gets a new firebox; window installation begins; rebuilding the front dormer revives the residence’s 1938-39 appearance; shingles are on order, and a sprinkler trench yields another mystery.

Preservation and rehabilitation of the HP garage

August 2, 2005 - It's been a week of detailed productivity on Addison Avenue. The garage and shed do double duty; the roof regains its "swoop"; interior systems go in and the fireplace is prepared for the chimney reproduction.

Preservation and rehabilitation of the HP garage

July 28, 2005 - The weather and the action heats up on Addison Avenue . The shed and garage get paper roofs; the fireplace gets a foundation; plumbing and heating systems go in; the privacy screen drops; and the rafters have tails.

Preservation and rehabilitation of the HP garage

July 21, 2005 - It’s been a week of steady progress on the HP garage project. The porch roof sheathing is on; the shed has replacement rain gutters; the battens and drip edges are up on the garage; and the house looks a bit less see-through.

Preservation and rehabilitation of the HP garage

July 14, 2005 - A heat wave sweeps across California, but doesn’t wilt the can-do spirit at Addison Avenue. The house gets a new porch cover, electrical and plumbing; the shed serves as a temporary storage area for newly milled reproduction doors; and the honored HP garage gets some weather proofing and lights up the eyes of its preservation team.

Preservation and rehabilitation of the HP garage

July 7, 2005 - The summer weather pattern finally settles in on Northern California and the warm, dry days help assure a speedy work pace. On Thursday, July 7, reconstruction of the front porch begins, and by afternoon, beams, posts and joists are all in place to support the original roof. The porch area will return to its original open structure as it was in 1938.

Preservation and rehabilitation of the HP garage

June 30, 2005 - The tents used in termite abatement come down on Monday, June 27, and the inspector clears the property for re-entry on Tuesday evening. By end-of-day on Friday, the house window casings are reinstalled, framing is completed on the back porch area, and the HP garage regains its outer boards and something closer to its 1938-39 appearance.

Preservation and rehabilitation of the HP garage

June 21 & 24, 2005 - The rehabilitation of the buildings at HP’s most famous piece of property continue to progress. From the ground up, every building receives the respectful treatment it deserves, including an all important treatment for termites.

Preservation and rehabilitation of the HP garage

June 14, 2005 - The flurry of activity continues. The garage’s new concrete curb has been poured, the teardown of an old barn nearby provides a batch of wood perfect for garage repairs, and the swift pace of work - inside and out - accelerates.

Preservation and rehabilitation of the HP garage

June 2, 2005 - The chimney, subject of intense design and reinforcement efforts, gets another big boost. With footing and firebox in place, the steel support structure that will act as skeleton to the actual chimney rises above the roofline.