Preservation and rehabilitation of the HP garage

June 2, 2005 - By the first Thursday in June, the foundation is completely set. It is now time for Kelly Brothers House Movers to return to Addison Avenue and smoothly lower the residence building to within 4 inch (.6 cm) of the height of a new pony wall. Once the wall is reconstructed, the house at 367 will be permanently reunited with its new footing.

Preservation and rehabilitation of the HP garage

May 12, 2005 - A gorgeous spring day dawns on May 12, the day of the big concrete pour. As the truck out front churns and pumps, the crew swings into action. Wrestling flexible tubing that resembles a giant Anaconda, they carefully direct the flow of the heavy liquid comprised of cement, sand, gravel and water. When the concrete cures, the house can be lowered.

Preservation and rehabilitation of the HP garage

April 27, 2005 - The time has arrived to add the concrete reinforcing bar (rebar), an important element that will strengthen the new foundation for the house. After installation and inspection of the rebar, the second side of the forms can be added, and then the concrete will be poured.

Preservation and rehabilitation of the HP garage

April 22, 2005 - The trenches around both the house and the garage are completed, the old footing under the house has been removed, and it's time to place the forms for the new one. The little shed's new foundation is finally poured and now just needs to cure before reconstruction begins.

Preservation and rehabilitation of the HP garage

April 18, 2005 - Scheduled work begins on the roof of the HP garage. Workers climb up to the top of the simple structure and begin removing the layers of old tarpaper, graveled asphalt cap sheeting and wooden shingles.

Preservation and rehabilitation of the HP garage

April 13, 2005 - The glorious spring weather provides great working conditions for the continued deconstruction. The garage gets a privacy screen, and the shed undergoes final preparations for its new footing.

Preservation and rehabilitation of the HP garage

April 13, 2005 - The glorious spring weather provides great working conditions for the continued deconstruction. The garage gets a privacy screen, and the shed undergoes final preparations for its new footing.

Preservation and rehabilitation of the HP garage

April 12, 2005 - Today marks the end of another wave of rainstorms that sweep through California. Work restarts outside, and deconstruction of the HP garage begins. Work for the week includes setting forms for the foundations of the shed and house and removing the board-and-batten skin of the garage.

Preservation and rehabilitation of the HP garage

April 4, 2005 - After a weekend of mounting suspense, the big day arrives, warm and calm. Kelly Brothers House Movers arrive with the hydraulic jack system and put the final supports under the house. In a smooth, multi-step process, the house is raised a full 4 feet (1.2 meters) in one afternoon, and all is secured for the foundation work to begin.

Preservation and rehabilitation of the HP garage

April 1, 2005 - Another beautiful day sets the stage for final preparations to lift the house. Structural engineers, site workers and house movers converge for the big set up. The shed disassembly is complete, and preparations are made to lay a new foundation. Original windows and frames are taken away for restoration. The forecast is for clear skies.

Preservation and rehabilitation of the HP garage

March 25, 2005 - The weather clears, seemingly, just in time for the milestone day when the house will be lifted off the ground to allow for foundation work. Painted shingles, removed from the house's exterior, and the plaster stripped from the interior have been picked up for proper disposal. Interior shoring and framing continues.

Preservation and rehabilitation of the HP garage

March 14, 2005 - Deconstruction of the clinker-brick chimney continues. Although the sky is still blue, it's a rush to beat more rainstorms on the way.

Preservation and rehabilitation of the HP garage

March 10, 2005 - Deconstruction of the clinker-brick chimney became necessary when it was found to be seismically unsound and pulling away from the house. While it is down, the house will be lifted 4 feet (1.2 meters) to accommodate the addition of a new foundation. The chimney will then be reconstructed, brick by brick. The big day has arrived, and the work crew harnesses up and takes a quick ride to the rooftop.