Our most valued volunteer Mary Schweigl in the black t-shirt surrounded by the board of directors and secretary Eileen Jones, furthest to the left. Mary and her husband Brian are moving back to Wisconsin. Mary has been a huge volunteer by running our Facebook page, spearheading the rummage sales, and making numerous other key contributions. She also did the groundwork in getting After 26 published in 'Rail Fan' Magazine.
The cold serving shelf installed near the kitchen window
Furthest to the left is CTC & Baker College Welding Instructor Darin Kearns pictured here
with two of his Baker College students as they install the cold serving shelf for the kitchen.
A view of the dining area in the After 26 Depot
Looking north a glimpse of the dining area complete with fans mounted on the east and
west walls. In the corners note there are two 40 inch televisions that will feature Depot Vision.
J.O. Galloup Company donates hot water heater
The J.O. Galloup Company has donated a large 100 gallon hot water heater to the After 26 Project. The timing of the donation is most important. Besides just plain needing a large commercial hot water heater to operate the Cafe, like all other expenses we have to pay for it, and with the near opening of the Cafe, every dollar counts! That's why this timely gift of $4000 is soooo appreciated. This generous gift frees up money that we can spend elsewhere in order to open the doors at the Depot. Thank you Carl Merritt and the J.O. Galloup Company!
Not your average water heater, a beast, and one that will provide ample hot water for the After 26 Depot.
The water heater is now installed in the back portion of the kitchen, seen here near the hostess station.
The Beverage area is taking shape!
A glimpse of the beverage bar designed by architect Paul Gaffke, all the wood and trim produced by Mary Stark and Wexford Wood Workings. The floor tile was laid by Deb Sabov and Picture Perfect The electrical wiring by TimWiebenga of Wiebenga Electric, and the skilled labor from Clous Construction.
The Board Room Ceiling is a knock-out!
A photo of the ceiling in the Board Room, or private dining room, located in the Northeast side of
the Depot. With three large windows in this private space, the natural daylight is tremendous!
Shadow boxes highlight the capitol
The new ceiling is being installed by the Clous Construction crew. It is a tedious job,
at times, painstaking slow! But as you can see the new ceiling looks fabulous!
Mary Stark provides all wood trim needed!
Mary Stark owner of Wexford Wood Workings stains the new beverage area. Mary has provided every piece
of trim necessary in the renovation of the Depot, she has donated 100% of her time and excellent product.
Deb Sabov & Picture Perfect provides all of the tile!
Deb Sabov & son Chad Ferrin work in the kitchen finishing the tile
installation.
In this picture they are retrofitting the historic column so it fits in seamlessly.
Wah-who!!! New floor at the Depot!!!
Thanks to Deb Sabov and her crew at Picture Perfect
the Depot has new tile throughout a huge area that includes the kitchen, beverage area, hallway, bathrooms, and managers office. Assisting Deb along the way has been Jason Rodeubaugh and also Youth Build. Thank you Deb Sabov for
donating your talent and time! Deb has lead the tile project from start to finish and has graciously donated all of her labor, a huge contribution!
Jason Rodenbaugh and Deb Sabov of Picture Perfect working on the new tile.
YOUTH BUILD ON BOARD WITH AFTER 26
Youth Build Cadillac gives young adults without high school diplomas an
opportunity to earn their GEDs while learning basic construction skills
and leadership skills. The program is supported by Michigan Works and
the Northwest Michigan Counsel of Governments. Youth Build Cadillac
is donating all the labor to hang the drywall and insulation in the
renovation of 127 West Cass. The new drywall encompasses a very large
area, over 1500 square feet in the commercial kitchen, bathrooms,
hallway, janitor's closet, office, and private dining room. They are also assisting Deb Sabov with grouting tile, and other duties. Thank you Bill Ford and Kent Myers instructors of Youth Build!
Instructor Bill Ford oversees as the Youth Build crew
carefully demolishes the old bathrooms in the Depot.
GENERAL MANAGER HIRED
The
After 26 board of directors is pleased to announce that Cadillac native
Art Wilson has accepted the position of General Manager. Art has
worked thirty years in the food & beverage industry. We are so
pleased to have Art involved, he has already made an incredible
difference. Click here to see the press release announcing the hiring of Art Wilson.
Art Wilson the newly named GM of the Depot
After 26 on MInews26 featuring electrician Tim Wiebenga, click here to view story
ARCHITECT PAUL GAFFKE GUIDES PROJECT
The After 26 Project
Board of Directors is fortunate to have local architect Paul Gaffke involved
with the Depot. Paul has provided all of the architectural drawings that
have been required, which are numerous. He has graciously donated his
services. In addition to the architectural drawings, Paul provided insightful
advice and guidance on every aspect of the renovation of the historic Ann Arbor
Railroad Depot. After 26 is honored to have Paul on the team. He is an
Afghanistan war veteran and resides in the Cadillac area with his wife Jennifer
and young children. Thank you Paul for your incredible donation!
WIDE RANGE OF COMMUNITY SUPPORT
We have received a wide range of community support from so many people! Volunteers, individuals, retirees, community organizations, civic clubs, local businesses, in-kind donations, also the Cadillac Chamber of Commerce, the AMVET, the federal government, the city of Cadillac, the community and people of Cadillac. Thank you all, each of you is playing a vital role in this cause!
CLOUS CONSTRUCTION KEY IN RENOVATION
The building is taking
shape and the historical elements are coming back. The synergy of so many
volunteers is also showing results and After 26 needs to thank Richard Clous and Clous Construction, who have taken the lead on critical
construction aspects of the renovation process, which is extensive. The Clous crew have all taken a special interest in renovating such a magnificent building. Thank you Bubba, Cooter, Billy, Mark, Leaf, Kenny, and of course Richard Clous himself. We are overwhelmed by your donation. Other huge contributors of time and talent are Tim Wiebenga of Wiebenga Electric and Youth Build Cadillac. Also thanks to Rob Hill from Hillside Interiors for doing a fabulous job on finishing the drywall and giving After 26 a huge break on cost. Volunteerism is the
energy that is driving the After 26 Project. We thank everyone!
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!
We are on a campaign to get 2626 likes as possible on facebook. Please go to our facebook page and 'like' the After 26 Project. Help us provide jobs for special needs adults in the greater Cadillac area. Please note every like that ends in the numbers 26 will receive a free cup of coffee, and the 1026 and 2626 like will receive a free After 26 t-shirt.
SUPPORT AFTER 26 BY SELLING ON eBAY
Do you sell items on eBay? After 26 Project is now a charity in eBay's Mission Fish. Be sure to make us one of your favorite charities!
OUTDOOR PATIO TRANSFORMS
Thanks to the Cadillac Leadership Class of 2012 for donating and creating the all new outdoor patio on the West side of the Depot and featuring a spectacular view of Lake Cadillac, the city park, and the Cadillac Rotary
Performing Arts Pavilion. The outdoor patio is the community project selected by the Cadillac Leadership Class of 2012, a program of the Cadillac Chamber of Commerce. The patio is
transformational in the sense it takes a previously non-usable space and
makes it useful, practical, and enjoyable. You can see the new patio pictures here or simply drive, walk, bike, or jog past the historic Ann Arbor Railroad Depot at the corner of Lake & Cass Streets!
WIEBENGA ELECTRIC STEPS UP BIG
The After 26 Project is a true community endeavor. A great example is the incredible donation provided by Tim Wiebenga of Wiebenga Electric. Tim sought us out and asked if we had an electrician. On his own without any prompting Tim said he would be willing to donate 100% of labor for the new electric service. When you consider we are putting in a brand new commercial kitchen, this includes a tremendous amount of hours and a total value of $20,000. Thank you Tim, we are so grateful.
FREE TOURS OF THE BUILDING STOP BY AND SEE OUR PROGRESS
Volunteers...The After26 Project would not be possible without our dedicated volunteers. They give their precious time and make such a meaningful contribution. Click here to see an updated volunteer list. |
