For so long, it felt we were getting nowhere, although everyone was working hard. It was just demolish, clean; demolish, clean. Over and over until suddenly we began the building back process. First came the new entrance space, then the windows, then part of the front bricks. Before we knew it, after all these months, we were seeing a store appear!
I'm purposely adding a picture of our beautiful door (unfinished) with some of the mess, which is not a true picture of how much of a mess we made. Our building proves that sometimes out of great mess, beauty can be found.
These are our beautiful doors, partially. We had to cut about 7 inches off of the bottom as they were too tall but we were able to keep all of the beauty. There is another part of the doors that this photo doesn't show. By opening day we will have these painted and intact and I know they will be the statement piece we were looking for. We purchased these beauties in Nashville, TN at Preservation Station. I cannot say enough good things about that place. Not only did they have a great selection, the owners were extremely helpful and gracious.
Since this photo was taken, the plywood that you can see through the windows has come down, while craft paper has gone up over the windows. We don't want to give too much away at once! We've prioritized what absolutely has to be done for opening day. We absolutely loved the "new" old brick as it was going up on the front exterior. We have decided to leave the front as it now without painting it. After the new year we will have the rest of the old brick removed and replaced with the "new" old brick. It's the exact look we wanted and are thrilled to not have to paint the brick.
The awning seen through the windows will eventually come down and be replaced with a two striped awning that will match the doors. The new floor will go now after all work is done and we are in the process of repairing the original ceiling. At this point in time there will be no public restroom. Vintage Brides will be ready hopefully by next summer. There is still so much to do, but even the most boring detail is exciting! I can't wait for everyone to see the restored building.