As summer drew to a close, one needn’t have moved from the Rentschler farmhouse porch to track increasingly visible progress on our new Best Western Premier hotel construction. [1]
In late June, Saline Journal reported builder updates, including anticipation that work would return to grade- and below-grade-level work within days of completing steel framing placement. That’s when plumbing rough-ins were fitted within the structure, with specialized disciplines alternation tasks in coordination akin to solving a Fifteen Puzzle. Then on August 22, cement trucks began a series of returns to the site, pouring the wall-to-wall slab within. [2,3]
Last week, Jim Haeussler of Peters Building said to look for first-floor sheething to be wrapped up by the end of September. Beams providing structure between the ceiling of that level and the floor above will follow. “At that point we’ll be ready to start setting down a firmer schedule for completing things and opening,” he told =Saline Journal. [4]
Ironically, now that summer is over, firms the pivotal variable of labor has become more fixed. A number of area contractors set their build periods based on the availability of help from college students here on break between regular semesters. That complements a total draw on talent and thus greater competition for all skilled trades, including professionals who work year round.
“So we have a lot more access to the talent we want on this job now,” Mr Haeussler concluded.
Meanwhile, across town at City Hall, Council dispensed with another of its own next obligations to Best Western Premier hotel developer Saline Lodging Group. That deal required the city to pay for the re-routing of DTE power lines from the East Michigan Avenue side of the property to its opposite border. The total of $207,468 was part of its inducement in this case as owner of the land sold to Saline Lodging Group.
Accordingly, Saline City Manager Todd Campbell submitted invoices amounting to full payment as part of the September 10 and 17 agendas. He noted that DTE would not begin any work until paid in full, although the power company has readied necessary plans for the moves. Without explanation, Council Member Dean Girbach voted against paying, both times. Notwithstanding, all other Council Members in attendance approved the invoices.
Anticipating receipt of funds, DTE has planned to begin doing its part some time during the first week of October, without service interruption to neighboring customers. Council Member Linda TerHaar asked if this date might slip due to DTE employees being routed to assist with emerging Hurricane Florence disaster relief efforts. Mr Campbell responded that he did not anticipate that it would. [5]
And thus the view from just outside the front door of Emanual Rentschler’s former home will grow ever less obstructed as our brand new hotel continues its rise from the field opposite his side of Michigan Avenue.
References
- “Rentschler Farm Museum” Saline Area Historical Society.
- “Today Will Be Remembered As Day Eastgate Saline Skyline Changed Forever, With The Hotel Now In Sight” Dell Deaton (June 26, 2018) Saline Journal.
- “Fifteen Puzzle” Encyclopaedia Britannica.
- Peters Building (home page).
- “Hurricane Florence: Trump will travel to Carolinas to assess storm impact” John Fritze and David Jackson (September 18, 2018) USA Today.
Hashtag
#salinehotel
