Amarillo's Olive Garden

Today we completed all indoor modifications.   We also started the asphalt overlay.   We are working on completing asphalt so that the lot can be striped on Monday or Tuesday at the latest.  We are also awaiting the delivery of the handrails.  We managed to work in sections so that Olive Garden could remain open while all work was completed.  Above is a photo of today's progress.

Interior and Exterior Scheduled Work

Today we continued pouring the remainder of concrete for the west side.  We also poured the section where the trip hazard was removed.   Inside we've started work to make changes so that restrooms and railings are compliant.  We continue to be on schedule despite the WINDY Panhandle winds. 

Olive Garden: West Side of Building

Today we demolition on the west side is in progress.  Another crew is forming and setting up for concrete.  In the afternoon we were able to pour concrete.  Tomorrow we begin the interior work. So far we are on schedule.

Pouring Concrete

We were able to pour concrete for handicap sidewalks, ramps and curbs.  Progressing on schedule.  We should be able to move start the west side work tomorrow.

Olive Garden: East Side Demo Work

I'm in Amarillo, TX working on an Olive Garden.  We'll be doing some ADA upgrades and remodifications.  We're starting on the exterior of the building.  Today we are doing demolition on the east side of the building.  Above is a collage of the work completed today.

Transformation of Back Dining Room

Additional Concrete Work Ordered

The old handicap sidewalk has been torn out, reformed, and poured.  The new sidewalk looks great.  In addition two curbs at the front expo line have been cut at an angle to make working in this area safer.  The painters have also sealed the curbs for a cleaner look. 

Transformation of Kitchen

Addition of Bar dining area

Transforming from Pizza Oven to Comal Station

Transformation of Hubcap Room

CELEBRATION:  TODAY THE INSPECTOR ISSUED THE CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY!  Above are photos of the transformation of the hubcap room dining area. 

One More Look Before Furniture Arrives

The past couple of days Woody focused on making sure all the building was ready for the arrival of the booths, tables, and chairs.  These last couple of days meant the subcontractors would have to work around the furniture if they didn't finish any other interior work.  Everyone pulled together to get ready and have the building cleared so that the installers would be able to set up all furniture easily once it arrives.  THE PLUMBERS PASSED THEIR FINAL PLUMBING INSPECTION YESTERDAY.  Coca-Cola came and set up new machines.  The sign installer is still working on installing signs around and at the back of the building.  Today we passed our ANSUL inspection.  The window cleaners and building cleaners arrived and started all cleaning of the building.  The HVAC mechanics also had an inspection and PASSED.  It's been a busy couple of days, but we've made excellent progress.

Ryan Elmer, Project Manager Visits Project

The kitchen equipment is set up and the stainless steel tables and cabinets are installed.  In the photo in the bottom right corner another table will be delivered to go where the trash can currently is.  The photo in the top left corner is a view of the new look of the location where the pizza oven was before.  Ryan's visiting the site not only to help Woody with any questions or details but also they are working on a punch list to try to avoid overlooking any work that is still not complete. 

Railing Installed at Bar and Hubcap Room

Woody sent these photos of the railings now that they are installed and painted.  The wood top cap is temporary and is raw in the top left photo and can be seen painted green in the top right photo.  It is clear that the building has remained clean while the crews continue to work.  The tile crew has returned to finish some grouting and to tile around areas where the kitchen equipment tables have now been installed. 

Patio Ramp Construction

Labor Day and one of the carpenters came to work on the weekend and earlier today to continue the consruction of the ramp off the patio.  It is definitely solid.  Looks like it's ready for the painters to paint this coming week.  Since I have a personal emergency, I am leaving for Texas in the morning.  So Woody and I came out to the job today to have a look at the overall progress.  By the time I return it will be furnished and this ramp should be painted.  The landscaper will be able to get back out here to continue landscape work around the ramp area. 

Painting in Patio Continues

Here is a view of the paint progress in the patio area.  The painters have moved back to working on painting outside now that most of the interior painting has been finished.  Coca-Cola sent a crew to remove all the pre-existing soda lines.  They will return at a later date to install the new lines.  The other crews are all continuing on all contracted work. 

Kitchen Equipment Delivery

Big day on the job today.  We received the kitchen equipment.  This also meant we finally met Mark.  We'd heard so much about him from the beginning of this job.  He definitely came with a purpose and plan.  He started by unloading the trucks, while the crews started moving them into the building.  They worked on unpacking and placing everything.  They will be here a few days in order to get it all where it goes, but they are off to a great start.  The electricians, painters, HVAC mechanics all proceeded with contract work.  The stainless crew is also here installing at the wait station.  We also received the stainless steel cap for the comal area today. 

Women's Restroom Transformation

Above is a collage showing the stages of transformation from start to finish in the women's restroom.  All our subcontractors took part in this remodel.  Woody even went in a couple of days ago and cleaned it from top to bottom to remove all the dust left by the tape and bed crew and over all construction debris that accumulated.   The painters came in and put the final paint on it.  Now we only have lighting finishes.  The painters also finished painting the hallway.  They are now mostly painting outside.  The electricians have lights on outside, on the roof, and at the hoods.  HVAC mechanics are still working on black pipe.  Ansul crew is moving so fast they'll probably finish tomorrow.  The fire sprinkler company is on site again finishing all work required to pass inspections. 

Sidewalk Demo & Repour Complete

Excellent work was completed by the concrete crew today.  They came and tore out the old sidewalk, drilled holes for anchors, and poured back the new sidewalk.  Now we'll wait for the carpenters to return to construct the ramp that will come off the patio and connect to the sidewalk.  Electricians, HVAC mechanics, fire ansul, and painting crews were all onsite today progressing on all contracted work.  Today was a long day, but much progress was made.  We've started a list of items left to be completed, which can only mean we are close to be being done!  Good job, team.

Saturday Utilized by Roofers, Carpenters, and Tile Crew

The roofers, carpenters, and tile crew took advantage of most crews not working today and came in to continue the progress of work.  The photo shows how Woody washed down all the floors in the kitchen areas so the tile crew could complete all tile work and grouting over the weekend.  The roofers are working on finishing work on the dormer and in the back.  Anothe photo shows the progress the hvac mechanics have made at the comal this past week.  Also, in the photo above, is a glimpse of the fish line the carpenters are installings.  Fish line?  You'll have to come out and see what that's all about.