This is the second issue of HEC Happenings. For earlier or later issues, go here

First Part of Elm Height Restoration Completed: It's Just the Beginning
WORK on the restoration of the old Elm Heights Elementary School began June 1, 2004. With the recent inspection and opening of the new elevator at Harmony School, and the installation of new terrazzo floors to match the originals, the first phase of the work is now complete.

After just a few months the initial stage of the Campaign for Harmony Education Center is off to a good start but there is a lot more to do.

The five year campaign has two phases. The first, announced last May, involves the historic restoration of the old Elm Heights school building and a maintenance endowment, and establishment of a scholarship endowment for Harmony School. The building is the home of Harmony Education Center (HEC), Harmony School, and the national office of the National School Reform Faculty (NSRF).

UPS AND DOWNS NOT IN OUR FUTURE What’s the use of restoring a beautiful historic building to “better than new” condition and then watching as it slowly slides into disrepair over the next decade or two? There’s no sense in that at all, of course. That’s why the Elm Heights restoration project includes a maintenance fund to allow continual maintenance and upgrade into perpetuity. Your support of the Capital Campaign for Harmony Education Center can include allocating funds to the maintenance fund to help keep things better than new. Thanks for your support!

The first phase invested over $1 million in the building. Most costly were all new metal-clad wood windows, tuckpointing the exterior brickwork, and excavation to open up over 3,000 square feet of space on the lower level. Headed by our architect George Ridgway, the work also included restoration and renovation of entrance doors and windows, new concrete for entrances where needed, ramped entrances front and rear, and installation of an elevator to reach all floors. This made the building accessible to all.

Work has stopped on this phase but more is planned for inside renovation when new funds are available for continued work.

The next phase will include rewiring the interior of the building, upgraded lighting and ceiling fans, computer network and telephone upgrades, plaster and paint work, and some more mechanical work to sewers. Installation of a full commercial kitchen is also planned, plus other work if time allows.

HEC thanks those who helped contribute to the funding of the first phase work and invites all interested to come take a tour of the improvements.

Page 1 >