Thursday, March 12, 2009

Newsletter Article

Renovation on Historic Landmark Inn Finished

The Landmark Inn first opened January of 1930. It stayed open for fifty-two years until 1982 when it fell into disrepair and had to be closed. Three years ago Northern Construction was faced with the momentous task of renovating the Landmark. Everything from the floor to the ceiling had to be refurbished or replaced.
Northern Construction was presented with this task by the owners of the Landmark in January of 2006. Northern Construction’s New Project Manager George Smith agreed to accept the task and began setting forth a design plan. This was not an easy job. George teamed up with Northern Construction’s Head of Design Fred Tomlinson to design each one of the sixty-two rooms at the Landmark. They also worked together to design the lobby and restaurant.
The task of renovating the Landmark Inn was so great that Northern Construction had to bring in the help of Josh Carlson and Doug Sweeney. Josh and Doug are historical renovation experts that have helped with the restoration of many great projects such as the work done on the Sir Christopher Wren Building at the College of William and Mary in VA and the restoration done at Carnegie Hall. Their expertise helped greatly when picking out materials to use for the renovation. They were able to instruct Northern Construction on many things that help the Landmark retain its European-inspired essence. This included what types of wood paneling to use in the lobby to what pictures were to be hung on the walls. They were an asset to Northern Construction to have them help with the work and it would not have turned out like it did without their help.
The entire project of refurbishing and renovating the Landmark Inn cost a grand total of 1.3 million dollars and took a little over three years to complete. Guests that go to the Landmark say that every penny was worth it because the landmark is the most majestic hotel in all of the Upper Peninsula. We here at Northern Construction are very proud to be able to say that we took part in such a historic renovation and are glad to say that the Landmark Inn is now open for business again. Go to the lovely restaurant Capers or just come to look around and you surely will not be disappointed.

Author: Pat Cassingham

Sunday, March 8, 2009

manhole instructrions

Kevin Callahan
Instructions
Manhole Rigging Instructions
Some manholes can be removed by hand, however for safety purposes larger manholes, should be supported by a rigging. The following is instructions for setting up these riggings.
Tools:
WARNING: removing manholes can be extremely hazardous, extreme caution should be used, paying special attention to all pinch points.
Definition: Pinch Point- any area where the cover my “pinch” the operators
Note: Removing manholes should never be removed by only one worker, as it is a very dangerous job, and often another pair of hands is needed.
1. Impact Wrench 2. Appropriate Socket 3. Extension Cord
4. Tow Strap 5. Come-along 6. Eye Hook (If Available)


1. Plug in impact to extension, plug extension into outlet.
2. Attach come-a-long to eye hook by clipping the top hook of the come-along through the eye hook.
3. Run both ends of tow strap through some portion of the Cover (use strongest area). Example (through a welded handle). At this point the strap should be able to hold the cover if attached.
4. Attach both ends of the tow strap to the hook on the come-along (bottom hook).
5. Crank the lever on the come-along until strap is tight, leaving just enough lax so there is not pressure pulling the bolts up.
6. Remove bolts using impact wrench.
7. After removing last bolt hold with hands, making sure your fingers are not at any pinch points, and guide the cover down, by cranking the come-along.
8. Once the cover touches the ground carefully lean it on the side of the tank from which the cover was removed.
9. Finally crank the come-along until the rope is tightened, to hold the cover until it is ready to be replaced.