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It is time to start planning for the annual "Des Moines 7 Most Endangered Buildings" list!

The first steering committee meeting will be held on Wednesday, July 21 at 5:30, at Mars Cafe (2318 University, just east of Drake). Anyone interested in helping out is invited to join us. If you can't make it but would like to be involved, please send me a private email at steve@renovatedsm.com so I can include you on minutes and email discussions.

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[Recommendation submitted via email] Joel finished the two larger areas of stucco work today, he did a great job. I think he came pretty close to matching the texture and was a pleasure to work with. He showed up on time and got back to me promptly when I called him. His name is Joel Barton, 515-202-5753. I would recommend him to anyone in need of stucco work.

Double-hung windows are made to be easily repairable without a whole lot of carpentry skills. If a window sash will not stay up, or is very heavy to lift, one possible cause is that the counterweights have detached from the sash.

This is a generalized description of how to rehang the counterweights in a typical double-hung window. Note that your actual window construction may differ from this description.

1. Utilize lead safe work practices (http://renovatedsm.com/node/176). Windows are a common source of lead paint dust - make sure you work safely.

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Take a short break from celebrating our nation's independence next weekend to join us at the next Des Moines Rehabbers Club meeting on Saturday, July 3!

Where: 940 37th Street (Google Map)
When: Saturday, July 3, 2010
Time: 9:30-11:00 am

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The DSMRC is in the running for a $1k grant! You can help out by visiting this link to vote once a day until June 30 http://www.dreambiggrowhere.com/entrydetails.asp...

Remember, you can vote ONCE DAILY - the top vote getter wins!

In order to spread the word about voting, we are hosting a Twitter Contest. Simply tweet the following to enter:

Vote for the DM Rehabbers Club #DSMRC at http://ow.ly/1TU3P (RT for a chance to win $ @MarsCafe or @CafediScala, ends 6/30)

There are two prizes to be awarded:

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[Recommendation submitted via e-mail] I was a lucky recipient of Don Curry and his crew from Loki's Garden.

Not only did they do a great job with solving my drainage problems, they offered advice on renovating the garden and surrounding area and followed through on every facet of the job with polished results. They were happy to work within our budget and they came through beautifully.

They were on time, did what they promised and made us very happy. We'd hire them again without hesitation.

[Recommendation submitted via e-mail] I would highly recommend Jerry Hatfield with Future Heirlooms down in Leon, Iowa. He has done restoration work on Hoyt Sherman and has a long list of jobs he has done along with pictures. I had him replicate my quarter sawn white oak and birds eye maple doors (pictures on his site) and some large pieces of wood work. A neighbor just had him complete a large project of replicating woodwork and wainscoting and replicating the large wooden frame for the stained glass windows on their stairs.

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Robert Koster is an expert carpenter who specializes in interior trim. He's done some BEAUTIFUL hardwood trim that I've seen and is talented and creative in working with older homes and unusual spaces. Other capabilities include framing, remodeling, roofing, finishing rooms, additions, drywall, tile, decks, fences, and more! Fully insured and gives free quotes. Plus, he's just about the nicest guy you'll ever meet and is thoroughly professional.

On Saturday, May 15, 2010 Trinity United Methodist Church in Des Moines will host the first of a series of workdays in its historic sanctuary – the building cornerstone was laid in 1910. The focus for the first workday/teaching session will be plastering. It will begin at 8:00 am and end at 5:00 pm.

All skill levels are welcome:

• Teachers - those who no longer have the reach but want to teach.

• Plaster pro's--those who know what to do, especially in older buildings.
• Plaster “wannabe pros" who want to learn about the craft.
• Assistants – willing workers

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Architecture @ Hand Walking Tours
When: May 20, June 17, July 15, August 19, September 16
Where: Meet at 400 Locust, Suite 100
Cost: $10

This event is sponsored by the Iowa Architectural Foundation

Architecture @ Hand Walking Tours
When: May 20, June 17, July 15, August 19, September 16
Where: Meet at 400 Locust, Suite 100
Cost: $10

This event is sponsored by the Iowa Architectural Foundation

Architecture @ Hand Walking Tours
When: May 20, June 17, July 15, August 19, September 16
Where: Meet at 400 Locust, Suite 100
Cost: $10

This event is sponsored by the Iowa Architectural Foundation

Architecture @ Hand Walking Tours
When: May 20, June 17, July 15, August 19, September 16
Where: Meet at 400 Locust, Suite 100
Cost: $10

This event is sponsored by the Iowa Architectural Foundation

Architecture @ Hand Walking Tours
When: May 20, June 17, July 15, August 19, September 16
Time: 5:30 pm
Where: Meet at 400 Locust, Suite 100
Cost: $10

This event is sponsored by the Iowa Architectural Foundation

From the Green Des Moines web site:
Our goal is to focus on all things green going on in Des Moines and the surrounding area. From what the City is doing, to highlighting notable efforts, to news & events, and what you can do – we hope you’ll visit often and get involved.

The Mayor and City Council have made assuring that Des Moines is a Sustainable Green Community one of their twelve City Goals for the next five years. To accomplish this, the City Council established a Stewardship Policy, and the City Manager appointed a Sustainability Team.

Built-in bookcases in the living room of the "endangered" Double House at 4018 Ingersoll.

Craftsman-style column interior detail in the "endangered" Double House at 4018 Ingersoll.