Days Gone By

This summer, I've photographed the Thomas Jefferson Hotel ( built in 1929), which is currently under renovation. Windows in the grand old ballroom at some point were painted over. With the renovation complete, it will be restored to an elegant event venue. Stay tuned!

Coming Back to Life

The ornate ballroom ceiling of the Thomas Jefferson Hotel is undergoing some serious surgery.

Vintage Power to the People

This week I had the privilege to photographing the old Thomas Jefferson Hotel that is now under renovation. After standing empty since 1983, this 87 year old treasure will be transformed into apartments and on the ground level, an event venue in the near future. Just another soon to be jewel in our downtown area. Many years ago, I attended band parties there after college football games at Legion Field.

A special thank you to Merrill Stewart of Stewart Perry Construction and their Tom Dill who patiently walked me through as many floors as I wanted to explore. 

My Next Obsession

Now that a the historic Lyric Theatre is just weeks from the fabulous completion of the restoration, I've found another love... the old Thomas Jefferson Hotel. Stewart Perry Construction has taken on this old hotel and it promises to be a great photo op if I can find a way to get in there!

The Welder

Things are moving quickly as the construction company of Stewart Perry pushes to get the restoration of the Lyric finished by the end of 2015. I was there last week and the place was working alive with seats being installed, last minute painting and here welding hand railings behind of the ground floor seats. In post processing I spotted the welder's shadow on the wall.

Men At Work

The Historic Lyric Theatre is a hardhat area  ( I've even donned one a time or two) as workers from Stewart Perry construction and artisans from all over the country work feverishly to complete the restoration of this grand 101 year old theatre by the end of the year,

The Fire Is So Delightful!

 

Stewart Perry Construction's complex was part of IPC's Holiday House Tour last weekend.  I was fortunate to be able to photograph there the week before.  The barn was my favorite and featured this lovely vignette, two rockers and a stove!

Tools of the Trade

 For a beekeeper.

Stewart Perry Construction's wonderful LEED certified facility is home to some happy bees as well!