Just a little excited and giddy over here. Phase II of Grandview Gallery‘s renovation is nearly complete!

This week the old roofing was removed by our family. Marty and the kids spent the most time on it. The south and east sides were the hardest to come off, as they take the least weather hit. This goes to show that our prevailing NW winds and storms really do put a strain on any building.

It was sad to remove the old shakes that held up for so many years. However, with the holes in the roof and no way to repair for securing the building fully from weather, a new roof is necessary.

After taking out the shingles, we were left with these 2×6’s, really exposing the interior of the school house. For a brief time, we had a skylight. Lots of debris to clean up once the project is completed. Anyone up for lending a hand? There would be ice cream involved! 🙂

Meet Hazel, our new blue heeler puppy. She’s quite the sweetheart and took plenty of naps on the step of the gallery.

Our wonderful contractor, Andrew, has been working this past week to finalize this last addition to Phase II. I’m so thrilled to share with you that the exterior is completed! Strong winds made the removal of the old shingles a challenge at times, as well as the plywood and wrap that was added to the top.

I selected a shingle color with cool tones to pair well with the siding, trying to keep with the original color scheme. The shingle color is even called Weathered Wood! Although the school house was originally white, in my 19 years of living 100 yards away, I’ve only known the building as weathered gray.

So much time, sweat and love has gone into this adorable historic piece of South Dakota history to preserve for the future and create a space to experience both art and our rural prairie landscape.

I’m going to take a while to really contemplate the next phase and how to go about caring for the interior and making updates while still preserving the history of Grandview Township school.

I’m considering hosting an open house social in the fall to celebrate the milestone of completing the exterior – a huge project that so many of you have been a part of. From gifts during the Phone Photography Workshop last summer, Grandview blanket raffle this past winter, July’s Open House and many just because. You are so generous and we are so thankful for your entrusting us with this wonderful project!

At the time of this writing, the hip shingles on two corners and the top have yet to be installed. It was too hot. By the time you read this, the installation will be complete. Yay! A day to celebrate!