The story so far...

We haven't posted many updates recently because we've been busy! Phase 1 of our renovation is nearing an end due to the selfless generosity of many, many people. Bill Snell, our project coordinator, said that more than 200 regular volunteers have invested 6000 hours (a conservative estimate) into Five Loaf House, and the results speak for themselves. Here are some photos showing the transformation, or you can check out our history page for a longer video slideshow of the work over the last year.

Mark Edwards, one of our extremely dedicated volunteers, provided us with a list of what all has been done:

• The first floor, excepting the kitchen and dishwasher room, was gutted.
• Additional footings, posts, and beams were installed beneath the entire building, and floors leveled.
• Extensive structural support work was completed in the main dining room areas.
• The main stairwell to the second floor was replaced and enlarged to meet current code requirements.
• A new handicapped ramp with handrails was added to the side of the building.
• Front entrances were rebuilt, with railings added.
• The bathrooms were moved and enlarged to meet ADA requirements.
• New doors have been installed with all door latches replaced with ADA compliant hardware.
• The first floor has been fully insulated.
• All new electric service has been installed.
• The plumbing system has been replaced.
• A new propane fueled steam boiler has been installed.
• A heat pump was installed to provide heat and air conditioning in the service/distribution room.
• An on-demand tankless hot water heater was installed.
• The enclosed front porch roof structure was replaced.
• The entire roof of the building was stripped and new roofing installed.
•  New ceilings and walls were installed, with fire rated drywall, then taped, spackled, and painted.
• Original wall siding on enclosed front porch was refurbished and painted.
• New doors have been installed with all door latches replaced with ADA compliant hardware.
• A new window was installed in the main dining room.
• New tiled floors were installed in the Service/Distribution Room and rear storage areas.
• The original wood floors in the Meeting Room and Dining Room were cleaned and refurbished.
• A handicap ramp was installed from the bathroom area into the Service/Distribution room.
• A gas fireplace was incorporated into the original fireplace mantle in the Meeting Room. The mantle was reinstalled, with stonework and hearth added.
• The original bar countertop was incorporated into a new service counter.
• A new loading dock was built at the rear of the building.
• Exterior housing around the walk-in refrigeration unit is currently in progress.
• Re-siding of the first floor is currently in progress
• The front sign post island was removed to gain two parking spaces.
• Front entry steps were turned, and a raised bed removed, to gain additional parking space.

All work completed to date brings the building into compliance with current commercial building code requirements, and requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

On June 14th, 2014, we held our official open house in recognition of our volunteers. Because of their hard work, we have received our permits for the work we've done on the main floor, and Five Loaf House can begin to serve our community!

The Top of the Mountain Ecumenical Food Pantry now calls Five Loaf House home, and they held their first distribution at Five Loaf House on June 9-10, 2014, serving over 500 people in our community.

We have a lot to celebrate, a lot to look forward to, and a lot to be grateful for! Work is still continuing, though, and we still need volunteers and donations. We'll post more information on our next steps soon, but for now, our volunteers are working hard to clean the kitchen and get its equipment in working order, as well as wrapping up what remains of Phase 1. Stay tuned for more!