Wednesday, April 18, 2012








AFZ+3 (2nd floor redux)
604-606 Davis
Evanston, Illinois 60201

adas/spatz properties

PROJECT UPDATE (4.11.2012):
We are 30-45 days from completion. Interior finishing continues and the exterior skin is past the half-way point.

The PAINTERS have finish coated the ceilings and are meticulously prepping for the final finish coat that will be done at the very end of the project. Wood doors have also been finished and ready to hang.

The CARPENTERS have been alternating between exterior and interior finishing. The rear façade is 98% complete and they have just started “skinning” of the Davis Street elevation. 

The HARDWOOD FLOORS have been installed and sanding/finishing will start next week. 

CABINETS and COUNTERTOPS have been installed. CERAMIC TILE is also nearly complete. 

The HVAC work is at the 85% point. Most of the ductwork has been hung and the furnaces installed. The AC condensers will follow. 

The ELECTRICIANS have installed the light track and surface mounted fixtures. The wiring of the HVAC system and exterior lighting will follow.

The PLUMBERS start installing the water heaters, fixtures and trim in the next day or so.

NEXT…EXTERIOR CONCRETE (rear parking area and front entry), ORNAMENTAL IRON (unit 5 balcony and exterior stair) and enter the clean phase of the project. Carpet and paint at the very end… completion should be mid-MAY.



ANDY  (enjoy the photos & video)
PAINTERS: lukacz & raphe remove dust a spot prime touch ups prior to applying 1st finished coat of paint.


PAINTERS: existing steel column has been primed and is getting 1st coat of DTM paint. oil base products are used  exclusively steel for superior durability and stain blocking properties. unfortunately, it’s not low VOC.

PAINTERS: low VOC polyurethane is used on “natural” door finish. this requires  3 coats whereas oil based products require 2.


PAINTERS: prior to 2nd paint coat, walls are illuminated and imperfections are touched up.  

EXTERIOR SKIN: the rear addition overhang is skinned with 1/8” aluminum sheet. self sealing stainless steel screws are used, their holes ovalized for expansion/contraction. space is also left between panels with a .032 aluminum backer.


EXTERIOR SKIN: aluminum panels with backer.


EXTERIOR SKIN: 1/8” aluminum panels with .032 aluminum backer.


EXTERIOR SKIN: the addition is nearly complete, the same panels will “wrap up” theadjacent vertical surface.


HARDWOOD FLOOR: sorin is installing the 3” oak strip floor over rolled underlayment. The materials have been onsite for a week to “acclimate”. The oak comes from a managed forest. It will be finished with a low VOC “shopping center” grade finish called TRAFFIC. we feel this is a very GREEN alternative due to its  history of durability on previous projects.


HARDWOOD FLOOR: working out the details.


HVAC: igor is starting the exposed duct work. since it’s exposed, it becomes a finished item and is done during the finishing phase of the project.



HVAC: duct is hung from a single centered threaded rod/fender washer system. thisgives us a minimal aesthetic.


HVAC: ductwork is hung, awaiting diffusers.


HVAC: gas furnace being installed. condenser piping being soldered.



HVAC: igor is installing bathroom exhaust duct.


ELECTRICAL: sergei is installing surface mounted fixtures.

EXTERIOR SKIN: 1/8” aluminum panels “wrap” up from the underside
ultimately  giving us a very “slick” look.

EXTERIOR SKIN: .032 painted standing seam panels are also used.



EXTERIOR SKIN: rear addition looking east.


EXTERIOR SKIN: .032 aluminum fascia is installed after the panels are in place.



CERAMIC TILE: freddie is working on unit 5’s shower.


CARPENTERS: unit 5 kitchen light track support is being hung from the same threaded rod that supports the duct above.


CARPENTERS: casey is cutting floor base for unit 4. 2 ¾” pre-finished ranch casing is used. the  rounded bottom edge allows us to use a one piece system cutting our labor cost in half.


CARPENTERS: kris is installing cove trim on hardwood window seat.


MATT: getting organized. Notice that the kitchen cabinets have also been installed.  


GRANITE COUNTERTOPS: granite was used on this project at about the same cost as if we fabricated MDF/plastic laminate tops on site…betterproduct/same $.


GRANITE COUNTERTOPS: matt makes sure we get right.


CERAMIC TILE: freddie is finishing up the kitchen backsplashes.


EXTERIOR SKIN: rear addition. DONE. exit stair on right to follow (see model pic below).


MODEL: rear addition, south elevation.