Midwest winter weather is challenging – rain, cold, snow, wind, and ice are all contributors to building stress. Snow fall can be heavy and temperatures average around 20 degrees. So how do we make sure buildings get thru the winter unscathed? Here are our strategies for managing snow and ice. One crucial step is to […]
“Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens Brown paper packages tied up with strings These are a few of my favorite things …” This charming song by Rogers and Hammerstein and popularized by Julie Andrews in the Sound of Music reminds us to be thankful this time of […]
“How does Santa get down the chimney and how does he deliver all those presents in one night?” My little ones have a lot of questions this time of year, requiring some creative thinking and fast-talking on my part. Our conversation got me thinking about the design and purpose of chimneys. Apart from the important […]
Upcycling and repurposing are gaining steam. Admit it. You picked up that 1980’s brass chandelier from the curb on garbage day. Well, don’t be sheepish about it! You are in good company. In our informal survey, respondents said they upcycled or repurposed something they picked up after it was of no use to someone else. […]
In 2009, Six Flags Entertainment Corp. declared bankruptcy and entered a tenuous period of restructuring and rebuilding. Jim Reid-Anderson, President, CEO, and Chairman assumed the helm in 2010, with the goal of helping the company recover from bankruptcy and refocus the regional theme park chain in a new direction. At his keynote address Wednesday at […]
Do you count yourself among the many millions of amusement park fans? Us too! Today’s amusement parks provide great entertainment value and a unique venue for having fun with family and friends. This was the focus of the keynote address this morning at the International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions Expo in Orlando. Jim […]
In the wake of Hurricane Sandy, residents of the East Coast are reaching out for assistance with food, water, and fuel. And residents need help to repair or rebuild their damaged buildings. But how do you evaluate and select a qualified contractor for remodeling and new construction? Get references. Obtain the names of building contractors […]
This past weekend I received a much appreciated gift of a car load of seasoned lumber. It seems that two old maple trees on my brother-in-law’s property were the victims of the violent storms we experienced last year. John had the trees processed into a variety of standard lumber sizes with the intent of making […]
With the coming of Halloween, we are all thinking of scary ghouls, creepy costumes, and trick-or-treat in the dark. As architects, we are also thinking about spooky moments in construction. How is it that portions of paving and walkways are magically lifted up in the winter? What force caused the famous Tower of Pisa to […]
Winter is on its way. You got your flu shot and verified that the snow blower will run when you need it. But is your building prepared for the bitter cold temperature extremes and snow of the upper Midwest? It’s the perfect time of year for a building check-up. Survey your building envelope now while the […]
If you live in the Midwest, your bucket list is likely to include a visit to Chicago’s Loop, strolling through Millennium Park, and window shopping on Michigan Avenue. Tourists are frequently seen photographing the city’s famous buildings. World renowned for its architectural heritage, Chicago is a must-see destination for architects and building aficionados everywhere. One […]
Halloween is just around the corner! Join in the fun as Six Flags Great America presents Fright Fest on weekends from September 29-October 28. Monstertainment, Fearful Frights, and Spine Chilling Adventures await unsuspecting guests to Chicagoland’s popular theme park. Great America is transformed in the weeks prior to the opening into a ghoulish town with […]
Recent patriotic displays for Patriot’s Day on September 11th give me cause to consider the manner in which flags are displayed and the support necessary to fly the stars and stripes. Did you know that flag poles are designed to carry a specific size flag? Flag pole manufacturers specify the recommended flag size for their […]
Bob and Chuck Bleck are attending the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) annual expo taking place on November 12-16 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. Bleck & Bleck Architects recently completed the integration and theming of the X Flight roller coaster at Six Flags Great America theme park. The […]
