Construction at my offices
As you may remember, we did a big move and brought all the creative departments of MSLO together on the 9th floor of the Starrett Lehigh building in Manhattan. Our goal was to move the entire company there. In order to do so, we acquired more space on the 10th floor to accommodate everyone. However, there was major construction, which needed to be done beforehand. Here are some photos of the building process. It's always a challenge to live and work with construction and my employees have handled it with patience. Looking at these pictures, it's difficult to imagine how it will all come together and I will share the completed project with you soon. Thanks to Jeff Halpin, online producer of MSLO, for sharing the construction photos.
1 This is the Starrett Lehigh building located in the Chelsea section of Manhattan.
2 The bare bones of office spaces
3 An electrical panel - but why is a water bottle sitting there?
4 This is a cutout for a stairwell leading down to our offices on the 9th floor.
5 This is the cluttered construction superintendent's desk amidst all the other clutter.
6 One of the large open areas with electricians and flooring guys busy at work - I'm happy to see that the newly painted columns are protected with paper.
7 I see a white tile wall which must mean this is a restroom.
8 Out of sight - out of mind, but the all important mechanical room
9 Another view and another bottle
10 This rack is holding sprinkler pipes awaiting installation.
11 I'm told that this reception and conference area will soon be finished.
Big consruction projects always amaze me. Right now the process looks overwhelming and as lackluster as gravel. In your hands Martha, and with God's grace it will become a masterpiece.
Saying a prayer for you tonight, lady -- always for your best.
Posted by: Jerri | October 12th, 2009 at 12:25 am
I'm so happy to see that I'm not the only one working under such conditions.
)
Posted by: Isle Dance | October 12th, 2009 at 12:59 am
It's always exciting to move and recreate a new living/work space. But, it sure looks like you have your work cut out for you, making this empty space feel like a warm place to work. It would be a fun project to work on though...(I'm an interior designer!). Good luck with your move!
Posted by: Rebecca | October 12th, 2009 at 2:53 am
Catty, catty comments about the clutter and the bottles...
Posted by: Ben | October 12th, 2009 at 3:46 am
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Oh, Good Morning.....yawn,
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I strongly believe that perfection may be requested, ESPECIALLY if one is paying for it.
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Verbal impingement upon that choice strikes me as 'cat' talk we all like to avoid.
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Congratulations on constructing a job well done, and the big picture ahead upon finish!
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A & the W's wiping our feet.....as we SHOULD.
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Posted by: Andrea and the Weimaraners | October 12th, 2009 at 9:00 am
I'm sure it will turn out exactly how you have envisioned it to be! On another note I was very intrigued watching your show the other day when you highlighted your staff's creative talent & all of their art. I was especially inspired by Darcy Miller's display. I have 3 girls myself & would love to see more pictures of how she displayed all of her daughter's things. I would like to do something in my home & thought it was so cleaver how she did it from the little that was shown. Please think about posting more about that wonderful night, thanks!
Posted by: Melissa | October 12th, 2009 at 9:33 am
Wow - this looks like it's going to be a fantastic place to work in...well worth the time and expense.
Posted by: Lynn from For Love or Funny | October 12th, 2009 at 9:41 am
This is so exciting! (in spite of scary wwater bottles)
Can't wait to see more pitures and untimately the final reveal...
Blessings-
Amanda
Posted by: Amanda | October 12th, 2009 at 9:52 am
I guess I would be guilty of setting a water bottle down where it would not be kicked, stepped on or smashed with building materials. It is what it is as they say regarding over used terms.
Posted by: Margie | October 12th, 2009 at 3:46 pm
Hi Martha,
WOW! this looks like an exciting and interesting project. As you mentioned it is really a challenge to live and work with construction. Good luck to you and your employees. keep us posted.
Thank you
Posted by: Rowaida Flayhan | October 12th, 2009 at 3:51 pm
What a great space. I love the shape of the columns. While they are much wider and shorter than the Johnson Wax Headquarters columns, they remind me as such. I think a clean, bright, and open space is a great place to create, design and build.
And there is nothing wrong with cleaning up as you work. It keeps the space free of distraction and keeps the space safe for other workers.
Best of luck!
Posted by: OM | October 12th, 2009 at 7:28 pm
Hi Martha, What a fantastic construction project. Having all of your creative workers in one large area is a great idea and I'm sure they will all agree since now they don't have to go very far to share their creative ideas. You have the most creative people in your company and I'm sure they are all patient as well as being great workers. Really look forward to seeing the photos of the finished project. Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | October 12th, 2009 at 11:08 pm
I was watching the Martha Stewart show a few years ago and she was advocating a product that I have not been able to find. it is a printer that you can plug into your phone line and send/receive emails without a PC. Would anyone be able to tell me what that product was? My mother-in-law doesn't own a computer and I live too far away to help her learn to operate one. I would appreciate some help in finding this product so I can send her pictures of her first grandson. Thank you
Posted by: Jeannie McDonald | October 12th, 2009 at 11:39 pm
How exciting!
I look forward to seeing the finished space.
I'm sure that the celebration once it's completed will be an awesome party !
Congratulations Martha!
Best,
Grayson
Posted by: Grayson | October 13th, 2009 at 6:27 am
I enjoyed the segment with hoticulturist,Dan Hinkley, on your TV show today. The national flower of Chile, lapigeria, is called Copihue (pronounced Ko-Pee-Way.) The relative, Philesia Magellanica, does have a common name in Chile. It is called the Coicopihue (pronounced Coy-Ko-Pee-Way.)
Posted by: Susan Diaz | October 13th, 2009 at 11:48 am
Hi Martha !
I just started reading your blog and am amazed of how interactive and how connected you are with your audience. I have enjoyed watching you for years back when you were on pbs and you always seemed to amaze me with your innovative ideas and creativity. I know behind that were many, many people.. and it's really nice to know that things are going so well for you and your company. I just wanted to say thanks for being a part of our lives.. you have indeed added a little bit of spice to my life and I am sure you will continue for many years to come.
Fondly, David J. Smith
Central Connecticut
Posted by: David J, Smith | October 17th, 2009 at 11:06 am
Great post as for me. I'd like to read something more about this topic.
Posted by: Marcus | October 21st, 2009 at 8:08 am