The really BIG dig

The excavators continued to move the earth around until they had the hole size specified by our plans for the garden (lower) level of the Gathering Place, plus space around it to access the hole. Surprised that concrete can be poured in winter, I found out that they will treat it with chemicals and some heat.




When they dug down, they discovered that the water table is a little higher than anticipated, so our garden level ceiling will be 8 feet rather than 9 feet, so as to not dig too deep, risking wet basement problems. They also had planned to put tile (not decorative, but the kind that draws the water out, under the floor, to the edges for proper drainage) only around the sides but they are covering the floor with it as extra precaution.



Because it is commercial grade and not residential, the beams in the floor to hold the concrete will be placed every 12 inches rather than 18 inches for residential. Also, the walls will be 10 inches thick. Right now when we look down in the hole from our Forum Room (I've been calling it the Observation Deck) there is gravel spread on the floor and blankets. The warmth will draw any water up to the surface if there is any (we're hoping not) to let them know it's safe to pour the concrete.

The important things to remember at this stage, for us, is that we need to stay completely away from the area, and keep little ones away, too. Although the Children's House does have its electricity turned back on and we could use it, we are opting for safety and trying to keep curiosity at bay by not walking by all of that lovely dirt, planks, and equipment.