September 30, 2014

Rolf emailed me several update pix of his Hudson project. First is Barb in the hay mow of barn that is being rebuilt. Next is a view of milk can house from the hay mow. Last is the first wall of the guest house/aka barndominium. This wall was raised against the red barn wall to the right on Sept. 29th. Rolf says total framing of guest house should be complete this week. Also, the foundation for their house which will be built across the barnyard is scheduled to be dug and poured next week. The Amish are scheduled to raise the house mid November. Stay tuned.

Click here to see latest photos.

September 12, 2014

Rolf and Barb Maurer have moved from Houston back to Central Illinois. They are in process of building a “barndominium” (think condominium) AND a new home on the Maurer farm north of Hudson. Work has begun on the barndominium. The original barn, circa 1850ish, is being rebuilt to it’s former glory plus living quarters added to one side of the barn. This section will be the guest house in the future. The barn restoration and guest house is being done by the Ropp family locally. Rolf and Barb plan on occupying the barndominium themselves later this Fall or early winter. They will live there while overseeing the building of their new home across the barnyard.

The Amish will erect the complete home frames they build (in their shops in Arcola, IL) including the first floor sub-structure over the basement and the roof trusses and roof decking.  They will also install all windows and external doors.  Barb and Rolf have selected all windows and external doors which will be on-site for installation by the Amish.  They anticipate that the house will be “closed-in” by the end of 2014. Stay tuned for updates!

Click here to see latest Rolf, Barb and their barn photos.


August 20, 2014

We have lost another member of our class this week. Richard Steljes passed away August 18, 2014. Click here to see his obit.