276 days: Construction Site Update: Three Bottlenecks, One Big Step Forward

I wanted to share a quick update from the construction site—because while progress hasn’t always been as fast as any of us would like, the project is moving, and we’re clearing some major obstacles.

For a while, three things were holding us back from making significant progress:

1. No RTU pad

2. No permanent power

3. Negligence

Here’s what that means, what’s now been resolved, and what’s coming next.

1) The RTU Pad (and why a “Roof Top” Unit isn’t always on the roof)

Let’s start with the RTU—the “Roof Top Unit.” I have to say it: I have no idea why they call it a rooftop unit when this thing (which is bigger than my office) is going to sit on a concrete pad next to the building, not on the roof.

Naming confusion aside, here’s the good news:

The RTU pad was installed on Wednesday, March 25th.

Now that the pad is poured, we’ll allow about a week for the concrete to cure, and then we can bring in the RTU. Once it’s set, the mechanical team can finish the core HVAC work, including:

• Connecting the RTU to the gas line

• Attaching it to the duct sox that are already installed inside the building

This is one of those steps that doesn’t look “flashy,” but it’s a major piece of getting the building comfortable, functional, and ready for people.

2) Permanent Power: The Waiting Game

Permanent power is another big unlock for the next phase.

Eversource confirmed they have everything they need from:

• My team

• The Hopkinton Building Department

They’ve also passed their internal approval process. At this point, it’s down to scheduling—and they can show up any day, surprise us all, and within a few hours we’ll have permanent power.

Until then, all we can do is stay patient and keep our fingers crossed.

3) Negligence: A Painful Fix, But the Right Fix

Now for the frustrating part—because it matters, and because I believe in being transparent with this community.

My general contractor, in his infinite wisdom, decided to pour the slab without structural design for the mezzanine footings. As you can imagine, that led to errors: he missed three piers and a trench that are required for the mezzanine to have proper structural integrity.

Fortunately, I took photos and measurements of every single trench and every single hole that was dug. That allowed me to compare what was actually under the slab with what was on the structural plans—and that’s how I caught what was missed.

So yes, we had to take action:

• Sawcut the slab

• Dig the missing piers and trench

• Re-pour those sections properly

The plan from here

• Last week: prep work was completed

• This coming week: reinstalling slab with correct reinforcement aligned with the structural design

• Following week: starting to frame the mezzanine

It’s hard to see brand new slab being cut and discarded. But I feel blessed that I found this problem now—rather than a few years from now when the slab under the mezzanine could fail.

At this point, it’s time and money—but most importantly: nobody got hurt.

Closing: Hard Steps, Real Progress

This journey has been challenging, and some steps have been harder than they needed to be. But I’m locked in, and I can clearly see that every day we’re getting closer and closer to realizing this dream.

And your kind words help—a lot.

Thank you for being part of this community and for supporting the vision. More updates soon.