You may click on each photo to open a larger version of the photo in a new window.

Progress Photos

Prior to the unveiling, Bill Purmort, President, makes comments about the mural and the new Commons area. Jan White, Vice President - Human Resources was the moderator for the event.	Artist Robert Barnum talks about one of the 10 panels making up the mural.
The open, spacious Commons area can seat 420 including private dining.	President Bill does the honors for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.
Keith Mulder leads a tour group through the new Central Regional Office lobby located in "Independence Hall".	Central's newly renovated and enlarged museum is a popular stop on the tour.
The Breakout area for the Training Conference rooms provides access to the Commons balcony.	The new Information Technology Command Center in the north "Heritage Hall".
After consulting with restoration experts, the ornate carved ceilings in the 1931 "Colonial Hall" have been restored to their original color and patina.	A unique feature of the renovation is the uncovering of a large, decorative leaded glass window in the lobby of the 1931 building. When the 1976 "Centennial Hall" was constructed, the east side (former outside) of the window was covered. The window is once again visible, this time from the inside of the 1976 building on both the second and third floors.
Attractive original art is displayed throughout the complex. This "Tools of Heroes" watercolor includes artifacts from our Central Museum.	Collins Deli,
Balyeats Restaurant,	and the Brumback Library are local landmarks displayed in oil paintings in the Central Regional Office.
Careful attention was paid to maintaining the architectural integrity of the buildings. The bricks on the new addition match the 1931 structure - a "Flemish Bond" pattern characterized by an alternating full brick/half brick pattern. In addition, "Keystones" similar to the 1931 building are incorporated above the new windows. The roof of the west side of the 1931 building is covered with the original hand cut slate shingles.

Progress for October - It's finished!

View of the front circle garden area with colorful mums and decorative brick circle drive.
The original lanterns that were installed when the 1931 building was built were restored and placed back on the front drive entry columns and the front of the building.
The new back lawn and garden area looking from the Commons building across pedestrian bridges. Landscaping has really taken shape with thousands of flowers, trees, and shrubs being planted over the last couple of weeks.	Thanks to one of the local businesses for their kind remarks!

Progress for August

Landscaping progresses in both the front and back of the campus.

The front drive will receive new asphalt, and paver bricks will soon be completed around the flag pole. Also new landscaping is underway around the large front pillars. The northwest section of the grounds is greening up with the regular watering of new grass, trees, and shrubs.
Trees and shrubs are being installed on the southeast side of the Commons around the sidewalk and new parking area for the Central Regional office. Paving and planting around the northeast section will begin shortly. If you look carefully, you can see the cement steps and tiered landscaping at the back of the Commons.	Renovation continues inside the '31 building (Colonial Hall) including the replacement of all the old windows.
A surprise was discovered in some of the offices in Colonial hall when the carpet and flooring was removed. The original flooring was covered in a decorative pattern with unusual cork tiling. Unfortunately, it will not be able to be reused.	The new tiered classrooms and training areas in the Commons are taking shape.
The upper level of the Commons takes shape and will feature a beautiful lounge area with fireplace and exits to the balcony.

Progress for June/July

The outside of the Commons is nearly completed and landscaping begins with construction of parking areas and sidewalks.
View from the Commons balcony. Looking toward the Northeast. The equipment garage has been demolished.	Looking toward the Southeast. The new Central Regional Office parking area begins to take shape.
View of the Commons balcony.	Four small courtyards are being constructed and will include decorative cement, grass, and lighted trees and shrubs.
Inside the Commons the two story atrium takes shape.	Tiered Classrooms and training areas in the Commons offer modern facilities for training and education.
New landscaping and decorative paver bricks at the front of Colonial Hall.

Progress for May

New curbs and front drive to Colonial Hall are being installed. The slate roof has been completed reusing the original '31 slate.	Landscaping begins out front.
Just a few days later the planting of evergreens and trees makes a huge difference as landscaping continues on the northwest corner of the campus.
The exterior of the Commons is nearing completion.	What a difference a few days makes! - Pillars have been set on the upper level adding a colonial look to the Commons.
Inside the Commons a conference room begins to takes shape as supports are installed for the classroom design.	The open stairwell and curved entry begins to take shape. Large, two story murals will be hung on the walls to add a striking visual image.

Progress for April

Looking Northwest, the elks building and brush line has been removed allowing driveway, sidewalk, and parking lot construction, and landscaping to begin.	The original brick entry columns constructed in '31 will be torn down and rebuilt. The original steel lanterns will be repaired and installed on the columns.
Construction on the new Commons building is proceeding. Open stairways and a beautiful skylight are features of the two story atrium.	Curved walls add interest and beauty to the open area in the commons.

Progress for March

Spacious stairways in the new Heritage and Independence additions are finished with beautiful marble stairs and cherry railings. Both wings feature beautiful sky lights that provide natural lighting.
The distinctive Flemish Bond brickwork that was use on the original 1931 Colonial Hall is continued as bricking begins on the Commons building.
Preserving the architectural integrity of the 1931 Colonial Hall is an important part of the construction project. The original slate shingles were carefully removed and re-used on the front slope of the building. New slate shingles will be installed on the back slope of the building.
A unique architectural feature connects the new Heritage Hall and Independence Hall to the 1976 Centennial Hall. Large openings display the outside brick walls of Centennial Hall while providing a spacious view and access to the newly remodeled area.	Another interesting feature in Centennial Hall is the "opening up" of a beautiful leaded glass window which was part of the original 1931 Colonial Hall. The window could be seen from inside the 1931 building, but the back side of the window had been hidden when Centennial Hall was built in 1976. The beautiful window has now been "opened up" and can be seen from the first and second floors of Centennial Hall.
The old Elks building is being demolished which will allow new landscaping to begin at the front of the campus.

Progress for February

Tuck Pointing is being done on the chimneys of the 1931 Colonial Hall. The chimney is wrapped in plastic and if you look closely you may be able to see workmen inside the plastic, necessary protection from the cold and wind. It's these kinds of days we love our inside jobs.	The view changes daily as the elements change. Construction continues through rain, sleet, snow, and mud. Lots of mud! But it's going to be worth it.
Work continues on the new Commons building which will soon be totally enclosed.

Progress for January

Recently installed period streetlights add to the atmosphere and beauty of the front entrance and south drive.	Scaffolding covers the front of Colonial Hall while the original slate shingles that were installed in 1930 are being removed. New decking is being installed and then the slate will be placed back on the front section.
Steel studs are being installed on the new Commons building. Unusually mild weather has allowed construction to continue outside without having to enclose the construction site.

Progress for December

Central employees gathered for a "Topping Off" ceremony for the new Commons building. A Topping Off celebration is held when the construction has reached its highest point and includes placing an evergreen tree on a beam to symbolize that construction has proceeded well, and without injury. It symbolizes respect for various natural resources contributing to the project. The American flag represents patriotism and respect for the construction workers.
President Bill Purmort offered comments to the employees and thanked Weigand Construction, Dilling Mechanical, and subcontractors for their great work on the project.	Santa and one of his elves made a special appearance and installed the steel beam.
The inside of the Commons building begins to take shape. The ground floor and second floor are open and will provide space for a large break room and gathering area for special events, meetings, and banquets.	The remodeling of the inside of Centennial Hall continues as office areas and ceilings take shape. This is the main East/West walkway leading from the 1931 building to the new Commons building.

Progress for November

Looking toward the west, the construction for the new Commons addition is visible on the east side of the building. Also visible are the two pedestrian bridges and the south vehicle bridge. Thanks to Chuck Koch, local attorney, policyholder, and friend of Central for the aerial photos.
More views of the back of the campus and the Commons construction.
Decorative lantern lights have been installed on either end of the pedestrian bridges.	The cover for the north parking area for handicap, special needs and visitors is being installed.
Decorations for the Holidays welcome visitors to the lobby entrance of the Central Regional Office.	Just off the Central Regional Office lobby is a comfortable, brightly lit Conference Room.
Thanks to the Christmas decorating Committee, the main lobby of the 1931 building is warm and inviting.

Progress for October

Footers are completed for the new Commons building showing the curved construction facing the creek.	Steel is being set into place for the Commons building. Click on "Sketches" under the Building Expansion Project to see the unique design and how it ties in with the existing structure.
Landscaping continues as weather permits along the South building facing Ervin road.	Remodeling work continues on the '75 building installing electrical and ductwork and partitions for new offices and work areas.
One of the views outside the connectors between the north and south additions. These small areas will be landscaped into grass and garden areas. The stoned area in this photo is where an old basement coal bin from the 1931 building was removed.	Much of the construction work isn't visible from the outside. Excavation and concrete work is underway to tie-in the floors between what was the underground parking area and the new Commons building.

Progress for September

Typical view of the work areas in the new north and south buildings. Natural lighting from the many windows compliment the light colored interior and artifical lightning.	The elevator doors open to stairway landings that feature a combination of attractive stone work, carpet, and wall textures.
Demolition and remodeling is underway in the 1975 building. A wall for a temporary corridor is visible at the back of the photo.	Temporary corridors have been erected to provide employees access between the north and south additions. The only way to get from the north building to the south building without going outside is through these corridors.
Demolition of the back Information Technology building is complete. Excavation and leveling the area is nearly complete and footers for the new Commons building will begin in late September.

Progress for August

This is the entry to the new south addition and although it is officially open, landscaping and construction continues throughout the area.	Renovation has begun on the second floor of the 1975 addition that previously housed the Central Regional Office. Employees have been relocated to the north and south wings.
It didn't take long for the old bridge to be demolished. First the surface was removed and then the concrete supports. Finally, the steel beams were removed from the creek bed.	The old bridge is officially gone and landscaping begins to remove the remaining rocks and debris.
Demolition has begun on the back storage building and old Information Technology building. The old structures are being removed to make room for the next phase of construction which will be the commons and training area building.
On the north side, the covered parking area for handicap, special needs and visitors is nearing completion. The cap is scheduled to be installed in November.

Progress for July

Corporate Accounting moves in to their new temporary home. There are lots of boxes of files to keep track of.	Valuable items in the museum are carefully logged and prepared for shipping and storage.
Decorative rocks are placed under pedestrian and vehicle bridges and landscaping beds are prepared for plantings of wildflowers.	Decorative cement work, brick entrances, new trees and rose beds add to the beauty of the parking area. Over 70 new trees have been planted on the east side of the creek.

Progress for June

The old data center before...	and after.
Wires, wires everywhere!
The first pieces of "big iron" begin their journey to the new addition.	John White, Information Technology VP hangs with the movers every step of the way.
Installation underway in the new data center.	New operations Command Center up and running!
The finished product - partial view of the new data center with equipment.	The Central team that made the IT move happen.
Temporary walkway for employees to the back of the North entrance.	Decorative bricking makes the walkways and bridges warm and welcoming.

Progress for May

The south drive is taking shape.	Looking west, the north wing & main entrance visitors lot takes shape.
Looking north, the north wing parking area and north vehicle bridge is shown.
Two attractive pedestrian bridges are part of the landscaping with decorative brick entrances and concrete walkways.
The open stairways in both wings are nearing completion with sky lights providing natural lighting.	Computer server racks have been installed in the production equipment room.
New production policy printers have arrived. A total of three will be installed in the new inserter room.

Progress for April

The truck wells on the north addition are completed for the new furniture currently being delivered. The slate roof is completed and the outside drive and parking area is being prepared.	Special air conditioning systems are installed exclusively for the Data Center.
Carpet is completed in the third floor of the north addition.	The large attractive windows provide improved lighting and an open view to the outside.
Bricking is completed on the entire north addition blending in well with the 1931 and 1976 structures.	The south addition is not far behind with 95% of the brick completed. Large windows facing the south add an attractive look for those driving by on Ervin Road.
Construction is underway for the drive that will come off the front circle and travel to the south side of the south wing.	Cubicles being installed on the third floor of the north addition.

Progress for February and March

Installation of windows is nearly completed on the North structure.	Bricking the south structure requires encasing the exterior walls in plastic and using heaters to moderate the cold weather.
The staircases begin to take shape. A large skylight will provide natural lighting to a large, open staircase area in the middle of both the north and south structures.
Interior finishing continues with the installation of electrical wiring, ceilings, plasterwork and painting.

Progress for January

On a beautiful day to fly, local Attorney and Central policyholder, Chuck Koch took this aerial photo of the campus and the construction progress. Thanks Chuck!	The North addition progresses with installation of brick and slate shingles nearly compete.
The large generators have been installed on reinforced concrete pads.	Bricking is complete on the back side of the north building. The old one story section which housed the maintenance equipment and loading docks will eventually be demolished.
Even though the south building is not completed, the view from the new bridge is impressive.	The south addition viewed from Ervin Road.
The south addition viewed from the front drive.	Interior work is taking shape throughout the entire project.
The central stairways are erected in the north addition.	President Bill Purmort helped serve up a "Souper Bowl" lunch catered by Willow Bend for all construction workers.

Progress for December

There is activity underground with the installation of a 12,000 gallon diesel fuel storage tank.	Concrete pads are installed for the heavy generators which will provide back-up power to the facilities.
The brick masons are making progress on the north addition.	Installation of slate shingles is progressing. Plastic is hung to help maintain heat while brick is being laid.
Keystones over the windows will be installed and the brick will eventually be cleaned and finished.
Inside the Central Utilities area heating boilers and chillers for air conditioning are installed.
How do you continue concrete work in Ohio in December? You wrap the bridge and pump heat into the area to help with the drying process.
Pedestrian and vehicle bridges are completed. The pylons of the old vehicle bridge can be seen. The old bridge will eventually be demolished.

Progress for November

The North structure is almost totally enclosed, allowing construction workers to continue inside work throughout the colder weather.	Air handlers are installed by crane.
The brickwork continues with a distinctive Flemish Bond design.
The South structure is proceeding rapidly. A crane installs a part of the venting system.
Pallets of slate shingles arrive from Vermont and installation begins.
Two new vehicle bridges and two decorative pedestrian bridges have been installed. The pilings of the old vehicle       bridge can be seen in the background. The old bridge will be removed.

Progress for October

Central Van Wert employees are shown signing a steel beam that was then erected during a "Topping Off" Ceremony	The signed beam goes up on the building - topped by an evergreen tree and the American flag.
At the Topping Off ceremony, President Bill Purmort congratulated all the construction workers, Weigand Construction Company, Dilling Mechanical Contractors, and Flad & Associates architectural firm for the excellent progress that has been made on this major project.	Central Van Wert employees awaiting the placing of the "Topping Off" beam.
The north structure continues to take shape. Prep work is being completed prior to laying of brick and mortar.
The south structure progress is not far behind as concrete is poured and steel framing and flooring is installed.
The steel crew poses prior to the "topping off" ceremony.
The pre-form concrete structure for the north bridge.

Moving Ahead

Betty Montgomery, Auditor of the State of Ohio toured the new construction. L-R: Kent Bradford, Jan White, Scott Etzler, Betty Montgomery, and Wayne Kilton.
Concrete is poured for flooring.	Interior studding and heating/cooling ducts are being installed.
Steel continues to be erected on the south addition.
Concrete bridge abutment are installed - looking toward the south addition.
President Bill Purmort "burns some burgers" while hosting a cookout for all construction workers.

Progress:

North addition steel is almost completed with the roof line becoming visible.	The erection of an American flag over the roof line signifies the completion of the steel for the North addition.
Steel decking is being set on the third floor of the North addition while concrete is being poured on the second floor.	North addition concrete flooring.
The South addition begins to take shape with the erection of steel. Steel is to be complete by mid-September.	Two new vehicle bridges begin with steel support beams being pounded into the ground.

Steel Starts

Crane with 160' boom begins steel erection on north addition.	Progress continues.
	Footers being constructed on south addition showing the "connector" to the main building and the new addition.

Ground Moving & Maintenance Building

Footers and wall foundations begin to take place for the North addition.
Excavation continues and footers are being poured for the South addition.	The parking lots are completed with walkways grassed in and special pavers installed per ADA regulations.
The Maintenance Building is completed.

Looking southeast, accross the creek to the newly seeded parking area.	South parking lot which is being removed in preparation for the south addition.
Excavation of the North visitors lot and Phase 1 demolition of the facilities area is complete.

Groundbreaking Ceremony

President Bill addresses the crowd.	Wayne Kilton, Project Manager performed the Master of Ceremonies duties.
"Away We Grow!" It's official as dignitaries and guests toss the first shovels full of dirt.	Employees braved the rain to join in the Ceremony.
A new sign shows the artists sketch of what is to come.

Facilities area being demolished for north wing construction.

Parking Lot finishing and grounds preparation for construction.

Breakroom Construction to add emergency fire exits.

Maintenance Building Construction Continues

Underground Parking Garage now converted to custodial area and telecom room.

New Parking Lot Nears Completion

Our Temporary Parking Lot