Windows are going in!

Windows and interior walls are starting to make it all seem so real! Very exciting to get the windows installed and framing begun on the "inside" of the building. Excavators are working to install a water main in what will be the new staff parking lot; what a big project. The parking lots are taking shape as well as curbs are being installed.

Our construction hard hats are also off to our clients and therapy staff. What a great job you've done keeping your sense of humor while work is being done around the therapy area. Thanks for being such good sports!

An early view of the new entrance

Curb Installation



Water Main work in the new staff parking area



One wing of the new building taking shape

Raise the Roof

This week we saw a giant crane come through to set our roof trusses in place. Now we're busy constructing the roof. Plumbers and electricians are continuing work underground. Masons have begun prep work for the walls which will house the oxygen panels. The new building will include advanced in-wall respiratory hook-ups in 27 rooms. Great work everyone.

View from the South End (Week 10).

Trusses are set in place.

Workers begin to construct the roof.

The Divas

When you hear of a diva, it’s easy to envision a sassy fashionista who takes a liking to shopping, makeovers and the latest Hollywood gossip. This is true of some of the world’s most famous divas, and is also the case for Special Tree’s all women, client peer group. Appropriately named…. You guessed it, The Divas.

But this month The Divas took a break from their usual pampering and fashion filled agenda. They rolled up their sleeves and put their manicured hands to work creating holiday gifts at Special Tree’s Wabash Ceramics Studio. When the afternoon of paint and clay was over the girls felt better than after a day at the spa. After all, they had spent time in good company, were up to date on the latest, and had some holiday gifts for their friends and family in hand.

So what’s next for The Divas, who meet monthly? Probably back to catching up over tea and fashion. At least until they want to raise eyebrows again. After all, isn’t being a diva about making everyone wonder what you’ll do next?

Happy Thanksgiving

Despite the holiday, the construction didn't suffer from the tryptophan effect. Happy Thanksgiving!

The Nature Trail is paved by our hardworking crew.

Eastern view of the Nature Trail.

Another great shot of the trail.

Taking Shape

Things are taking shape! Work has begun on framing interior walls and masonry work is being done to prepare for constructing the entrance. Things are coming along for the nature trail, we're laying stone in preparation of pavement.  



One of the three wings.

 

The Nature Trail's base is set with stone in preparation of pavement.

 

A view from the North End (Week 8).



Special Tree Named Among Best Places to Work in Michigan

Special Tree is thrilled to be named one of the Top Workplaces in Michigan by the Detroit Free Press and was among 105 Michigan-based companies and organizations that were honored at a celebration breakfast held at Laurel Park Manor on November 11, 2010. “You’re an example of what’s right in Michigan’s workplaces,” said speaker Paul Anger, Detroit Free Press Editor and Publisher. CEO Joe Richert attended the breakfast with 16 other staff from all areas of the company.

The competition recognizes the most progressive companies in Michigan based on employee opinions about company leadership, career opportunities, workplace, flexibility, compensation and benefits. The survey included responses from over 42,000 employees at 1,000 Michigan public, private, and non-profit organizations.

"We owe this honor to our talented employees, both for making our company great and also for recognizing Special Tree," said Joe. Special Tree made the list thanks to employees' feedback on the survey. At Special Tree, it’s a top priority to create a work environment that inspires passion and enthusiasm so that we can continue our mission to help our clients shine through every phase of their recovery. Special Tree takes considerable heart that our employees believe in our mission and leadership enough to make us a Top Workplace in Michigan.

“Our employees’ great work makes Special Tree a great workplace,” he said. “I’m honored to work with a group of people who share a passion and commitment to make a difference in the lives of our clients.”

Check out Special Tree's ad and company profile in a special Top Workplaces section of the Detroit Free Press in their Sunday, November 14th issue this weekend.

We Have Walls!!

It’s been about a month since our groundbreaking on 9/29 and the official kick-off of the NeuroCare Campus Expansion project. It’s hard to believe how much has been happening in that time. Nearly all of the underground work has been completed such as plumbing, electrical, foundation and concrete work. They will be digging a large pit on the north side of Chase in front of Heavlin to allow the boring machine to bore under the road. The contractors and the Special Tree facilities maintenance team are taking every precaution to make sure this is barricaded and remains safe for anyone who may come across this. Barricade fence was installed around the hole by the contractor, but Special Tree’s maintenance team, led by Mark Blevins, are adding another small section for extra protection. Thanks, Mark and crew! The Douglas Team continues to frame the nature trail bridges and they also began framing WALLS this week near the existing building’s therapy area. With all the work that has been done so far, it just feels extra exciting to see walls going up!

From the South End (Week 2)

From the South End (Week 6)



From the North End (Week 1)



From the North End (Week 6)



View from old parking lot (Week 1)



 

View from old parking lot (Week 6)



Boring to go under Chase Road

Overview from the North



View of what will be the entrance area to new building
(looking East, existing therapy wing in background)





Bird's Eye View (looking North)




Bird's Eye View (Looking West, Heavlin in Background)