But before we could begin construction of this new state-of-the-art facility, we had to make room. Click at right to watch the controlled demolition of the existing press box at Groves Stadium. You'll be glad you did!

The oldest building on any campus in the state, the Single Sisters’ House presents a number of challenges to the Triad-based construction company. Besides bringing the centuries-old, three-story structure up to modern-day code, the project team must pay close attention to the requirements of the campus to retain as much historical integrity as possible. This means salvaging and reusing brick, roofing tiles (similar tiles can be found throughout Old Salem), protecting 18th century windowpanes, and removing and restoring early door and window hardware ordered from Europe in 1785.

The renovation is revealing a wealth of examples in construction techniques from over 200 years ago. Moravians used the materials they had at hand. So far in the renovation, the following has been uncovered:

	The circular, limestone datestone, which one graced the outside gable of the 1786 building, can only be seen if one is to peek into the attic of the 19th-century addition. Smaller replicas of this datestone can be seen hanging around the necks of alumnae and students, and there is talk about allowing present-day students to make and sell them for profit, just as their predecessors did;
	Nails made of iron forged in the village still hold vast parts of the building together; many will be on display in the museum;
	Shards of pottery found under the walkway’s foundation, not previously seen;
	No hints, though, have revealed where the original cornerstone was laid.

Tours of both Salem Academy and College and the Single Sisters House are available by calling Jane Carmichael at 336-917-5552. To learn more about Salem Academy and College, visit www.Salem.edu.

YWCA, Southeast Gateway, Winston-Salem

Knowing that the YWCA was outgrowing their present location on Glade Street in Winston-Salem (built by Frank L. Blum over 50 years ago), Chief Executive Officer Florence Corpening turned to Frank L. Blum Construction Company to build a new facility in one of the city’s hottest locations, the Southeast Gateway. The physical address is 1001 S. Main Street, Winston-Salem. The 90,000 square-foot YWCA's Sports & Wellness Complex features a 9,000 square-foot fitness center, an eight-lane competition swimming pool and a water park, a tournament basketball and a sports arena. Other features include a cyber café and a computerized library.

“This is an important project for the community,” explained Mike Lancaster, Project Manager with Frank L. Blum. “Not only is the building an anchor to the city’s Southeast Gateway, it will be a place for people to reach wellness goals and learn about healthy lifestyles through the variety of programs offered by the YWCA.”

The builder overcame tremendous challenges on the site. Chad Davis, president of local developer East Coast Capital Inc., saw potential in the lot but recognized that a knowledgeable contractor with a reputation for handling challenging projects would be required to develop the site properly. As a result, Frank L. Blum is quickly moving toward topping out the building designed by Calloway Johnson Moore & West, the firm providing architectural, engineering, and interior design services for YWCA Gateway.
"We are proud to be a part of the YWCA team," says Dave Moore, AIA, CJMW Project Principal. “We designed the YWCA's new home to embody the organization's goals, with interior spaces that encourage gathering and interaction. It is our hope that the building will also act as a visual symbol – a bridge to the community – for the Gateway and its adjacent neighborhoods and institutions."

"Over the years, CJMW and its predecessor firms have been fortunate enough to play a role in shaping the architecture of Winston-Salem and beyond," says Tom Calloway, CJMW CEO. "We are proud to have the YWCA Gateway as one of the first projects in what we hope will be our next 100 years."

For more information about the YWCA or the programs it has to offer, contact the YWCA of Winston-Salem, (336) 722-5138, ywcaws@ywcaws.org.