2019 News & Updates

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Update – December 23, 2019

Progress report for building D rebuild.

Exterior brick work is complete.
Plumbing rough- in work is ongoing.
HVAC ( heating/ air ) rough-in work ongoing.
Will pull wire in the units once walk throughs are complete.
Electrical service to be installed this coming week, panels are set and ready for service.
Prep elevator pit for elevator install, demo concrete and pour back slab.
Heaters are on site, gas line is to the building and temp heat has been turned on.
Metal siding and Hardie siding install has started.
Sprinkler system install has begun.
Fireplaces are getting owners approval for which fireplace they want.

The rebuild project is progressing well and the building looks to change each week.
Rochon Construction is working diligently each week to get this job completed and get each unit owner “back home”.
The Christmas Season is in full swing and we want to wish each one of you the best during this holiday season.
Merry Christmas!!

Update - December 4, 2019

First of all, thanks to each of you who attended the construction progress meeting Tuesday evening at the Plumwood clubhouse.
Your participation in these gatherings is extremely important to the rebuild efforts.
Here is where we are as far as the construction goes:
• Exterior brick work is 95% completed
• Plumbing and HVAC (heating/cooling) work is ongoing
• Siding materials are scheduled to be delivered Thursday (Dec. 5)
• Electrical work is ongoing
• Mid American is scheduled to bring natural gas service in
• Interior framing will conclude once fireplace decisions are made by the homeowners

It’s never too early to give you some information for vendors you could use down the road a little further.
Here are the names of two such vendors.
• Neu Blinds - A great option for blinds and window dressings at a great price. Call Neu Blinds at (515) 276-6035
• Affordable Movers. A good pick for scheduling your move back home. Call Affordable Movers at (515) 771-4851

Dec 3 - Building D Residents Meeting

On December 3 there will be a building D residents meeting at the Plumwood clubhouse at 6:30 pm with Randy Snyder of Rochon Construction.
This meeting will help to clarify questions on fireplaces, bathroom fan placement and all pertinent items related to the fire rebuild. We look forward to seeing you on December 3rd.

Update - November 19, 2019

Here is what’s going on in building D news this week.
Work in progress :

The exterior brick work is 65% complete.
Gas lines are to the floors
Patio doors are installed
Deck floors are complete (no permanent railing yet)
Interior stairwells are complete
Electrical service coming to the electrical panel next week
Mailbox wall is reinforced
Randy Snyder is arranging individual unit walk throughs in the next week

Update - October 30, 2019

Progress continues on the building D rebuild project at Plumwood. Interior work is moving ahead as well as exterior decks and windows and interior doors. Exterior masonry work has begun on the southwest corner of the building (see photo) this week and laborers continue to get the building sealed up for the harsh winter months ahead of us. Quite a lot of activity going on here and Rochon tells us that things are “on schedule”. Thanks to all of you for reading this and stay warm.

Update - October 12, 2019

Utility work continues in building D and windows and slider installation is almost complete. Laborers continue to get the structure enclosed for the winter months ahead. Once enclosed the interior work can proceed and the real building of individual condos can really move forward and take true shape for each of you. Please remember the Homeowners meeting on Tuesday next (15th) at 7:00 pm in the clubhouse. Looking forward to seeing you all then.

Update - September 20, 2019

Construction progress: Structure has been raised, beams added and welded. The truss fix is complete. Roof has been shingled. Working on elevator shaft. Installing windows and sliding doors. Framing stairs to third floor. North stair complete. South stair should be done Friday. Mechanical, electrical and plumbing work started September 18.

Update - August 30, 2019

John and Jan have completed the scheduling of appointments with Randy Snider of Rochon for finishing selections for all Building D residents.Rochon Construction tells us that the fix of the structural problem of the building has been completed successfully! They will resume building on Tuesday, September 3rd. They still have a target date of finishing by April 15, 2020.The swimming pool will close for the season on Saturday, September 7th. Anyone desiring to take the plants from the pool area may do so. It is first come, first served.

Update - August 14, 2019

Finish Selections: Next week, Randy will have a schedule of his availability for individual appointments to make finish selections. These appointments will begin right after Labor Day and continue through September, expecting all appointments to be completed by October 1. As soon as we get Randy’s schedule, John or Jan will begin calling owners to schedule individual appointments. They will try to fill the schedule by September 1. If you or someone you know has an insurance deadline, please let us know and we will try to schedule you first. Please contact either John Ruppe (515-689-6533) or Jan Laue (515-210-5190) if you have questions, and they will try their best to answer.

Update - August 6, 2019

The Iron Workers are making good progress. They are planning to set scaffold on the North End tomorrow and continue to set the south side beams. The plan is to start raising the building on Thursday or Friday.

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Sunday, July 14th at 7:00 p.m. in the clubhouse is the election for the board of directors. If you are unable to attend, please place your ballot in the black dues box so that we are able to have a quorum, and can proceed with the election and not need to reschedule.

Also, the yearly homeowners meeting is Tuesday, July 16th at the clubhouse at 7:00 p.m. Jodie McDougal our Homeowners lawyer will be in attendance to meet everyone and answer questions. Hope everyone can attend both meetings.

Update - July 9, 2019

Please read attached file. Please let us know if you have questions. »

Update - July 1, 2019

Update - July 25, 2019

Message from Rochon: We are going to start the process to raise the first floor slab on Tuesday, July 30th. There will be a week's worth of welding the shear tabs and getting ready for the steel beams. The beams will be delivered on Tuesday, August 6th. They will then start to set them in place, temp weld to the shear tabs, set the scaffold then start to raise the floor. For those of you who did not receive the handout from the July 16th homeowners meeting, they are available upon request.

Update - July 13, 2019

Please read attached file. Please let us know if you have questions. »

Update - July 10, 2019 - REMINDER!!!

Please read the attached PDFs from the attorney. Contact John Ruppe with questions. John Ruppe, Plumwood Rebuild Project Manager, 515-689-6533,jcruppe8@gmail.com. Thank you!

Update - June 21, 2019

Please read the attached message from the attorney. Contact John Ruppe with questions. John Ruppe, Plumwood Rebuild Project Manager, 515-689-6533,
jcruppe8@gmail.com. Thank you!

Update - June 12, 2019

Please read attached files. Please let us know if you have questions.

Update - June 10, 2019

The pool is now open for the summer! The delay in opening was due to a crack at the drain site, which could only be repaired with an acrylic bonding agent. This agent could only be applied on a dry surface, which was impossible since the ground water under the pool was so saturated that the hydrostatic valve kept pumping water out, hence preventing the fix. Apologies, the delays were unavoidable due all the rain we've had recently, so we could not proceed with the fix to allow us to fill the pool until now. Many thanks to Craig of Professional Pool & Spa for his expertise and experience in getting our pool open, and avoiding more delays.

Update - June 4, 2019

Please read attached files. Please let us know if you have questions.

Update - June 1, 2019

Here is the latest news from Rochon for what’s next for building D:

The building will be wrapped with TYVEK to completion
Building will be sealed covering windows and openings (with exception to a few windows)
Fans will be installed inside of structure to help dry contents
Rochon will be monitoring moisture in the building
The perimeter fence will be reset and property around building D will be cleaned up

These steps will be taken immediately.

Update - May 29, 2019

Meeting minutes. Click here »

Update - May 25, 2019

The Plumwood Board of Directors has retained new legal council on behalf of the homeowners association. Her name is Jodie McDougal of the Davis Brown Law Firm of Des Moines. While she is counsel for the association, she is not and cannot be the attorney for any individual member-owners of the association. Rochon has submitted numbers (costs for the shoring project to correct the error) and we're still awaiting a response from the engineers insurance company.

Update - May 10, 2019

Randy Snider of Rochon will be at the meeting scheduled for Tuesday May 14th at 7:00 p.m.at the Plumwood clubhouse.

Update - May 9, 2019

There will be a home owners association meeting in the Plumwood Terrace clubhouse on Tuesday evening at 7:00 pm. Randy Snider of Rochon will be there to help address questions about the work stoppage on building D. Please attend and see you then.

Update - May 7, 2019

With construction stopped at building D we want you to know what has taken place since the shutdown. All parties involved are working to resolve the problem that caused the work stoppage. On Monday, May 6th, representatives from Rochon, Wells and Associates, Sebern Structural Services, All American Scaffold, Jan Laue and Scott Caldwell met in the basement of building D to discuss the steps that will be taken to fix the problem. THIS IS A FIXABLE PROBLEM! We learned that the delay could take as long as 10 weeks. We are tentatively planning a meeting for the residents on Tuesday, May 14 at 7:00 p.m. at the clubhouse.

Update - May 3, 2019

Important letter from Rochon. Click here to read »

Update - May 1, 2019

Apologies to you folks about my comments on making your interior choices on the update posted on April 30th. You have more selections to make on countertops, etc., but that will not be happening until later in May.

Randy Snider from Rochon will be getting in touch with each of you as to when that meeting will take place. In the meantime, please make it a point to go to Spectrum Lighting at 2540 104th Street in Clive to see their spectacular showroom and get some ideas about your choices for lighting, fans, etc.

You will need to make an appointment with Spectrum so they can work with you one-on-one when you come in. Please call Spectrum Lighting at 515-276-5088 and ask for Morgan, and she will set up the appointment for you to come by and see just what they have for you to pick from.

For tile and other flooring options you’ll need to contact Eckard’s Home Improvement at 515-250-1718. They are located at 2771 104th Street, Suite D in Urbandale. Tell them you’re from Plumwood Terrace Condos in Urbandale and would like to make an appointment to come in. Once again, you’ll have to call and make an appointment so they can be ready to work with you one-on-one when you arrive.

We urge you to call these folks right away and get a time set up to go and see them. Thank you.

Update - April 30, 2019

The framing continues to dazzle us as well as the speed at which it is being built. Lance Elite Construction is doing a terrific job! By now most of you have been able to meet with John Ruppe and Randy Snider to make your choices for your counter tops, appliances, flooring/carpeting, etc. If you haven’t yet, then please give John a call and set up an appointment, and get that taken care of. There are some really nice builder grade choices, as well as upgrades you can select from other vendors. Stay tuned for more information, and remember to call John if you haven’t already made your interior selections. Thank you!

Update - April 16, 2019

Saturday, April 20 from 12:00 noon until 2:00 pm the clubhouse will be open for Building D residents to come and look at selections for the interior of their condominium unit. No decisions have to be made at this time, but you may look and get familiar with the products that will be available for your selection. If you can’t make the Saturday time, the clubhouse will be open on Wednesday, April 24 evening from 6 pm to 8 pm. If neither of these two dates work for you, you will need to call John Ruppe at 515-689-6533 to set up an appointment to see the products. Thank you!

Update - April 9, 2019

Please remember to attend the meeting with Rochon’s Randy Snider this coming Thursday evening at 6:30 pm at the Plumwood Terrace clubhouse. Randy will have copies of your floor plans and you will have a chance to go over them one final time with him and John Ruppe.The framers are doing quick work and the building is changing daily. Pictures below were taken Sunday evening 4/7/2019.

Update - April 4, 2019

Meeting with Rochon’s Randy Snider for second floor AND third floor building D residents is set for April 11 (Thursday) at 6:30 pm in the Plumwood Terrace clubhouse. John Ruppe will also be in attendance to go over the final floor plans with each of you to make sure you have all changes you have agreed to. There will be copies of your floor plans there to hand out and go over with John and Randy.

After the first floor concrete was poured on Monday, the framers started to frame the first floor Wednesday. We are fortunate to have one of the top framing contractors doing the work for Rochon and the building D project. With good weather comes noticeable results.

Update - March 26, 2019

Rochon Construction will hold meetings with residents of building D on a per floor basis. This meeting will be to discuss fire place decisions of type of fireplace you would like in your new unit. We understand that some residents have opted not to have a fireplace at all. Randy Snider of Rochon will be there along with John Ruppe from Plumwood to answer any questions you may have.

The meetings will be as follows in the Plumwood clubhouse @ 6:30 p.m.
First floor residents - March 28,2019
Second floor: April 4,2019
Third floor: April 11, 2019

Update - March 22, 2019

Today, Friday, the concrete crew came to pour the patios for the first floor. On April 1st a larger crew will be here to pour the entire first floor. See attached some pictures of the crew and trucks involved in the work today.

Update - March 11, 2019

With the inclement weather last week, not a lot of progress was made here at the building D site. Hopefully, with better weather and warmer temperatures upcoming this week, we can see some concrete get poured after the forming is completed. If that is the case, we will take photos and share with this site later in the week. Pray for good weather and results. Thanks and we’ll keep you posted. Stay tuned.

In Remembrance - February 25, 2019

It is with great sorrow that we share with you that Marlys Van Hauen, one of the Plumwood board members, has passed away. She had cancerous sarcoma, a very aggressive type of cancer. She passed Sunday, February 24th at Mercy Hospice in Johnston. Funeral arrangements are set for Thursday, April 18th with visitation from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home located at 8201 Hickman Rd in Urbandale.

Update - February 23, 2019

On Thursday, Rochon Construction placed a boom crane at Plumwood and started setting the corrugated steel in place so they can get an enclosure started on the basement. Once in place, the steelworkers will weld the corrugated permanently in place so that heat can be placed in the basement, and be ready for the concrete pour, when that time arrives. Even with the inclement weather, there is something being done each week to move the project ahead.

See Photos Here

Update - February 20, 2019

With the inclement weather we’ve been enjoying over the past several days, there isn’t a lot to report as far as progress goes at the building D project site. I am told that welding continues with the bridge steel that has been set in place. The next big project will be the concrete pour after the perimeter has been set in place. Also, please keep Karen Powell in your thoughts as she lost her brother, Joe Reed, recently in Arizona. Joe served on the Plumwood board of directors a few years back, and was a very insightful person with many good ideas and cared for our community.

Update - February 5, 2019

There wasn’t a great deal of progress made last week (01-28 thru 02-01, 2019) because of the brutally cold weather. This week is quite different and it is showing. All of the structural steel has been set and the bridging steel is being set now. Iron workers are welding the bridging steel today (see photo). The perimeter steel is going to be set next week. That process will be followed up by the concrete pouring of the first floor. Rochon is asking people that come to “look” during the daylight business hours to NOT circle the job site (don’t drive around to the dumpster side of the project) since that area is congested enough with construction vehicles, etc. Please look from the building C side only and remain careful at all times. It will be getting busier here and as time moves on even more people and machinery involved with the project will be moving on site so please stay away during the day to help these workers out. Workers will be here at least 10 hours a day (weather permitting) to accomplish as much work each day as possible. Weekend work will be happening as well. Look for another update next week.

Update - January 24, 2019

With the columns repaired in the basement and the steel being set as we write this, we are now awaiting the bar joist steel to be set so that the concrete can be poured. The concrete crew will form the perimeter so that the concrete will set in right. After that temporary garage doors will be installed to close off the garage. Heaters will then be put in the basement to help the curing process of the concrete. We can expect between 15-16,000 square feet of concrete to be poured to create the new first floor. This process should take two days and the temperature will need to be above 28 degrees. The concrete will be covered during the cure process. Once the curing has completed the framing of the first floor will start.As far as residents meeting with John Ruppe about building grade materials, that should take place in early February on a floor by floor basis to be determined soon. Samples will be available to be seen in the clubhouse at a time to be determined. Rochon Construction is committed to stay on schedule and to keep the Plumwood project on schedule as planned through its entirety. Look for another update with photos next week.

Update - January 10, 2019

The bar joist steel is being delivered this Friday. Rochon Construction is scheduled to bring an on-site trailer this Friday or Monday next week. The basement water being pumped out of D and causing such ice problems in the northwest corner of our parking lot will be diverted directly north to the grassy area and this should alleviate future ice build ups. Thank you!

Happy New Year!

The picture (left) is the concrete block surrounding the elevator shaft in the basement of building D. The bar joist steel has still not been delivered to the job site because the City of Urbandale requires the steel to be coated with a primer before it can be installed. The primer process has been done and the steel SHOULD be here in the next week to be installed and after the dry wall process is complete with the basement ceiling then the concrete can be poured and the curing process can commence. There will be a job foreman on site after he completes a current project that is wrapping up. A job trailer will be moved on site in a week or two and as that happens more workers will be arriving to work each day. There will be a lot of activity around Plumwood very soon and it’s about time! More pictures as more progress is made. We are anxious for the steel to be set and the floor to be poured. Going to be a busy winter here!