How can life get busier, but it seems to have just happened. As many of you know, we will be opening a second location in June of 2013 to compliment our current location. The intent is to educate the travelers headed towards Bar Harbor that there is a full service restaurant/ diner just 1.3 miles off the beaten path. They will have a chance to sample a small portion of our menu and to also see the type of operation that we run.

Going through the code process is much more involved this time around than in 2007. The state has a new uniform building and insulation code which in some cases means significant upgrades both in structural and in insulation values. As an example, my new foundation must have #5 rebar 18" on center both ways. I feel like I am building a  bank vault only to possibly house a root cellar, a furnace and miscellaneous storage. If I sound a little frustrated, its because I am. It's not as if, buildings are falling down around us and I as I talk to each contractor they feel some of the new requirements are ridiculous. I know these regulations start out with great intent, but like anything else the government gets their hands on, it can go the other way so quickly. Within this new code, any commercial structure requires a third party inspector which adds cost to a project. In my case $2500. on top of what could turn out to be $10,000. + of engineering and architectural services. It won't be long before the little guy will be unable to construct, renovate, or otherwise open a commercial establishment.

When I am all done, this will be a fortress that will stand the test of time similar to the Mansions built in the late 1800's during the Gilded Age in Newport, Rhode Island. On a lighter note, (and thank you for allowing me to vent!) I had the opportunity last week to attend a conference in Newport, Rhode Island and took a tour of several of these mansions. And boy, were they magnificent! I am going to let the photos do the talking, but all I can say is that these buildings are over the top!

We are very fortunate that many of these have been donated to the Preservation Society of Newport County and opened up to the public for viewing. Through the proceeds of these tours, money is raised for their preservation for future generations to enjoy. If any of you have questions feel free to give me a shout back and I will do my best to answer them. I am in no way an expert but I did buy a book that has many interesting facts regarding these structures. If you have never seen them, I would highly recommend that you put this on your "bucket list" and take the four and half hour drive from Central Maine.

Probably the most magnificent Mansion is called The Breakers and was owned by the Vanderbilt family, who made their fortune in the railroads. The Mansion was built to entertain royalty from all around the world. One of the most amazing facts to me is that this 70 room structure was built in only two years. Many of the rooms in these homes were constructed in foreign countries, taken apart, shipped to Newport and reassembled. This method of construction certainly helped in the construction schedule. Several hundred craftsmen were working on this project at any one time.
 
Please find below several photos that give you an example of what I have been talking about.

 
The Breakers, Newport, Rhode Island


Billiard Room, The Breakers


Family dining room, The Breakers



Morning Room, The Breakers