We now have a hole

Fortunately, no bones, headstones or Jimmy Hoffa were discovered during excavation.

Where should we put the pool table?

Let the digging begin

The excavators uncovered bricks and pieces of old house.  This land had been a parking lot for many years, but there was definitely a house here at some point.  

At this point the man cave looks more like a man pit.

Rain, Rain, Go Away

Repurpose?

The excavators found this buried on the lot.  Ashley and I were thinking about spray painting it and using as a headboard...; )

We have a house...well, an OUTLINE of a house!

This is the surveyor staking the outline of the house on the cleared lot

Below, the house's dimensions are staked and the silt fence has been installed
                                   

Breaking Ground!

Yesterday, September 17th, we officially broke ground on our property.  An excavator spent the day tearing up inches of poured concrete and brush to clear the lot.  The job is not quite done, but here are some before and after photos: 

BEFORE:

 

AFTER:

We're building a house!

So far, 2013 has been quite a busy year for us!  On January 4th, we welcomed our beautiful baby girl, Isla Elizabeth. A week later, I turned the big 3-0!    After living in a one-bedroom house at Lampkin Street Cottages in Atlanta's Old Fourth Ward neighborhood for 8 1/2 years, it's finally time to build on our Corley Street lot, located just one street over.

                            LAMPKIN STREET COTTAGES

Over the years, we attended countless modern and in-town home tours for inspiration and Chris has been working on the house plans.  Chris and I share the same taste in home design, so I've really trusted his judgement in this whole process---my only demands: a BIG closet and a studio/craft room where I can be creative!  Early this year, he collaborated with architect Chad Kamke to have official plans drawn up.  We hope for it to look something like this:

CORLEY STREET RENDERING

On JULY 5th they were submitted to the City of Atlanta to obtain our building permit.  Normally a 6 week turn around, we waited 9 WEEKS.  On Friday, SEPTEMBER 6th we got our permit!  

Now, in the midst of selling our current house and moving to an apartment temporarily.........

It's time to BREAK GROUND!!!!!!!!!!!!