Floor Plan

I just realized that we hadn't yet posted our most recent floor plan for the new apartment. Of course, it may shift around and change a bit depending on what feedback we receive from the co-op's architect. But we're hoping that this floor plan, for the most part, will be approved. And hopefully soon.

Stealth

Last night we stopped by LV Wood for an initial look at our flooring options. They had lots of lovely things, but as expected, we are both leaning towards a dark stain called "stealth". We're thinking hand-planed walnut, although we may have to forego the hand-planing depending on cost. Given the size of our apartment, the sales person recommended 7" planks. I'm sure we'll be back to showroom as there is much to learn. Stained vs. smoked. Oil vs. polyurethane. Walnut vs. oak. You can even decide if you want knots in the wood.

A Slow Process

I realized today that it's been over a month since our last post. This is mostly because the progress in getting our layout (now finalized) has reached the point where we need co-op approval prior to moving forward. The final drawings were submitted this week, and we now wait for the building's architect to review the plans and respond. We are hoping this won't be a long, drawn-out process since we'd like for the board to see this at their April meeting. Otherwise, everything will be pushed out another month. In the meantime, we will make a decision on what our flooring will look like. What do you think?

What is your ideal wood flooring?
	dark wood planks
	walnut wood planks
	natural pine planks
	pickled (bleached) wood planks
	reclaimed wood
pollcode.com free polls

APPROVED!

And so after that long spell, after gathering and gathering all our information, and the waiting and waiting, we FINALLY had our Board Interview last Tuesday night. And after all that time spent planning and waiting, the Interview itself lasted a mere 10 minutes. Maybe fifteen. Did they like us so much that they didn't need any more time than that? OR, are we so unappealing that whatever time was spent was already too much? Well, today we got the answer and WE ARE APPROVED! HURRAY! That means we can now go ahead and schedule our Closing... and after that begin The Renovations... which itself will be a whole other saga. Stay tuned...

All Aboard!

After over a month of gathering and organizing, we are FINALLY ready to submit our board package to the co-op we are looking to buy into. With the board's approval, we will be given the go-ahead to purchase the apartment and close. Of course, with the holidays (and our vacation to Argentina) fast approaching, this may take awhile. To keep things moving we've decided to meet with our architect in anticipation (fingers crossed!) of board approval. And in anticipation of meeting with our architect, we've started to peruse the design books and magazines at our local bookstores. This research hopefully will give us ideas for both this apartment... and whatever other project later on (b+b anyone?). Ideas or suggestions of where to look welcome.

STEP 1

We are currently working on STEP 1 of our "Moving On Action Plan" (or at least that's what I'm going to call it for now). This means we are in the process of purchasing an apartment in Manhattan. Specifically, apartment 4C at 2 Charlton Place. I know that this must seem so quick. But really, we've been holding out on you and are just now getting around to the update! Sorry 'bout that.

2 Charlton is a co-op apartment building built in the 60s (ick), on the corner of 6th Avenue and Charlton. This is located on the very western edge of SoHo. Below you can see the layout which, you must admit, has a fair amount of potential. We already have a signed contract, but need board approval prior to closing. So we're hoping by mid-January we'll be the proud new owners of an apartment that needs to be renovated.

Moving On

I apologize for waiting so very very long before updating this. We had to pause as we made a decision whether we could move forward with buying a bed and breakfast... or if it would have to be delayed. What can I say? This is a pricey undertaking and, at this point, we just need more planning (and funds!) to make it all happen. That said, WE ARE NOT GIVING UP! Nope! We are just re-strategizing (is that even a word?) on how to get there from here. Some thoughts:

STEP (1) Buy investment property here in Manhattan
STEP (2) Renovate said investment property
STEP (3) Save! Save! Save!
STEP (4) Plan! Plan! Plan!
STEP (5) Sell investment property for a pretty penny
STEP (6) Buy bed and breakfast

Or something like that. Right now we're still on STEP 1. However, we're thinking that whatever we do here will help lay the group work for STEP 7, which is to run the bed and breakfast! So, keep checking back. I promise we won't wait so long to post again, and we'll continue to update you on our progress. At least for now as it relates to STEP 1.