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Elmwood Neighborhood > Episode 13: Project Wrap-Up

Installing a Granite Tub Surround, In-Floor Heat, and Fiber-Optic Lighting

Project: Elmwood Neighborhood, Episode 13, Part 2

Bob continues to watch over the conversion of the attic into a workout area, complete with whirlpool tub. Workers from the Melrose Group explain to Bob the difficult process of renovating the turret space.

Bob takes a final tour of the finished projects throughout the Elmwood neighborhood. Then, back in the workout room, he takes a look at the finishing touches, including fiber-optic lights, sound system, and Gymsource fitness equipment.

Part 1: Preparing the Turret Room for the Spa Tub
Part 2: Installing a Granite Tub Surround, In-Floor Heat, and Fiber-Optic Lighting: A template for the tub surround is being made and will be taken back to Johnston,RI, where it will be cut to fit out of granite. Back on site, a two-part epoxy is being applied to join the granite to the tub. When the pieces are in place, the excess epoxy is removed. After the glue has set, the protective tape is peeled away.

Thermal Mechanical Sales of Londonderry, NH has provided some ways to keep the spa space warm, such as Coulette Electric Heaters and a Flex-Floor cable heating system, which will go under the granite floor tiles. Talking Pictures is installing a sound system by Sonex to go in the exercise room. And Marcus Early, the lighting consultant, has added fiber-optic lighting to bounce light off the ceiling walls.
Part 3: A Retrospective of Restoration Projects in the Elmwood Neighborhood
Part 4: Tour of the Completed Workout Area

The theme of community building in the historic Elmwood neighborhood of Providence, RI, is the focus of this project. Rather than tackling one house, Bob Vila is helping 11 neighbors tackle smaller projects like porches, kitchens, bathrooms, and even a third-floor artist's studio.

Also from Elmwood Neighborhood

Episode 1 - Kitchen Project Begins
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Description:
In the historic Elmwood neighborhood of Providence, RI, Bob talks with Mary Turkel and Bob Major (from the Providence Preservation Cooperative) about the changes taking place in the area. Bob also meets Jane and Luke Driver, whose kitchen renovation is one of the smaller scale projects Bob plans to cover. As demolition work begins, so too does plumbing and electrical. Also to come is a new kitchen floor made from reclaimed Pine.
Episode 2 - Appliances and Deck Installed
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Description:
At the Gothic Carpenter-style home in the Elmwood neighborhood of Providence, RI, plaster and blue board are going up, and the pine floor is going down. In addition to a granite countertop, new Whirlpool appliances are installed. Other new features in the kitchen include Shrock cabinets, a Vermont Castings gas stove, and lighting design (from Markus Earley) that depends on Restoration-style fixtures from Rejuvenation Lamp & Fixture Co. Outside, contractor Brian Wiggin completes the new deck.
Episode 3 - Bathroom Renovation Begins
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Description:
Bob visits Pat and Roger Simons, homeowners undertaking a bathroom renovation. The plan is to redesign the layout, but keep some of the original features-- the mosaic tiles in the floor, for example. Bob helps Terry Bates (from Mult-R) with the demolition, and carpenter Bob Ryley is on hand to help with the insulation. A new tub is put in, along with a new stackable washer/dryer. Lighting designer Markus Earley talks about the lighting in the new bathroom, plus an innovative hydronic heating system. Last, Bob goes to Pat's studio, where her daughter, PK, is helping create a beautiful tile mural that will go in the shower.
Episode 4 - Sunroom and Hot Tub
Episode 6 - Restoring a "Bench" Porch
Episode 7 - Restoring the Front Porch
Episode 8 - Front Porch and Bathroom
Episode 9 - Two More Porch Renovations
Episode 10 - Front Porch Restoration
Episode 11 - Attic Demolition and Countertops
Episode 12 - Workout Room

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