Original Location
Initially, the former location of the Richland Township Trustee’s office shared a building with the Ellettsville Street Department in the single-story section on Park Street in Ellettsville, Indiana. However, as years passed, the office gradually outgrew its shared space, necessitating the establishment of its own dedicated facility. A suitable plot of land was identified in the park to the south, strategically situated atop a hill and beyond the floodplain of Jack’s Defeat Creek. The photograph above, captured in 2016, depicts the former location of the Richland Township Trustee’s office.
Proposed Location
In March of 2016, the drafting process for the construction documentation of the Richland Township Trustee’s new office commenced under the supervision of a local architect based in Bloomington, Indiana. Throughout the construction document phase, the facility underwent several iterations, focusing on space planning and adhering to the permitted buildable area. By December of the same year, the drafting of the construction documents for the new office was finalized and submitted to the state for approval. The image above captures the hill on the right side, just above the existing baseball diamond, where the new Richland Township Trustee’s office is slated to be located.
Construction
In March of 2017, the groundwork for the foundation of the Richland Township Trustee’s new office commenced with excavation activities. The image above provides a glimpse into the ongoing construction process, displaying the gravel construction access drive encircling the perimeter of the poured concrete footing. Adjacent to the footing lie stacks of CMU (Concrete Masonry Unit) foundation blocks, meticulously prepared for installation. This phase marks a significant milestone in the construction journey, laying the groundwork for the sturdy foundation upon which the new office will stand. With careful planning and precision, each step brings the vision of the office closer to realization, symbolizing progress, and dedication to the community’s future.
During April of 2017, the wood-framed structure of the Richland Township Trustee’s new office began to emerge from the ground, marking a significant phase in its construction journey. Witnessing this transformation was a truly gratifying experience, as I had the opportunity to engage with the skilled crew working tirelessly in the field. Conversations flowed naturally as we discussed their meticulous process, sharing insights into their craftsmanship and dedication to the project. It was awe-inspiring to observe their expertise in action as they swiftly raised the walls, each timber meticulously placed with precision and care. This collaborative atmosphere fostered a sense of camaraderie and appreciation for the collective effort invested in bringing the vision of the new office to life.
By the end of April 2017, the construction crew had finished framing the entire structure, and they had completely installed the exterior fiber-cement lap siding material. As for the corrugated pipes hanging at the corners of the building from the roof gutters, they served to redirect any rain collected from the roof until the installation of the downspouts. This measure ensured that rainwater runoff from the roof did not wash out the construction site.
In mid-June 2017, the construction team completed the exterior finishes of the Richland Township Trustee’s new office, marking a significant milestone in the project’s timeline. This included finalizing the installation of siding, painting, and any other exterior embellishments. By August of the same year, the entire facility had been fully completed and was ready for occupancy. This swift progression from the completion of exterior finishes to the readiness for occupation underscored the efficiency and dedication of the construction team. The new office stood as a testament to meticulous planning and execution, providing a functional and welcoming space for the community.
Builder credit: J&D Wagler Construction
