It’s hard to believe that we have reached one year since the fire.
To be honest, we weren’t ready for everything this journey was going to bring. We knew there would be challenges, but we never could have imagined just how many decisions, surprises, lessons, and emotions would come with restoring these old buildings. Some days, we simply have to take a deep breath, take a step back, and remind ourselves: we will get there.
This past year, the progress may not always look as fast as we would like. But these buildings are 116 years old, and with that age comes so much beauty — and, of course, a few challenges of their own.
We’ve learned that some of the materials and methods used over a century ago are no longer made or readily available. And when they can be found, sometimes the cost of recreating or restoring them can be quite a surprise!
We’ve learned a lot along the way. We’ve made mistakes. We’ve changed plans. We’ve had moments when we wondered, “What in the world are we doing?” And then we keep going.
Our goal has always been to bring back as much of the original character and history of the Vogelsang Buildings as we possibly can. Sometimes we have the knowledge, sometimes we have to learn. Sometimes we have the time, sometimes we wish there were a few more hours in the day. And sometimes, quite honestly, the finances simply don't stretch as far as we would like.
It has been exhausting. It has been emotional. It has tested our patience more than a few times.
But it has also been incredibly rewarding.
Every time an old detail is uncovered, something original is saved, or a piece of the buildings begins to look like it once did, we are reminded why we started this journey in the first place.
And now… we can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. ✨
We’re not quite there yet, but we’re getting close. And we’re excited — really excited — for what is coming next.
To everyone who has stopped by, checked in, asked about the progress, shared a kind word, or simply taken a moment to appreciate the restoration process: thank you. It means more to us than you probably realize.
This has never been just about rebuilding a building. It’s about preserving a piece of history, honoring the people who cared for these buildings before us, and giving them another chapter to live on.
So please, stay tuned. There is still work to do, but there is also so much to look forward to.
We’ll get there. And we can’t wait to share it with you.
With love,
The Vogelsang Buildings Family 🩶
