Framing Niebrugge Studio Storage Garage
One of the reasons we decided to move and build another studio/residence was the need for an outbuilding tall enough to store the Niebrugge Studio camper and cargo trailer. Our new home site has a perfect location for this unit, a space connected to the paved driveway and partially hidden by trees. We located Ralph Laneharts, a wonderful handyman/builder who operates under the name of “Honey Do Construction” who was willing to begin construction in late August.
Earlier this summer we had the site graded and a slab poured, everything was ready for Ralph to order the lumber and begin. Ralph began framing this week. Because the walls are 12.5’ high, a crane was used to lift the wall with the heavy door header. The door will be 11’ tall allowing easy access for the truck and camper. It will be quite a luxury to have all our equipment stored indoors out of the harsh Alaska winter elements this year.
The older we get, the more comforts we crave. Our first winter in Alaska, thirty years ago, was spent in a single wide mobile home without any garage or storage buildings. We had so much energy and enthusiasm for the wonders of winter, having moved here from Southern California, that the lack of these amenities seemed insignificant. I remember my husband and son building our first garage all by themselves. It had a dirt floor and was heated by a 50 gallon oil drum that had been converted to a wood burning stove. We were thrilled by the convenience of having this space, for few people in the area enjoyed such luxury.
And now we have two garages and both have concrete floors! We are spoiled and we love it.
Gail Niebrugge, Alaska Artist
