Construction Progress Reports

Thursday, December 15: With overflowing hearts, it is our great joy to announce that today we received all of our occupancy permits and so the Maharishi Purusha Capital of the Western World is now officially open! Purusha will begin arriving tomorrow and should be mostly moved in before Christmas and nicely settled before silence. With all love and appreciation to Raja Chancellor and Raja Rafael for their immeasurable support throughout this journey, and to our incredible construction team who have worked tirelessly over the past four years to bring us to this glorious moment. With profound gratitude for having given Purusha this great gift, we humbly offer it back to Maharishi as the seat for Purusha's Silent Administration of the World for all time! Jai Jai Jai Guru Dev!

Thursday, December 8: Big day of congratulations to our WV team as we passed the remainder of our inspections! It is now just some paperwork to get our occupancy permits. We have been assured by the agencies involved that this will be expedited, and Tim is working closely with great vigilance so that we obtain the permits ASAP. We expect to have them sometime next week. Buildings 6 has been set and the building 10 set is nearly finished. Next week, building 9 will be set. Jai Guru Dev

Tuesday, November 8:

1) Residences - Some adjustments were required on the fire pump generator and so the fire marshal postponed a final inspection of this and the residences to 11/21. He said he will stay on site that day "as late as needed" to complete our inspections. This was the soonest he was available to do it.

2) Dining Hall - Had preliminary fire marshal inspection and final FM inspection is being scheduled for the week of 11/28. This could have been done the week of 11/21 except that it is peak hunting season (and Thanksgiving week) and several contractors needing to be present for the inspection take off work during that time. Building/electrical inspection will happen this week or early next. After the FM, the final inspection will be the health department and we will be preparing for that in the interim (we are checking to see if this can happen sooner). All mechanical systems (HVAC, kitchen hoods) have now been fully commissioned and are operational. Topsoil and vastu fence in process.

3) Utilities - We've received our final operating permit for our water and sewer system. BIG congratulations to Tim Fitz-Randolph for leading the construction effort, and to Sam Ashelman for his major role helping Tim. Also thanks to Randall, Bruce and Michael for their intelligent work with our engineers during the design phase.

Thursday, November 3: Inspections continue apace. Based on current information, the remaining ones are:

1) Residences - Final Fire Marshal on 11/7 for all buildings; buildings 12 and 14 require final building department inspections and this should occur next week.

2) Dining Hall - Electrical on 11/4; Building department possibly on 11/4, otherwise next week; Fire Marshal preliminary on 11/7 (will also schedule final inspection); Health department (not scheduled, but hopefully next week).

3) Utilities - Done.

We are doing our best to be proactive about getting paperwork in wherever possible to facilitate speedy turnaround of receiving occupancy and operating permits once inspections are done. We hope it will only take some days to actually receive permits once we pass all inspections, but we don't know for sure. Our plan is to get building occupancy permits as soon as possible (possibly next week). Again, timing is just our best estimates and subject to change, of course.

With the exception of attic insulation (which may be installed next week), all dining hall/kitchen construction should be finished by the end of this week. All of the dining hall mechanical systems will be commissioned on 11/4. Kitchen refrigerators are operating and stoves have pilot lights. Dishwasher equipment will be commissioned on 11/7 or 11/8. Remainder of kitchen equipment is in process of becoming operational and this will likely continue through next week. Cleaning people have begun descending on the dining hall, and will work there in earnest next week as we prepare for the final health department inspection.

On the exterior, wet weather has caused some delays. However, tree removal to open views continues in front of all buildings whenever possible. Vastu fence being completed for building 5. Final grading and topsoil being done for the dining hall, after which vastu fence work will begin. Vastu fences for 12 and 14 delayed a bit to accommodate tree removal. Construction has begun in the factory for buildings 6, 9 and 10. Building 6 is scheduled to be set on site on 11/30, and we are planning that all three will be set before Christmas. Jai Guru Dev

Monday, October 24: Just returned from the Maharishi Purusha Capital - the atmosphere continues to become more sublime and profound. Silent administration will be so automatic from there! We've now had inspections by the fire marshal and building inspector for the residence buildings. The follow up inspections to these will begin tomorrow and hopefully be completed this week. Utility inspections have been completed and a few follow up items may be finished this week also. Once the remaining items and inspections are completed for the utilities and residences, then we can request our occupancy permits. Timing to receive those depends on the various agencies getting their paperwork done. Generally, these agencies have issued permits in a timely way. On the dining hall, there are some last items being completed before we can begin inspections. These are mainly electrical, and we think this work may be finished this week. If so, inspections can begin next week. These inspections include electrical, then fire marshal and building inspector. After these are done, we can install the attic insulation (about 2-3 days) and have the final inspection by the health department. Will update next week as this timing becomes clearer. Other work continues simultaneously, such as finishing vastu grading and fences for 5, 12 and 14, removing trees to ensure long range views for every building, cleanup, etc. Next 3 buildings will begin construction in the factory on November 2 and finish by November 23. Delivery and set schedule for those buildings still being finalized. Jai Guru Dev

Thursday, October 6 - Victory Day: There are many victories to report as we get very close to being ready to have Purusha take up residence in their new home. The potable water system has been inspected and approved (pending final water sample test which is in process). The Fire Marshall has conducted preliminary final inspections on all of the residence buildings and dining hall and we should have all requested changes completed by the end of next week or sooner. The Fire Marshall will return for final inspection of the fire pump on the 12th, and then should be able to complete the final inspections of the residence buildings and dining hall in the days following. The drip field for the waste water treatment plant (WWTP) is completed and has been successfully tested. The entire WWTP will be commissioned next week with final inspection on the 18th. The residence buildings are finished save some ongoing little items and cleanup. We are working on scheduling a preliminary inspection by the building inspector. Topsoil and vastu fences are getting underway for the last 3 residence buildings (5, 12 and 14) and dining hall, with the goal to complete them all in a few weeks. Dining hall HVAC system should be operational tomorrow. Dining hall lighting fixtures are mostly up, and remaining electrical and plumbing work is nearly complete (few days or so left). Floor prep for DH carpet will begin on Monday and carpeting will be installed on the 17th. Vista tree clearing for all buildings (to ensure all suites have beautiful long range views) will commence on Saturday. If all goes smoothly, we hope to complete all inspection visits by the 18th, with final approval to follow shortly - let's take that thought to the Transcendent! Next three residence buildings will begin construction on or before November 7th. Two of the three foundations are in, and we're finalizing excavation for the third. Jai Guru Dev!

Monday, September 12: Beginning mid-next week, we expect to start our final inspections for obtaining our various operating and occupancy permits. This will begin with the fire pump for the campus fire suppression system, and then the Fire Marshall building inspections, domestic water system, waste water treatment system, county building inspector (occupancy permits) and kitchen/dining. We therefore hope to have all inspections completed by September 30 and, hopefully, permits in hand by then or very shortly thereafter. The inspectors have been visiting the site on a regular basis so we are hopeful these final inspections will go smoothly. Some further details: The domestic water system is now fully functional in all buildings. We continue to test the sprinkler system for each building. The waste water treatment plant is completed except for the drip field. Due to a lot of rain over the past week or so, not as much progress was made on this as we had hoped. However, we believe this should be completed by mid-next week, weather permitting. Work continues for completing exterior ramps, railings and vastu fences where the progress was also impacted by rainy weather. Washers/dryers and refrigerators are being installed, along with other final touches. The dining hall continues in final completion of all mechanical systems, after which the flooring will be the last frontier. Jai Guru Dev

Friday, August 26: As you can see, we've moved one of the webcams to give you a view of inside the kitchen where the equipment is being installed. We will move this one around. Residence buildings: Remaining items for completion are mostly vastus and vastu fences. Up top, building 5 is last vastu to be done (see webcam) with others completed. Buildings 12 and 14 are getting their final interior punch list items completed and vastu work (final grading, topsoil and fence) upcoming for next week. Refrigerators and washer/dryers to be installed in kitchenette next week. Dining Hall: Power is on (big milestone!), kitchen equipment was delivered and is being installed (see webcam). Flooring contractor has been hired to install carpet in dining areas but it will take a couple of weeks to prepare the floor for installation. Vastu work will follow completion of buildings 5, 12 and 14 vastus. Hiring a couple of additional laborers to speed this along. Utilities: Continuing to test and purify pipes and system, as well as debugging. Drip field still in process. Still a couple of weeks or so of work left to finish. Overall: the utilities will probably be the last major item to be completed, and when they are finished then we should be able to apply for occupancy and operating permits. Jai Guru Dev

Wednesday, August 3: 2 new videos have been posted at http://purushacapital.org/videos.html

Sunday, July 31: Progress since our last update has been very strong and we are extremely close to completing the first 7 residence buildings, the dining hall and utilities. In the commentary below, I have included a video update of the dining hall and another regarding the residence buildings. These are unedited, and quite homespun, but hopefully they will give you some greater insight into our status. I should note that we do our best to make time estimates but not everything is in our control, such as inspector-required changes and related delays, weather, contractor scheduling, etc. Dining Hall: Tomorrow, August 1, we will order delivery of the kitchen equipment for 8/15. This is a significant step because everything else must be finished in the kitchen for this to take place, including electrical, plumbing (including for propane gas), hoods and stainless steel, HVAC, fire alarm and sprinkler system. HVAC work throughout the building is about 98% complete. Geothermal wells and exterior systems are being constructed (8 of 10 wells have been drilled) and should all be completed and connected to the interior HVAC system within two weeks. Finish work in the dining halls is nearly 100% complete with only the light fixtures and flooring remaining. Exterior concrete work has begun and should be completed within 1-2 days. Exterior final grading and vastu fences will begin within two weeks after similar residence building work is finished. Kalash has been installed. I can smell the food - but we understand that "the proof is in the tasting!" Please enjoy the following video update of the Dining Hall as of midday Friday, July 29 at http://purushacapital.org/videos.html Residences: Our strategy is to get all residence buildings completed and ready for occupancy permit inspection by 8/12 and this goal is very realistic. Building interior punch lists are being completed. Furniture is in all of the suites, windows are being cleaned, and window blinds are being installed. I did a tour of finished suites and they are looking quite beautiful. Externally, final grading is being finished with topsoil, and handicap ramps, stair railings and vastu fences are being installed. The webcams gives a good sense of this. Please enjoy the following video update of the residence buildings as of midday Friday, July 29. at http://purushacapital.org/videos.html Utilities: The main water lines have been flushed and pressure tested. This coming week, residence building water lines will also begin being flushed and tested. On Friday, electricians completed work for the waste water treatment plant and pump stations so these are now ready to be inspected and hooked up to power. Fire pump house electrical work should be completed by Wednesday. This should then complete all of the work for the utilities except for the drip field which still has another two weeks until it is finished. Once that is done and tested, then full testing of the entire utility system can begin. It is necessary for the utilities to be fully operational in order to get occupancy permits for the residences and operating permits for the dining hall. Therefore, we remain hopeful that by the end of August we will either have, or be in the final stages of obtaining these permits. Please stay tuned! Jai Guru Dev

Tuesday, July 5: We hope you enjoy the two new webcam views of the buildings at the top of Purusha mountain. As you can see, building 4 now has its vastu fence, handicap ramp, topsoil (and nice green grass) in place. The other buildings will soon follow suit and you should be able to see the progress, although putting in fence posts is a little slow due to the very hard ground. Overall, the team's primary focus is on getting occupancy and operating permits ASAP. All of the work is being prioritized according to this one goal. Will keep you "post"ed. Jai Guru Dev

Tuesday, June 28: We're evaluating one or two new webcam angles, and will hopefully have two webcams functioning in the coming days - stay tuned!! Utilities: Let the good times....flow! Our team began pumping water yesterday into our drinking water towers! A very wonderful development! Over the coming few weeks the tanks and lines will be flushed and tested, as will the fire tank/water system, before being certified as operational. The drip field installation for the waste water treatment plant should be completed this week, although due to various contractor worker vacation time the WWTP system won't be 100% complete and ready for testing for 2-3 more weeks - but it's very close! High speed internet is now fully operational in all buildings and suites - how "suite" it is! Residences: The first seven residential buildings are basically complete inside, and the exterior final grading and vastu fences are now being completed. We recently acquired a soil screener to remove rocks and debris from the topsoil we are placing within the vastus. This is working well and should allow for some nice gardening! Two additional foundations are mostly finished, and grading for the third (for total of 10 residences) is underway. Dining Hall: Duct work for the kitchen hoods and HVAC system is being installed in close coordination with sprinkler system pipes. The fire alarm contractor is also at work, and on Monday the geothermal contractor will begin drilling the necessary wells. Concrete work for the sidewalks and handicap ramp has been completed, and the concrete truck ramp installation is upcoming. Jai Guru Dev - Your Purusha Capital Construction Team

Thursday, May 19: : Activity throughout the campus is at a very high level. We hope to move the webcam soon to give you some better views of the activity. Dining hall: Kitchen stove hoods being installed; HVAC system ducts being fabricated and all should be installed in coming few weeks; plumber nearly complete; electricians working; sprinkler system being installed. Residences: All are nearly 100% complete with final grading, punch lists and vastu fences underway. Utilities: Potable water towers installed; fire water tank nearly complete; fire tank controls installed; installing last remaining water line between buildings 9 and 10; initial inspection successfully completed; drip field installation progressing; fiber optic network installed and successfully tested; all building internet and phone lines tested and making adjustments as needed; high speed internet should be fully operational in about 1 week. Permitting: There are several permits we will need to operate and all of these are being pursued concurrent with our completing construction. Jai Guru Dev!

Friday, April 22: The dining hall completion is progressing nicely. The porch ornamentation and railings are now complete, and the Kalash should be installed next week. The two potable water towers will arrive on Monday and be set on Tuesday near the top. Also next week, the concrete fire suppression system water tank will be poured. These are two major milestones for completing our utilities. Finish work continues apace in the residence buildings.

Tuesday, April 5: The volume and velocity of work on the project in every area increases daily. As you can see, the Dining Hall ornamentation is going up, but there is also much work going on inside. For example, in the kitchen, the walk-in coolers have been installed and tomorrow the special urethane floor will begin being laid. In the dining areas, framing has begun for the expansive vaulted ceilings. Elsewhere on campus, fiber optic cables are now being pulled through an extensive network of conduit to serve Purusha’s Internet and communication needs; a concrete pad is being finished for our two 15,000 gallon potable water towers, which should arrive on site this week or next; our 8th building foundation footers and walls have been poured; and each day, more of the last remaining items in each residential building get completed. It’s an exciting time and our entire construction team of 25-30, including staff and contractors, are very enthusiastic and motivated to bring this campus online quickly and beautifully!

Saturday, March 26: Shingles are now on and work is advancing on the porches and the cupola. Kalash should go up this week. and some ornamentation. Inside, sheetrock work will be completed in the kitchen area as the room is prepared to have special flooring installed in early April followed by installation of the kitchen equipment. Framing is also underway for the vaulted ceilings in the two dining halls. Meanwhile, foundation excavation for three more residential buildings is underway.

Saturday, March 19: The Dining Hall is now fully weatherized and the porch is installed. For the upcoming week and into next week, look for the roof shingles to begin being installed and some outer finish work progressing. Work will begin inside as well, including electrical work so we can have power in the building shortly. We have switched the webcam view so you can now see the east side.

Monday, March 14: The focus during the next couple of days is to get the building weatherized. That is, to complete the roof with sheathing and tarpaper at least so that it is fully protected from rain and snow. Work will also begin inside to “zip up” (finish) the building. Electricians and plumbers will start their zip up tasks in the coming 1-2 days. Once the roof is finished, we will try to adjust the camera view so you can enjoy the progress on the east side, which involves completing the porch and ornamentation.

Wednesday, March 9: All of the dining hall building modules have been set. The next major task is installing the roof trusses and porch and fully weatherizing the building. Lots of rain expected today and tomorrow, so tarps protect the building until the rain passes.

Monday, March 7: The dining hall set has begun!

Friday, March 4th: The dining hall foundation was completed this week and is ready for the building to start being set on Monday. The dining hall building modular units began arriving on the site today, and you can see a few parked along the east side of the dining hall site (just behind the red dumpsters in the picture). The first delivery of roof trusses also arrived today, and those can be seen in the picture to the right of the modules. Weather permitting, the cranes will arrive Monday morning and the set will begin. Enjoy, and remember you can keep your webcam open on your computer and simply refresh your browser as often as you wish to see the progress! The webcam transmits a new picture every minute!

Monday, Feb 28th: This is the final week of preparation for the dining hall foundation before the building is set early next week. If the weather remains good, the focus will be on forming and pouring the slab for the porch and steps (on the east side, of course). Cement trucks can usually be seen around lunchtime and into the afternoon (EST) if we are pouring that day.

Wednesday, Feb 23rd: Poured concrete today for the Dining Hall east walls. As an overview, the Dining Hall has three sections as seen in the webcam. The middle is for the kitchen with two dining areas for 90 people each on both sides. This is exactly as Maharishi designed it for Purusha. The building itself is simultaneously under construction in the factory and is scheduled to be erected on site during the second week of March, weather permitting. The webcam photo updates every minute (if you leave the browser page open, you will need to refresh it to see new pictures as they are posted), so visit frequently to watch the progress!

Tuesday, Feb 22nd: We had a small amount of snow last night

Monday, Feb 21st: Putting steel anchors into the slab