Cedar Springs Fiber Arts Center

As we embark on the new year, we want to keep you all in the loop about the current status of construction at Cedar Springs. We realize it’s been a while since our last update, and we appreciate your patience as the slow pace and unexpected expenses have led to a series of partially completed projects. Here’s the latest on the Cedar Springs Fiber Arts Center and Retreat as of January 2024:

Street Address: We now have a street address! However, we’re unable to share it just yet for two reasons. First, we haven’t installed a mailbox. Second, we aren’t on-site regularly to check the mail even if we had a mailbox!

Driveway and Parking Lot: The driveway and parking lot have been roughed in and will be finished with finer stone after the construction is completed.

Water Supply: A four-inch water main has been run up to the construction site and is ready to be connected to the buildings. This should provide Cedar Springs with enough water to supply a small town… if needed.

Electrical Infrastructure: Electrical conduit and transformer platforms are in place. Once the fuse panel in the woodshop is installed, they’ll be hooked up. The store has all electrical work roughed in, inspected, and is ready for the final connection.

Onsite Living Space: We’ve acquired a new “tiny home” shed to provide more on-site accommodation during longer stays. Although it’s currently off the grid, as neither electric nor water has been connected, we’re exploring the possibility of moving here full-time before a permanent house is built.

Septic System: The septic system is installed and inspected, engineered to handle the store, woodshop, and the teaching center with a commercial kitchen when we reach that stage.

Store Progress: The store is under the roof, awaiting the installation of doors and windows. The wrap-around porch has been poured, and the porch roof is in place.

Woodshop Development: The steel frame for the woodshop has been erected, and the roof is in place. The next steps involve installing doors, windows, and siding. Finishing the woodshop is crucial for our family’s relocation to Cedar Springs, ensuring that Spanish Peacock won’t be closed any longer than necessary for moving Mike’s shop equipment.

For a visual update on the construction progress, check out our most recent YouTube video here.

Our GoFundMe is still active, if you or anyone you know in the fiber community might be interested in helping.

Additionally we are still selling bricks to raise money to build the Messy Arts Pavilion. You can read more about the fundraiser, or buy a brick to commemorate a loved one or celebrate your own hopes and dreams here.

Two years into this adventure, we had hoped to be further along, but unexpected costs, weather, and supply delays continue to pose challenges. We sincerely thank everyone who has stuck with us for your patience.