The Dragon's Head Blog

It may not seem like a lot has changed by looking at the photos below of windows and construction studs but we now have over half of  the 500+ windows installed. The hurricane rated windows are quite modern despite the 1920’s appearance. Each window is attached to metal beams that are attached to support beams […]

Tampa Bay Times Article – http://www.tampabay.com/news/growth/dunedins-historic-fenway-to-become-public-boutique-hotel/2277713 DUNEDIN — The revamping of the historic Fenway Hotel has long been a dream for residents and city leaders. By next spring, when the 1920s building is expected to once again open its doors to the public, developers say that dream will become reality. The building’s owner, Taoist Tai Chi […]

It was a perfect 65°F early morning as we gathered our “single whip” grabbers, buckets and bags. We volunteer to keep a mile clean on our Pinellas County bike and walking trail and are fortunate to have our mile near the International Center in Florida. We also like that our portion of the trail parallels […]

Things are progressing at the International Center in Florida. In building A, the historic Fenway Hotel, a mock-up room is being constructed to allow for changes that may be needed.               The electrical room had 12 feed lines installed under the footer and then concrete was poured to secure them. […]

The International Center Florida hosted 230 participants for lunch and a tour of the facilities on April 14th. Members of the Dunedin Branch were very busy in preparation for participants from all over the Tampa Bay area coming to Dunedin Thursday morning. Upon arriving, participants walked the grounds outside of the construction fence around buildings A […]

Restoration work continues at our second International Center.  Framing teams continue construction of the load-bearing walls and have begun replacement of the girders on the second floor of the northeast wing. Plumbers continue to work in the southeast wing. The lobby scaffolding around the new support column has been removed. Work on the new lobby […]

On Friday, March 18th, the Tampa Bay Times will run the following article with an online video of the work being done at the International Center Florida, Fenway Hotel and the Society. Watch the video Tampa Bay Times Article Even during its latest 10-year stint as a vacant building, the historic Fenway Hotel has remained […]

There has been lots of activity in the southeast wing of the A building (the Fenway Hotel). This wing has had the roof dried-in. This refers to the process of applying a layer of roofing paper, tar and a thick rubber material to waterproof the roof. The final roofing material layer for all of the wings […]

Osprey were sighted today on the new nesting platform at the International Center in Dunedin, Florida. The osprey originally had their nest in one of the chimneys that needed to be removed. The society asked forestry officials and the National Audubon Society to oversee the move of the nest to the platform on top of […]

Participants attending the five-day International Program held last week at the International Center in Florida enjoyed the beautiful sunshine and pleasant weather. Participants working in small groups discovered the circle in the square doing dan yus.  The balance of palms pushing out and relaxed dropping opened the pelvic floor. They were given a special treat on Friday:  […]

This is the International Center Florida construction update for the week ending January 31, 2016. Building A Windows Window installers continue to install the east and west windows on the center wing of Building A. Exterior Stairwells The exterior stairwells on the north and south sides of the building have surveyors’ stakes in place prior […]

International Center Florida Construction Update for the week ending January 21, 2016 Building A Interior Framing and strapping continues throughout the first floor SE wing. Replacement of damaged floor joists continues on second floor NE wing. The elevator and restrooms support walls were constructed and cells filled with concrete. These walls will support floor joists […]

More than 170 participants attended the Central Region Program lead by Tony Kwong. The weather was beautiful and cool. The group was divided with half of the participants in the practice hall and half under a tent in the north parking lot. One evening the group had an ice cream social and a set in the courtyard. Many participants […]

International Center Florida Construction Update Jan 12, 2016 Framing and strapping continues on the first and second floors. The SE wing framing is completed and strapping continues. On the second floor of the  NE wing above the kitchen, the sub-floor has been removed to expose potential termite damage to the floor joists.    Looking down […]

International Center Florida Construction Update for  Jan 5, 2016 The new windows for the International Center Florida were delivered today for building A from Marvin Integrity. The trucks originated in Fargo, North Dakota and arrived this morning at 8:30AM and 12:30PM. Windows were unloaded by hand and locked inside of building C north wing. The […]

On January 9th and 10th the International Center Florida held its first Hsing-i Weekend. Nearly 100 participants took part in the workshop lead by Sean Dennison. The weekend precedes the Central Region Program January 13-17th.

The International Center Florida continues renovations.  Now renovations have begun on Building C. The terrazzo floor located on the main floor is in the process of being resurfaced. Building A work continues with framing crews working throughout and a portion of the patio wall was removed to make access for the new ADA (Americans with […]

International Center Florida Construction Update for the week ending Dec 6, 2015 Roofing has begun! Photos below are of the NW wing of the International Center Florida. New window openings are being prepared to accommodate hurricane resistant windows. 1st floor structural repairs are continuing on the first floor. Three teams of carpenters are working in the […]

Thanks to all who participated in the cooking in Florida the past 2 weeks. It was hard work, but a job well done! Its hard to believe but we served over 2000 meals during two workshops.  Thanks to our local kitchen friends for catering us lunch on Saturday from Home Plate, and our favourite local Walt […]