Imagine, on November 12, 1930, you show up to a job interview only to discover the company's entire office building is inching down the block, turning a corner, and everyone is pretending it's totally normal.

That's what happened to Rolland Swift, Director of Smooth Transitions at Indiana Bell Telephone Company.

Okay, I made that guy up.

But for real, in 1930, instead of demolishing the Indiana Bell Telephone Company building, engineers did the unexpected: they moved the entire 22-million-pound, eight-story structure 52 feet and rotated it 90 degrees over the course of 34 days (October 14 through November 15).

But what's truly mind-blowing? Utilities such as gas, water, and phone lines remained connected, and all 600 employees continued working without disruption, as usual.

But before I reveal how they pulled off such an epic remodel, it reminds me of the "Money Pit"-esque anxiety people experience during much less transformative projects.

Like when we design a remodel for our clients.

Consider the challenges they face, living and working through the construction process while managing the inevitable stress that accompanies it.

We can advise them to consider it a red flag if their remodeler responds with "two weeks" every time they ask, "How much longer?"

We can reassure them that "bathtub-through-the-ceiling" level surprises only happen in the movies, while gently acknowledging that unexpected hiccups can happen.

We're part designer, part' home renovation counselor'. Here to draw a dream kitchen and talk them down when the tile samples get overwhelming!

It may not be in the scope of work, but it's our job as professionals to ensure that the result is worth the inconvenience and stress. That's why planning and communication are key.

Speaking of communications, let's get back to this week's Meander.

In 1929, the Indiana Bell Telephone Company acquired the Central Union Telephone Company, and its building was initially planned for demolition to be replaced by a much larger headquarters on the site.

However, since the building provided essential services to the city, destroying the building did not seem like an option.

The Architect, Kurt Vonnegut Sr., hence suggested moving the eight-story, steel-frame, and brick building, which measured approximately 100 x 135 feet and weighed about 11,000 tons, to make room for expansion.

The relocation of the headquarters remains one of the most fascinating moves in the history of structure relocation.

The workers employed a clever method to relocate the structure, using a concrete mat cushioned by Oregon fir timbers, hydraulic jacks, and rollers.

They moved the building by rolling it off one roller while simultaneously positioning another ahead. To ensure precise, straight-line movement, manually operated jack screws were used.

Each jack screw was controlled by a team of men who turned its handle six times within 30 seconds. With every six strokes, the building shifted three-eighths of an inch, achieving an average movement of 15 inches per hour.

All the utility cables and pipes serving the building were lengthened and made flexible to provide continuous service during the move.

Safety stops were installed in the elevator shafts during the operation to prevent any travel to the basement (kudos to whoever thought of that).

A moveable concrete and steel bridge connected the vestibule to a sheltered passageway that moved with the building. This permitted the 600 employees and the public to enter and leave at any time while the move was in progress.

The employees never felt the building move, and the company did not lose a single day of work nor interrupt their service during the entire period.

Throughout history, numerous structures have been relocated. Today, it's done utilizing hydraulic robotic legs. These legs are programmed to mimic a human stride, with one half rising while the other descends. Sensors provide precise control, allowing modern buildings to effectively "walk" to new locations using this advanced technique.

However, I am not aware of any others that have been relocated while fully occupied.

Yet, many of us have clients who are asked to continue their "normal" lives, inside the structure we've redesigned as it's being demolished and reconstructed before their eyes.

We work closely with our clients to create a detailed timeline, keeping them informed of any changes along the way. We also make sure they have a clear understanding of what to expect during each phase of construction.

And while there may be some bumps along the road, we do everything in our power to minimize disruptions and keep the project running smoothly.

Or do we?

I noticed the Designer Docs library has multiple checklists designed to guide clients through the design process. But it doesn't provide a handout we can give to clients to prepare them for the chaos of a remodeling project. That is, until now.

Inspired by my recent remodeling projects—converting carpeted stairs to wood and a comprehensive master bath redesign—I've created this handout, titled Your Remodeling Preconstruction Checklist.

And, I'd like to share it with you.

​👉 Download A Free Your Remodeling Preconstruction Checklist​

​I'm sure I didn't think of everything.

That's why the checklist is easily customizable, allowing you to incorporate your company's branding and tailor it to your needs before beginning any remodeling project.

AIBD members can access the checklist as an editable Word document directly from the Designer Docs Library. Simply navigate to the Design Documents folder to find it.

Building designers who wish to distinguish themselves should adopt strategies that echo the Indiana Bell approach: plan for seamless continuance, empower the occupant, and anticipate every possible disruption.

Don't just hand off the plans and wish them luck.

Empower them for success, and you'll truly stand out in your market.