Big Day for Industrial building renovation

Kids are vandalizing the effort to save the building. Relentless rock throwing Is out of control. Bob comes from Missouri for a week to help finally tackle some of the major projects that have been a long time coming! This channel is dedicated to renovating and saving the Buster Brown Shoe Company building in my home town.
Want to contact me? write me an email.
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[@bobmoroney3643]

Bob and the building overcome all obstacles.

[@ReverendLinc]

Chris, screw a big sheet of plexiglass in front of your windows and install a security camera there and make sure to prosecute if the cops catch the vandals. That kind of vandalism costs time and money and your time is not cheap. The plexi will allow most rocks to just bounce off and will protect your glass.

[@brickandsole]

agreed. The sad thing is that the windows are bigger than 4x8 sheets. 4 foot 3 inches by 9 feet.

[@duanek9892]

It's really sad and disgusting about kids breaking windows. I wonder how many of their ancestors worked there, earning a living to provide food, clothing, and a place to live for their families, only to have their present-day offspring thoughtlessly damaging the building. Chris, I admire your ability to keep a cool head and hope you can get past the sadness and keep your spirits up. You are doing far better than I could....I would be absolutely livid.

[@brickandsole]

Thank you. Thats well said because the kids grandparents more likely than not worked there.

[@chrisduprey7283]

Those broken windows got my blood boiling. You've made such good progress and I hate to see such setbacks. On a lighter note, Bob is like MacGyver with all the stuff he can do.

[@brickandsole]

Yeah he is definitely helping me outpace the the setbacks. Thanks for being in my corner.

[@limelightcinemagroup2148]

On the windows I would put chicken wire on the front of the windows so the Rocks do not penetrate the glass of 3 inches away from the glass that way you could get light in the windows but they can't break the glass

[@brickandsole]

A few people mentioned that. but it would have to be offset and I think that may defeat the practicality.

[@MM2025-u3y]

I like the table build out and well the stool fits, never met a stool I wouldn't sit on...LOL😀

[@Sci-Fi_Quizshow]

Hello Chris, when you tore down endless sheets of wood paneling, a thought came to mind. These could have been used to barricade the windows from the outside - at least giving the impression of the panes being boarded up - perhaps deterring these kids somewhat? It could be time consuming but a lot less expensive than re-glassing all the broken windows. Unless of course you can make sure that these incidents are effectively dealt with? Such a terrible nuisance and mindless criminal conduct must not be allowed to go unpunished and the whole community, parents schools and police must be encouraged to own this problem. Don't let this sap your energy, budget and spirit - press charges and demand compensation from the parents if they want to settle. This is a very easy issue to solve if the parents take responsibility for the consequences of their own kids behaving in this manner, Chris.

[@brickandsole]

I have done it already around the ground floor, resin impregnated OSB. the kid problem is getting better as the building starts looking more cared for.

[@tlur8813]

I think we need to thank Bob the Builder for adding another great personality to the mix! It’s great to see him and what he brings to the table!! Yay Bob!

[@bobrobert9413]

Thank you for the kind words. It is always fun working with Chris.

[@brickandsole]

yeah and I think when he is there the videos are much more watchable and entertaining.

[@andrewcripps2314]

Hi Chris maybe chicken wire on the windows 😃👍🇫🇷

[@brickandsole]

This idea is gaining traction. several folks mentioned it.

[@perstaffanlundgren]

If you make wood frames with a "cross "in them a to fit outside the window, put welded galvanized 1/2 inch thin Plaster reinforcement nets on them. i would be hard to get a stone to het the net to buckle enough for it to break the glass. The question is how much i would cost doe (many windows) ,and how you should keep them in plaze. I think the better solution is to Try to get them to stop throwing stones by informing ythe local community about how expensive the vandalism gets for you ,and that putting protection on the windows will bee hard and costly also. There are also glass breaking detectors that react to sounds of glass breaking. Look them up.

[@brickandsole]

I have been googling, there have minis mesh chain Link fence, paired with your frame idea that could be a good solution and wouldn't block light.

[@richardvinsen2385]

I think you should write a letter to the immediate neighbors of the building stating that, while you’re doing your best to rehabilitate the building, you desperately need their help. Ask them to contact you and the police immediately if/when they see kids and other vandals destroying the windows or other parts of the building. These acts of vandalism slow down your progress on the building thus extending the time they’ll be living next to an eyesore. Broken and boarded up windows bring down the look of the entire neighborhood. Worse still, when the vandals get tired of breaking the factory windows, they might branch out into breaking house windows and car windows. What happens to the neighborhood then?

[@bearhardcorepicker]

I second this thought!

[@rwlodarczyk]

I love this idea. Doing some community outreach and neighborhood watch can definitely help.

[@jodirauth8847]

Excellent idea. Plus security cameras on the outside of the building. Alerts going to your brother who lives close by. Your brother can call the police

[@brickandsole]

ahead of you on this one. multiple times the police have been called, even in my absence, and kids have been run off by the neighbors. One in particular treats it as a serious mission, but you can't catch them all I guess.

[@geoffupton]

odd idea, you could somehow get the kids involved with something... that way they are part of the solution rather than part of the problem!

[@wingerfan1]

Definitely communicate with the neighboring buildings and see if they'll help keep an eye out on your place. Those little vandals stink. The buildings coming along quite nice and I'm looking forward to seeing the progress that you and Bob make.

[@bobrobert9413]

Thank you we are plugging along on it. Bob

[@brickandsole]

They already are they report running kids off on a regular basis.

[@sherrywisler3718]

I’m so glad your friend Bob is there to help you. I hope you can get a lot done. The legs he made for that little drawer thing are so neat. Sorry about the windows. Have a good week.

[@bobrobert9413]

Thank you! Glad you like it.

[@brickandsole]

Gigantic improvement for sure! Thanks for the comment!

[@justnana2256]

I love the desk. Bob did great.

[@bobrobert9413]

Thank you it was a fun project.

[@brickandsole]

It is spectacular, I am going to keep it for myself.

[@markheld995]

I would put hardware screen over all the windows it will let light in and rocks will bounce off or you will be constantly replacing glass.

[@brickandsole]

I have been googling and came up with mini mesh chain link fencing, that looks cool need to price it out.

[@yhwhtlc9217]

Engage the local TV station, or newspaper, to do a segment on your factory and make a comment about vandals. Install outdoor security cameras-- get a sponsor to get the equipment --- Put up signs outside that vandals, trespassing will be prosecuted. You have enough wood, post, paint onsite to create them. Even if you have a .....Smile, you are on camera,,,buy some mock looking cameras and mount them outside, might deter them

[@jamesjdecarlo9842]

Hi Chris - I commented many months ago that you should consider replacing each broken window pane with plexiglass. Plexiglass has solved the broken window problem for many churches, schools, office buildings, etc. I don’t think that there is any other solution. Good luck and take care.

[@brickandsole]

Yeah, I think I am leaning toward plexiglass cut from 4x8 sheets and then mini mesh chain link over the outside of it. But sadly it may be a while.

[@grandmasfavorites]

Seeing you and Bob hanging out together makes me smile. Thanks for sharing. 👍👍💙💙

[@brickandsole]

Thanks, it is so great to have help and somebody that you can joke around with.

[@kevinganje3356]

Hey, Chris. Thank God for Bob! What a stallion! That crowbar / demolition bar / polearm he brought is gonna work fantastic! And the legs for that reception stand look perfect! Looking forward to Part II.

[@brickandsole]

I know right? That bar is incredibly heavy.

[@jodirauth8847]

Oh yeah that would be a great place for a work shop.

[@jayerichardson9194]

You could make some frames of chicken wire to protect the windows. That would let the light come through!

[@brickandsole]

Yeah, I came across something called mini mesh chain link.

[@AnnHinrichs-j8z]

I was so upset for you over the windows. I am so sorry. Has to be nice to have Bob there! The table and lamp are fantastic. Should be exciting to have the water on soon.

[@bobrobert9413]

Thank you I enjoy my time working on the project.

[@brickandsole]

It is. Things have been accomplished that I don't know how I could have achieved without his help.

[@andrewklahn7899]

Like the desk with the plumbing legs looks perfect😊

[@brickandsole]

oh my, so much better. I don't know what I was thinking with the barn wood.

[@richardvinsen2385]

When you were attempting to open the door, I couldn’t help but think of the classic Far Side cartoon with the kid outside the School for the Gifted.

[@brickandsole]

Thats me for sure. haha. Except not as smart.

[@HabitualButtonPusher]

Santa Bob came to Town! I feel for you about those windows, hope you moved forward with the plexiglass sheets as discussed on the livestream

[@brickandsole]

It is looking more and more like lean plastic is the only reasonable option.

[@FreemonSandlewould]

The lock on that door you cleared up is easy to pick.

[@FreemonSandlewould]

You go out of your way to add more projects you do!

[@bufords]

cheap easy way to do the windows is full sheets of lexan over the entire window. You may have to build a wood frame for them. Preserves the look and fully protected. Cheap way to replace glass panes is with thin plywood painted black on the outside. Caulk them in just like the glass. Looks good, hard to break and you can make them yourself from scraps!

[@brickandsole]

I thought about that but it comes in 4x8 sheets. and the windows are 4'3" x 9 foot.

[@quesnelgirl]

I don’t see a wish list on your site. You could post an Amazon wish list asking for cameras, signs, motion detectors and anything else to help secure your building.

[@brickandsole]

Hi, thank you for the kind tip. I took your advice and now I am posting a link to it in the description of all of the videos. Cheers!

[@jodirauth8847]

You can baracade the inside of the door like old school cross braces. You put up plywood on outside of the windows. That old paneling wood work for temporary situation. For permanent situation you can cut aluminum sheeting for each window space and putty it in. Brick those windows up.

[@brickandsole]

The brown shoe in the neighboring town used aluminum and believe it or not the kids found away to throw hard enough to punch through it. It would have to be heavier gauge.

[@mitchybooooy]

Plexi glass on the front side of the windows is a great idea save you so much money in the long run

[@brickandsole]

if they knock it out, you can just put it back in.

[@limelightcinemagroup2148]

Chris I could make a suggestion that you can go I think the Home Depot there's places where you can buy surveillance little surveillance cameras that you download onto your phone and when some people come into the camera it alerts you then you have them on camera

[@brickandsole]

thats exactly what I have, it helped us catch some but there is such a large space that it would take many more for good coverage. in time I will get it all covered.

[@Davett53]

Look for Lexan plastics, is supposedly more durable or plexiglass. To replace window glass. In these early years, you need something sturdy and shatterer proof. Or spend even more money and build frames to hold hardware cloth. ( Not a real cloth, but a wire grid mesh, in frames, set in front of the windows. My father had a small factory building, he replaced a lot windows with glass block, with a rib pattern, in the glass. I think he started out with glass, with a wire mesh, within the glass. Then later on, he went with glass block. In his case, he had a roofing & gutter manufacturing business. His income from the business, paid for the window upgrades.

[@brickandsole]

that seems to bet the best as it doesn't yellow.

[@lilly3628]

I just want to say how much I appreciate your love of these old factories. My father worked in a T.V. tube factory similar to what you have there.I spent hours happily riding my bike and pushing those gigantic metal carts around.Thanks for posting.

[@brickandsole]

That sounds like a lot of fun for kid. Great to have memories like that.

[@MK-Farm-Michigan]

I think you need a large locked fence all the way around building with razor wire on top. Wonder if it was fat boy again.

[@bobrobert9413]

😂 you made me laugh on that one. Bob

[@brickandsole]

Like revenge for catching him the first time. Maybe I wouldn't be surprised. The back currently has a fence with barbed wire but it is an extreme headache for mowing. I was thinking about particularly nasty bushes with thorns.

[@mattd5757]

sheets of clear lexan atatached outside will stop the glass breakage and adding some CCTV cameras around the building also is a good way to scare idiots away, had to do that in my old building.

[@melindalovell3199]

The table looks awesome. The building and Bob will provide. Great job guys! Do you think kids are using sling shots to hurl rocks at the windows?

[@bobrobert9413]

Who knows these kids have to much time on there hands. Bob

[@rwlodarczyk]

It’s such a shame that people are resorting to vandalism. I’m sorry that this has been a perpetual problem.

[@brickandsole]

thanks for the kind words.

[@toniasalways]

I would put plexiglass over all the windows. Leave that project to the very last when the building is occupied. Otherwise you'll just be fixing it over and over.

[@brickandsole]

That is an excellent point. There is nothing better to prevent it than having the building look cared for and kept. And doing windows too early is a losing prospect.

[@jodirauth8847]

In New York they put up expanded metal sheeting on outside of windows.

[@brickandsole]

Im going to google that.

[@ROADIEZ824]

11:37 Being so close to the baseball fields is most likely the problem... Need to get some Blink's or such with the sync module and the flash drive so you can record the little suckers! I know that the initial investment is killer. But I just got 5@$200. Plus the WiFi. You're smart enough to do it w\Bob

[@brickandsole]

Yeah, I have some cameras (reline) I just need more of them so I can cover more of the outside of the building.

[@MK-Farm-Michigan]

The table looks great. That cut out could be for running the cord for the lamp so it is out of the way. Keep hard wood floor get rid of white tiles.

[@brickandsole]

there is 1 inch concrete under the tiles, they poured it to level before the installed the tiles.

[@frank1371]

I would put, even temporarily, some chicken wire over the windows. I live on the east coast rust belt and I see that on old factory buildings all the time.

[@brickandsole]

I have been looking for micro chain link that can stop rocks but so far no affordable options. do they make chicken wire with small holes?

[@frank1371]

@@brickandsole Yes, they make chicken wire with small holes. If you have a local tractor supply they’ll have it so you could see what they have and most likely be able to order the same product bulk online.

[@johnjason7204]

Replace the glass with panes of plexiglass cheap and peel off plastic covering looks as good as glass.

[@brickandsole]

Looking like the only viable solution.

[@MK-Farm-Michigan]

Keep putting plexiglass glass on every time you replace windows. Check your security footage.

[@brickandsole]

Yeah, If I can get to a place where I do it as I go that would be easier. but the first pass will be the hardest because starting out there are so many broken ones.

[@sparks869]

Not enough exterior cameras and more signs. Preferably with detection of humans. Maybe even closed and gated fencing for the rear portion of the property. Boarding them over seems like a good temporary solution. There are forums like IPCamTalk that could probably help you figure out a better camera system.

[@brickandsole]

I have a pretty good one, with a server, remote monitoring, animal/people detector, etc. But I just need to buy more cameras and run ethernet to them.

[@deandigiacomo2010]

👍👍

[@bearhardcorepicker]

Just an out of the box thought...Is there a work experience program at the local school there? Maybe employing some teen workers could increase local vigilance among kids/teens themselves to protect the building and the work they have helped with/accomplished.

[@richardvinsen2385]

I’m sure that would have huge liability issues.

[@BALES5000]

The building has to be brought up to local code before it can be insured, so that would indeed be a liability issue.

[@bearhardcorepicker]

I was thinking after codes were satisfied..should have included that.

[@brickandsole]

Yeah, it's a liability for sure. even outside if a lawnmower threw a rock and hit a kid in the leg. Maybe a waiver thing could work but they aren't 18. To be honest I wish they would just stay away.

[@Duerke]

Some cheap cameras with night vision or trail cameras would stop that quick. Show footage to police and it stops.

[@brickandsole]

Thats what I have, but I just need more of them.

[@Hope-fv3kf]

Just read a DIY using cardboard over windows to deter rock throwing. Summer is coming up and kids are more likely to be out late at night with nothing to do but throw rocks....Cardboard maybe a cheap way to save the windows that are higher up? Maybe consider leaving the top panes uncovered for some light? The kids would then have to become crack shots to exact windows or maybe that is encouraging them?

[@brickandsole]

yeah, not looking forward to that. I left the top ones open for the covering I did on the front of the building. It is not perfect by may be the only solution.

[@AdventureswithJack453]

Use plexiglass to replace the windows. Same look but it does not break.

[@richardvinsen2385]

Plexiglass is more expensive than glass.

[@AdventureswithJack453]

@@richardvinsen2385 But it doesn't break

[@perstaffanlundgren]

Ages bad doe , the non uv resistant plexi get "milky" over time ,the uv resistant super durable stuff is expensive.

[@AdventureswithJack453]

@@perstaffanlundgren So I guess that you answered your own question. The issue comes down to how many times do you want to replace the window. Of course the other option is tempered glass which i believe is required by code in commercial spaces.

[@brickandsole]

There are a lot of factors. I think I heard Lexan is not as prone to yellowing. I also heard it is possible to buy in 4x8 sheets and have the hardware store rip them into individual rectangles on a table saw.

[@InceleHubby]

Just screw hardware cloth or chicken wire screen draped over each window, attached at the top. Cheap, removable & easy. If you only had a bucket truck...

[@markymark6089]

Heya I’d be breaking. Corner of the concrete where the tiles are Seems weird they’d make it won then concrete

[@brickandsole]

I think they poured concrete to level it out for laying the tile. but it's sad because the hardwood is better.

[@Boga217]

Lorex, ring, blink, swan make good camera systems some with ethernet power and video.

[@bobrobert9413]

It is difficult to pinpoint when the vandalism occurs since no one is there much of the time.

[@Boga217]

@@bobrobert9413 yep exactly why cameras would be an excellent investment of a couple hundred. Blink has the outdoor 4 cameras and even the hardwired floodlight cams with 2 way audio are excellent..1 per side of building and 12 bucks a month unlimited filming simultaneously. You can easopen the alert and call out the police are coming and sound the siren.

[@brickandsole]

The ones we have, are basically like that. Reolink. Remote monitoring, text alerts, motion detection, etc. I have a server, I just need to keep plugging in more cameras I guess. The ones we have caught in the act have all been thanks to the cameras.

[@Boga217]

@@brickandsole yes reolink, I forgot that name. They are some pretty awesome hardware too

[@MrJeep75]

Keep that desk with the building

[@bobrobert9413]

The original plan has always been to sell it, but I think Chris has taken a liking to it.

[@brickandsole]

Yeah, I am going to keep it. I like it too much. and it's original to the building.

[@MiloEstrada-vm5to]

get you a wireless security camera system install it way up high and get em

[@brickandsole]

I do need to install more, and outside up front especially.

[@MK-Farm-Michigan]

Oh, how about big sheets of chicken wire for windows?

[@brickandsole]

mabe but it would need to offset from the glass. Not sure I'd like the look.

[@1834RestorationHouse]

You need to make friends with those kids so they'll stop busting the windows. Who knows...They might even be interested in helping you with your restoration.

[@brickandsole]

Yeah, I would be totally open to that. however twice we caught out of towers doing it. one kid was even from Japan.

[@Hope-fv3kf]

I know the paneling & old lumber is trash and not strong but could it be painted and used to deter the rock throwing on some of the windows? Maybe at least those that have all the glass? Is there 1 side that has concealed the view of the vandal giving them a sense they can't be discovered? Sorry, I can't envision a reuse involving old tires that could save your windows.

[@brickandsole]

Yeah I think it could be, but I really want to have a nice look, instead of a boarded up Detroit look. I am wondering if a final push on the windows at the very end when everything looks nice will make it look like a kept building and discourage that kind of thing.

[@Crafty_Restorations]

I was thinking. Maybe you can run some volunteer opportunities here. First, it gets the locals involved in this historic building. Second, it can give the locals to have something that they value as well. If the community can be a part, it will be seen as an important part of their town. When that happens, you have the whole town looking out for you. Third, it can speed up your progress (not that you need to at all, I love watching you) as well as potential funding. Lastly, it will help the youth be part of something helpful and positive. Part of the reason the youth act this way is they don’t have bad things going on in their life and/or have little positive things to do. Also they are kids. The benefits are endless. What they are doing is horrible. It’s not at all justified. I’m just spitballing ideas

[@brickandsole]

as for kids, there are lots of hazards and liability, I do however have plans to do volunteer days and if it works, I can grow that idea. cheers.

[@kennythedragon47]

sounds like you need more cameras. even dummy ones on the outside

[@brickandsole]

I have expansion room for 3 more, then I can buy an another expansion for an additional 8.

[@stardust-rv7mr]

mount some game cameras's along the outside!

[@brickandsole]

I have electronic internet cams, just need more of them.

[@jmonsted]

I know this was a long time ago, but could a frame with chicken wire protect the windows?

[@brickandsole]

something of that nature would be good. if I can figure. what would also look good.

[@jd9875a]

Have you ever thought about reaching out to the local elementary and high schools? Perhaps if you were to introduce yourself, share your youtube channel with folks and explain what you are trying to do, it would reduce the incidents of vandalism. Essentially you want to put a face to the building. Make it so it's not "throwing rocks at an abandon building" but rather "throwing rocks at Chris' building". I think people would be less likely to do the later. You could also host a bit of an open house one day. Let the kids that are curious have a walk through and ask questions. Once they are no longer curious, and again have a name associated with the project, maybe they'd leave the building alone? of course...there's always some jerks out there too I guess. ;)

[@richardvinsen2385]

That could work. Then again, it might get them interested in stealing and vandalizing what’s inside the building.

[@brickandsole]

Yeah, I was kind of thinking both sides of this might be true, it might plant a seed in their minds to do something they never would have considered. I will say usually it doesn't seem planned, it seems like it is almost aways a spontaneous thing for them.

[@RogerEbert-vy5pv]

Contacted the local schools. Ask for a meeting with the entire student body. Have the police there.

[@brickandsole]

The police there, would be a nice touch. haha.

[@GothGuy885]

if you had electricity, you could put up CCTV cameras around the building and catch the little Hooligans, and show the footage to the police, and make their parents accountable for the damage.

[@brickandsole]

I do have, with real time monitoring, alerts, remote viewing. Just need to add more of them.

[@johnkranz4004]

Kids these days Suck Hate seeing that about the windows Nice Table and Getting interesting

[@brickandsole]

Thanks, the projects are finally starting to pick up pace it's a good feeling.

[@MrJeep75]

Plexiglass

[@sharoncarter6081]

This is really sad, parents do not watch their children. Get a good camera and go after the parents

[@brickandsole]

I have multiple cameras. But I a have room for expansion.

[@TheOldMansPicks]

I think you purchased an entire herd of elephants to eat.

[@bbiskner]

Put up a sign that says you break it you pay for it

[@brickandsole]

yeah, but how do you enforce it? gotta catch em.

[@GaylaBest-xf2bx]

Security podium

[@richardvinsen2385]

A what?

[@brickandsole]

You mean a like a guard shack?

[@martinbeaumier7172]

You need big warning signs private property, don’t throw rocks, cameras, legal action will be taken!

[@MrJeep75]

Dont screw that building up

[@MrJeep75]

You shouldn't of torn down that green wood wall and torn the opposite wall down

[@brickandsole]

it wasn't original. it was older than the others but not original.

[@MrJeep75]

@@brickandsole it looked like the other green panel walls