We bundled up today to grab this photo of the progress at the construction site. You can see the roofing conveyor of Rauth Roofing at center, unloading supplies to the crew up above. At the top right, two team workers provide some finishing work on the rounded steel structure that makes up the front entrance to Xanadu. As of this point, the parking lot is a little muddy from the rain we had, but all the hard work underground is finished and work is continuing on the plumbing that will keep our landscaping well watered and green. It's interesting that with traffic diverted down Advance Boulevard due to construction at Patillo Road, we could see the drivers turn their heads, eager to see the progress that has been made.

One aspect about our vision is our drive to be positive. When we say "our" we mean those of us here at Xanadu and supporters such as yourself. It's a team effort. No doubt we get fooled into thinking that rational thinking involves lowering our expectations and dwelling on the negative. Is this right? No. At Xanadu we'll be able to help you see how to focus your thinking on the positive ways you can approach your healthy living plans. For example, some positive statements you could make today include:

• I have time for anything I am committed to.
  
• My metabolism is getting faster every day.
• I am 100% responsible for my results.
• I can do it.
  

We actually have quite a list that will help you stay motivated once you get started on your program, because we feel much of the battle is on establishing the right mind set, the right goals, and the right expectations.

With the weather being up and down this week we found snapping some progress shots to be a little challenging. Nonetheless we snagged this photo shown at right during lunch time today to show the curbing now in place in the parking lot. During the last couple of days, work began on the permanent roofing and stone has been distributed across the parking lot in preparation for the first coat of asphalt.

Now, despite our best efforts, it does seem that Winter is in fact coming. We thought gathering a petition of names could have slowed it down a bit, but we're told that we'll have to simply bunker down and get through it. With that epiphany, we'll be accelerating our timeline so several things will be in place before the cold sets in. For example, the sheathing will keep the cold front out and our ideas fresh. The permanent roofing will allow us to start our interior preparations by late December. The parking lot preparations will save our vehicles from getting too muddy while we go back and forth. Finally, we'll be working to have our custom glass imported in and put into place by December. The impact of it will be absolutely stunning.

So that's what the plan is going forward this week. To those of who who have provided us with your contact information we thank you for your support and we will be in touch next week with our next mission together.

We thought long and hard this morning about what the Xanadu concept is really about. We know supporters such as yourself see that we'll be different in a number of ways when compared to the traditional "gym" or "fitness" facility. When we think of the term "gym" we tend to recall the feeling of shear dread when we walked in, alone, not even knowing where to begin. Yes, perhaps we had a paper with a list of exercises but what ever did that mean? Would it work? Would we be able to measure the results?

There was always this feeling that when we worked out, the environment was against us. As if people were paying attention to us for all the wrong reasons. So to us, Xanadu was to become something special, to be the start of something new.

Surely, our plans are ambitious, and if we were doing this alone perhaps the outcome would have been the same as the status quo. Over the last 14 months, though, we've recognized the importance of getting supporters like you involved in the process. To grow with us, to help us define our goals, and to give us a clear picture as to what you actually need. From the ground up we certainly are building together a place that is focused really around what will assist in ways that go beyond simply a promise of better things.

So in the pictures we chose for today, you will see great progress has been made over the last two days. It puts our words into actions as we inch closer to our opening. We've completed the sheathing around the East and North walls and are focused on preparing the large rounded entrance for the specialty glass that should arrive by December.

In the parking lot, crews have been pouring the curbs around the entrance and several "islands" that will be arranged around the property. On Monday, work is to begin on the permanent roofing, care of Rauth Roofing. A locally-based firm, their roots in the business proudly date back over 60 years. Following that, we will be spending next week finishing the curbing and will prepare the stone in the parking lot for initial paving. Glad to see things moving along so well!

Just over half of the Xanadu complex now has gypsum sheathing in place, creating a solid, protected shield.

Next, we look to finish covering the main entrance and the North wall. The rounded entrance will eventually will be encased in glass, allowing natural light inside and creating a welcoming gateway to what lies inside.

Essentially think of us as a team, whose mission is to create a smooth transition for you, a comfortable place for to meet your personal goals, and to create ways to interact with us along the way.

At top left you will notice two hard-working team members looking out at our parking lot area, which will soon be cleared of the wetness we received earlier in the week. Stay tuned for ways to get involved.

What a perfect colour to wrap our complex in at this stage in the game. Interesting enough, yellow is said to convey the thought of activity and energy. Spontaneous and full of action.

As you can see, we've been moving quickly to get things in order before the colder weather comes upon us.

Thankfully today we were blessed with 70 degree weather which helped keep our spirits high and the construction site full of warmth. You'll see above left that we even caught a rainbow in the lens while snapping a photo of the front entrance. Thought it was a great photo to share.

So, this weekend, we challenge you to find something yellow or even when you see something yellow, think of where we are right now - full of energy and willing to make a difference.

Cozy, warm, and protected. That's the goal of our next major phase of construction - protecting the complex from the elements, from outside influences, and from frigid temperatures. After all, we want to get cracking on the interior this winter. (Alas, winter is coming...)

They call the material being applied "gypsum sheathing", which protects against moisture and challenging weather. Not even a Category 5 hurricane would make this stuff budge. Really.

The name "sheath" actually comes from the word "protection". A sheath is what a knight would return his sword to in order to protect it. A sheath can also be described as something tight-fitting (such as a piece of clothing) or as the tissue that surrounds a muscle or nerve fibre. Nonetheless, we think it is a fitting term because it is what will keep Xanadu safe, secure, and intact, much like a warm hug that lasts all winter long.

Come to think of it when you first get a chance to step inside to see what we will have to offer, it will be like we are the sheathing - protecting and guiding you and providing a shield from all the fitness myths and conflicting things you've heard. Obstacles that may have gotten in your way? We know some shortcuts around them.

The long and short of it is we'll actually be available to help in so many different ways. Meanwhile, your continued support is greatly appreciated. You helped get us to where we are and you will be our driving force when we open and in the days beyond. Together we will change the way we think about health and create something that finally provides what you've really been looking for.

Being well-rounded is seen as a positive character trait. The idea is that if you know a little about everything, you become more confident, conversational and well-developed. Having a grasp of a number of topics gives you perspective and natural respect.

Today seeing the rounded face (shown at right) take shape at the construction site was like seeing what started out as an empty field take shape and become better developed.

For example, to be well-rounded involves having an open mind. It involves reading, learning about current events, seeing what is being talked about in entertainment, experiencing culture and traveling. Being well-rounded provides a way not only to understand what your acquaintances are talking about, but it helps expose yourself to different ideas, different trains of thought and perhaps to things you didn't know you were interested in.

This project that we are building together is like that journey into bettering yourself. For us, at least, it is opening us up to all the ideas that Xanadu will bring about into the health club world. Things that go beyond the typical "gym'. The thought of providing different types of programs while supporting what you know and love.

See, our vision is more to do with living, making our services tailored to people of different ages, backgrounds, fitness levels, experience and dreams. Together we will continue to grow. Just look at how far we've come so far!

How do you keep your chin up when everyone seems to be gloomy these days? As far as we can tell people still find ways to be optimistic. For example, when our friends and family have a special celebration. When a new baby is born. When our children grow a little older. It seems no matter how hard some things look sometimes, we always are motivated to come together. To show that we care, and to remember what makes us happy.

This is an important time to realize what Xanadu will provide goes beyond the building and any amenities - to be fair, it's an impressive list. Xanadu really is about pioneering the concept of health.

Will Xanadu's approach be different than a normal "gym" or "fitness centre"? Yes. How? Not only is our offering unique, but we make a solemn promise that we will have ways to walk you through realistic goals and make sure you get there. When you get sidetracked, we'll be here to pick you back up. When you stay on track, we'll be here to pat you on the back. We all have our days.

Something you will appreciate is that we will be keeping our promises when it comes to proving the stereotypes wrong.Just think of even our 0.8 mile track and what doors that will be opening for us. At the picture above you can see we've paved a good portion of it and have started to prep the landscaping that will surround. We're shooting to have that all ready by the time we're ready to open next year.

In short, we thought our recent steps taken at the site and in our planning for the new year speak well of the concept of coming together.

Essentially, our motivation is working and growing with people who dare to dream, such as yourself. It is what drives us to continue during the colder days and at least we know it will help us through the winter months! Strength in numbers, they say.

Who would ever be excited about an entranceway? It's a good question. We had to think about it ourselves as structural blocks were being put in today in preparation for the entrance into Xanadu.

We see the entrance as a reflection of what is going on inside. Thus, we've made the first structural element that ones encounter just that - open, sound and supportive. Now it may not look like much now but we know this major step as part of the construction finalizes the main shell of the building and allows us to move forward.

Continued work today was on laying stone in the parking lot area as well as prepping the main water lines. We've also been preparing the foundations for the light posts that will be throughout the property as well as continuing our landscape planning.

The exciting part of all this as well was choosing the right type of material that will actually be put in place at the entranceway. We can't wait. Really.

So next up is continued work on the parking lot, some general maintenance on the construction area and some additional structural touches that need to be put in place before we move on.

It's great to see community feedback as more and more see all the commotion on the construction site and become eager to learn about what we represent.

It is times like these that we become very enthusiastic as to where we've come in a matter of a few weeks.

Actually, it gets us thinking about where we are going in the weeks to come. Trucks are moving in and out, clearing the parking lot area and prepping the surface. Continued work on the walking track will also be underway as we start the naturalization of the green areas to either side of the path. Additionally, we've been busy grabbing candid shots of the bunch of us throughout all the heavy lifting. Good thing we know to lift with our legs!

Which brings us to another revelation - we've got a neat opportunity coming up that will tie in all the work so far with the vision of our future. We'll post more about that in the next week or so.

Okay, so yesterday was a little bleak with the spotty rain and cloud cover. Just when we thought it was safe to peek outside...the rain would come back. It was tempting for us to simply spend our time resting. After all, we've been running around quite a bit. Instead we simply planned for what we wanted to accomplish today and we're glad to say things are moving quite speedily along.

With all the trusses in place today and the steel structure getting its final touches together, we moved focus towards preparing the space where cars (and by extension, bicycles, SUV's, vans and mopeds) will be quietly waiting for their owners. We see it as a lesson of patience for these vehicles anyhow. We put all this effort and time into keeping them maintained. Doesn't it make sense that we maintain ourselves from time to time? We think so.

Have you ever taken the time to just reflect? Sometimes we sit out at night by the stars and look up, thinking about what was accomplished during the day and reflecting on the things that we are thankful for in life. Today's sunset was simply brilliant, and it felt so right to be here, at Xanadu, seeing the sun skip across the structure ever so slowly.

Soon after, the light disappeared and there Xanadu sat, awaiting a new day. It's funny when you think about it, that finding a brief moment to simply think is so hard to come by these days. Perhaps we will try to do it more often.

Normally we would be excited for Monday to come rolling in so we can see what further progress can be accomplished, but tomorrow will be a day of rest. We think it would be safe to say that the workers who have been so busy really need it. So a day of rest it is.

To the families in Windsor, Essex, Tecumseh, Lakeshore, Kingsville, Belle River, Lasalle and beyond, we wish you a pleasant weekend and holiday. You deserve it too. Oh, and if you feel guilty about your eating habits this weekend, do not fear. We'll still be able to help. Really.

Today the sun was shining and a slight breeze made it all the more motivating to be outside. It is days like this that we simply want to go for a quick walk or even just pick up things around the yard to keep our minds alert.

As you can see, the workers have been busy as usual again with the task of installing the trusses. By 4:30PM the front and rear of the building had a good number in place, with the help of a trusty crane.

We also saw some additional deliveries in the morning to prep for more progress next week! More good news to come.

Today saw a spatter of rain briefly in the morning, but crews were determined to at least deliver the steel trusses that will be put into place over the next several days.

To the photo at right you will see that some of the steel I-Beams have started to be put into place as well. Funny enough, after we saw the delivery take place we zoomed off to take part in a Couch Potato Race held indoors (although we would have been up to the challenge to be outdoors).

The race consisted of many 5-person teams racing large sofas at the old armouries building downtown. We were glad to win the first heat of the race but we found the most challenging part was making sure the couch we pushed stopped at the right place on the floor. Needless to say we had a blast helping raise awareness towards healthy living and at the same time learning to move living room furniture at dangerously high speeds. To see a video, click here.

Today was a big day. And by big we mean tall. This morning the steel came in, ahead of schedule, and the first steel support was put into place. You'd think that with the construction crew all there someone would have a tissue for us but alas, no. Needless to say we were so ecstatic to see things move so quickly into place and we could have used a tissue to hide our emotions behind.

By the afternoon, over three dozen supports stood tall, as if they were standing waiting for the next phase. Of course, it will come, and very quickly we might add.

This is the week of steel, if we might call it that, since the focus is on completing the frame and getting the exterior walls started by next week. We must say, standing in the middle of the building site has an amazing effect on us. And to think, we've done this all together... with excellent feedback, an enthusiastic support crew and a bigger vision that will undoubtedly keep growing.

When we walked around today at the construction site we felt like we just couldn't make ourselves leave. That is, until we realized that it was the mud beneath our feet from the brief rain we had Thursday night. Gladly, it was not enough to dampen our willpower to come out here, but it will certainly make things a little messy when we decide to drive back home for the day.

Regardless, things have been moving quite well despite the little patches of mud that are scattered about. By Wednesday this week, we finished pouring the needed concrete in the trenches dug earlier. On Thursday we were installing the proper footings, block by block.

We guess you could say we are officially above ground now, albeit just a few inches, depending on where you are standing.

It makes us feel that all too often we don't tend to really appreciate the foundations in buildings around us as much as we should. We know that they are there, and we know they keep the walls up and the building sound. When we think about it, this really is a pivotal moment for us, because our foundations play such a supporting role. They represent that we have thought everything through and that we are very real indeed. It is strong foundations and sure footing that will allow us to build up...and grow.

When we promised we would work hard to get Xanadu moving we didn't know it would involve painting hard to reach places. By Friday last week we erected the frame of our sign by making sure it was well grounded...and very black.

Unfortunately in December of 2007 our original sign was wounded after a windy storm sent it tumbling down. This time around we decided to wait until we could dig a deep enough structure to make this new sign count. After all, we had to show we are, of course, moving along quite well. At right you'll see one of us covering the structure in a good coat of paint. Perhaps you could argue that all of this reaching will keep us flexible and help us bend over backwards to assist you. Literally.

At any rate, we're thrilled to have the name 'Xanadu' hovering above the construction site again. These next few months will be absolutely stellar!

It was easy to see everyone's face light up when the construction site became dry enough to continue our preparation plans. During this week, we dug the foundations and began the pouring process to help our future walls stay strong. (The weather has also been great!)

The foundation reaching this point is like when a growing tree gets some support to remain straight and tall. Good foundations keep us on track and form the basis for our future.

There is no doubt in our minds that everyone has been working hard these last couple of weeks. We have the sweat to prove it. In fact, we wanted to specifically thank the stupendous workers and supporters at Rosati Group. Their eager anticipation brings a smile to our faces. Or maybe it is the curiosity of just what will go on inside.

Regardless, their much-needed elbow grease is an inspiration as we move towards the next exciting milestones to come.

Last week we mentioned we'd be busy at work trying to dry out the land from all that rain. Seems we were right! In fact, the preparation work will have to continue over the next couple of days until it is all set to move to the next step...laying the literal foundation.

In the photo to the left you will see the perspective from the front entrance as you look out into the parking lot. Across is the center of the new Lakeshore Oasis development set to open late Fall.

So again, we thought it would be a great view to share with you at this point in our progress. We're just so excited!

Well the weekend certainly was a wet one, where the area saw 106 mm of rain in some parts of Windsor and Essex County over the course of several days. It simply means we'll need to be all the more busy this week cleaning up after the rainfall and getting the water off the construction site.

By Friday of last week, the land for the parking lot use was cleared (a small portion of the parking area is shown at right) and the building site was prepared with stone to start the next phase of construction.

The way we see it, the water that Ike brought our way will, as any tree, help us grow. After all, we need to support all the greenery that will be surrounding us! It is as if the rain has given us a fresher start for the next several months...and perhaps cleaner construction equipment.

The name Xanadu suggests a place of great beauty, luxury and contentment. It is a promise of better things - a promise that must be kept.

We think of this next phase in our progress together as another quick growth spurt (much like the tree we are growing). In the weeks ahead, we will be excavating and paving the 0.8 mile walking track and will begin raising the exterior walls. From that point, the pace only will get quicker.

Shown above is our vision for Xanadu Health Club, and you may notice that it is, well, unique. Over time, we will be releasing more details as to what exactly it will mean for you.

With work progressing well on the outdoor track, the last several weeks have seen us continually prepare the main grounds for the piece of paradise we are building together.

In fact, every inch of progress has been made possible by the community's commitment to something better. Something focused. Something we all hope for and can believe in. As we anticipate laying the foundation and placing the first brick, we are reminded of the road ahead - namely, being more than just a fitness center or a "gym". We'll explain more as the weeks go by and the walls begin to rise.

Our tree has grown over two inches over the last week after steady watering and consistent sun exposure. We decided to dig a little deeper around the tree to remove some of the old soil and rocks as well as some older roots of plants that we had previously in place.

It's great to see little buds of growth appearing over the last several days, so we'll have to keep an eye out for further growth more often.

At the Xanadu site we have continued to work on land preparation. In the meantime, we've made great strides on an exciting and unique feature of the Xanadu concept - an unprecedented 0.8 mile (over 4,220 feet) outdoor track which will be open for all to use.

This weekend we decided to clear some of the area around the tree so as to make room for it to thrive. It was recommended to us from area nurseries to make sure the tree is watered regularly (every two days) and that there is not too much debris surrounding it. So naturally it would make sense to take the right steps.

In the case of Xanadu, we are at this stage ourselves - making room for further growth and maximizing our use of space. At our construction site, we will be removing debris and preparing for our official groundbreaking which will be announced very shortly. This is a very exiting time for us as it means the vision created with the community is ever closer to becoming a reality. Stay tuned.

Planting the tree is a pivotal part of the growing process. Of course, the tree wouldn't reach its potential if it is not in the ground. Yet, we found that planting was the easy part compared to all the planning involved beforehand. Asking questions. Getting feedback.

We see the planting of this tree as a representation of us taking concrete steps to making Xanadu a reality. From initial ground preparation to finalizing our design of Xanadu, we know that work is certainly cut out for us in the days ahead.

When we are building a vision together with the community, it really is a promise that we are making. For instance, if we don't make the commitment to maintain what we started, than we won't get to where we need to go. So our plan from here on out is to promise that we will be different. That we will care about the journey. That we will empower ones to meet their objectives. That we are willing to grow. We can't ask a tree to water itself, now can we?

August 11, 2008

A spruce tree is ideally planted after June, with several months before Winter so the roots can start to take shape. After all, spruce trees are known to be quite a sight in the spring time (wink, wink).

Sometimes, people choose to plant a spruce tree too early and the drought of summer not only poses a challenge for watering but the heat could damage the growth of a small tree. So timing is everything.

At Xanadu, we've learned to get things in order before jumping the gun. It is what makes us different. After getting more than a year's worth of feedback from the community on our concept, the timing is certainly right to get in the ground. After all, we want our foundations to be strong.

Choosing the right place to plant the tree is not an easy task. At least for us. You see, we wanted the tree to be easily accessible so we can easily water it. We also want the tree to serve a purpose, to be functional so we can be shielded from the summer sun years down the road by putting a bench in the shade of the tree.

We also want it to be noticed, not to be hidden away for a few to appreciate, and we need the sun to be able to shine on it once and a while. It also needs room to grow. After all, we don't want to be limiting its potential.

Xanadu Health Club has been a concept that has its demands. The right location. Room to grow. Functional. Accessible. Where we've decided to go will take all these factors into account. For example, being within a short drive of Essex, Belle River, Lakeshore, Tecumseh and Windsor. Having enough parking. Using all available space in the best way possible. Quickly accessible by major routes. We're confident we got it right.

July 30, 2008

Hundreds of trees have found good homes after being distributed at the Essex Fun Fest and the Belle River Parade earlier this month. Spectators of all ages braved rain and warmer conditions to support these local events, so we thought it fitting to begin our little project together.

With that said, we've started to grow some trees of our own here at Xanadu as we want to be seeing them progress just as our supporters will over the next several months. Now if only we can find a spade.

Surely, we've made a promise about our plans for the future. A promise of enhancing lives through measured and encouraged growth, among other things. That is why, starting this week, we're focusing on our next logical step - seeing something grow and prosper in a very real way.

At various events this summer, hundreds of hard-working people will receive the beginnings of a spruce tree. Likely they will have questions, such as: How will I plant it? How is it cared for? How high will it grow? Will it simply take care of itself? Are there things I can do to make it more successful?

Of course, we'll provide the answers that will point you in the right direction. Over the next coming weeks we'll be revealing what is at stake, details about a contest, tips for keeping your tree growing strong, and continued updates on the growth at Xanadu now that our vision is finalized.

We felt it was right to unveil a photo preview of Xanadu to the same community events that allowed people of all ages to believe in us and challenge us to be different. That ultimately is what this new section of our website is and will be about. We see the next several months as a team effort, one that will help you gain familiarity with our goals and at the same time help us gain familiarity with your needs. If you received a tree from us, go ahead and plant it. You'll be surprised at what we have in store for it.