Gallery
The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University
Entomology Collection Storage Renovation
May 29 ‐ October 12, 2012
First Cabinet Delivery, May 29, 2012, 3 AM
Load First Delivery of 40 Cabinets
Load Cabinets
Stage 27 Cabinets in the Changing Exhibits Space
Begin Transfer of Collection to Staged Cabinets
Several Ranges of the Collection Transferred
Dismantle Compactorized Shelving System
Collection Protection during Dismantling
Dismantle old Compactorized Shelving
Dismantling of old Compactorized Shelving Continues
Recycle Compactor Wood & Shelving
Recycle Compactor Wood & Shelving
Recycled Shelving goes to the Simeone Automobile Museum of Philadelphia for their Automotive Library
Recycle Iron Compactor Carriages
Add "Sleepers", Wood Strips so Decking can be installed
Install Decking to prepare for the new Floor Tile
Tile the East half of the Compactor Deck
Finalize the Leveling of the Rail System
Install the new Cabinet Carriages in the Compactor's East half
Begin Cabinet Installation
East Section Cabinet Installation
East Section of Compactor nears Completion
New East Section complete & contrasts to the old West Section of the Compactor
Completed Cabinetry in the East Section up and running
Dismantling Shelves on the West side underway
West side Compactor dismantled
West section tile removed
August 30 - Preparation to add new decking uncovers a concealed "trap door" in the west section floor.
The trap door in the floor of the west compactor section shown with one of two rails spanning it.
In a third floor office immediately below Entomology,
a second trap door is visible, making it likely that materials were hoisted between floors historically.
Removing the office ceiling tile revealed that the trap door was stiffened from underneath by two 4 x 4's.
The West Compactor section was redecked but the decking over the trap door was not secured (visible as the 3 sheets of lighter plywood).
The West section was tiled (except for the decking over the trap door) and the cabinet carriages were assembled.
September 28 - The Entomology Renovation remains on hold while a tubular steel reinforcement is discussed, manufactured and installed below the trap door.