Orrtanna Development: 2005-2006

Welcome to our Project Progress pages where we hope to give updates and show you the progress we are making on the new farm. There's a lot of work to be done and we thought you might like to see how the different stages are progressing...with pictures!

In October of 2005, we purchased a preserved farm (active orchard) of 97 acres in Orrtanna, PA in the historic orchard district of Adams County. We have approved plans to build 10+ acres of wiremesh fenced pastures, a 200ftx80ft Indoor arena with attached 17 stall stable by Walters Buildings, and a 150ftx150ft outdoor jumping arena. There is an existing 1921 bank barn that we have also rennovated to house 6 horses an dour hay supply. Ther is also room to build a stallion collection lab for our breeding stallion, and we will house stallions in training in this barn most likely.

Click on the links in the menu on the left to see the status of each phase.

PROJECT NEWS:

April 15 2006:
- The majority of the work has been completed! Now just waiting on final stall work, tackroom, plumbing and wiring. The indoor footing is currently being prepared for final footing delivery. We expect to move horses by April 23rd.

March 21 2006:
- They are working on the sides now. We are using a full 12 ft section of frosted skylight panel for the sides to allow as much natural light in and solar heat in the winter. This is one thing I liked about the CoverALLs and we tried to deploy the idea here with ours. There are also two sliding 10ft doors above the kickwalls to allow for cross ventilation in the summers. Enough light on an overcast day still to ride without lights on during the day.

March 18 2006:
- The metal roofing is done minus trim and ridge cap. They have started the inside work on the stalls, and the plumbing is roughed in waiting inspection.

March 11 2006:
- The metal roofing is applied to strengthen the structure and to "tie-in" the indoor roof as they proceed putting up the rafters.

March 7 2006:
- The indoor rafters arrived! 768 miles pulling a 80 ft log the drivers described it. We just barely got these in the driveway but good weather and some extra road work allowed them to come in with ease. We've had the BEST weather to prepare for this as well.

March 5 2006:
- The holes are dug, the poles are set and the stable roof timber work begins.

February 28 2006:
- The first trucks from Walters arrived with 2 crews from Wisconsin ready to work 7 days a week till its done.

February 26 2006:
- Excavation done waiting on building materials.

February 18 2006:
- Building Permit Issued. Excavator ready to start work the week of February 20.

January 13 2006:
- Franklin Township approves our final land development plans!

January 1 2006:
- Fencing completed. Bank Barn rennovation 85% complete. Our brood stock moves in!

November 25 2005:
- Fencing begins as the clearing of trees and preparation of the land has been completed.

November 1 2005:
- Tree removal begins. We're clearing about 12 acres of existing orchard to make room for pastures and the building pad. Some of these trees are long past due for removal. This is the oldest part of the existing orchard.

October 31 2005:
- We settled on this property and the project begins!

October 2005:
- Our "sketch" plans for land development are approved by Franklin Township
- Ag Preservation approves our intended plans for land development under "non-ag" stipulations. Thanks to HB619/2801 this will make it completely acceptable in 2006 to operate a Commercial Equestrian operation on a PA preserved farm.