Seattle Sun Newspaper - Vol. 7, Issue 1, January 2003

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Home Design & Remodel Fair Feb. 2

By REBEKAH HENDERSON and ROGER FARIS

The groundhog is a furry little creature that lives in harmony with the earth and, in fact, in the earth. While his burrow is energy efficient and safe, it lacks other features of good design, such as lighting, which humans appreciate and expect.

Nevertheless, the Phinney Neighborhood Association will recognize and celebrate Groundhog Day in grand style, with the sixth annual PNA Home Design & Remodel Fair. The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Phinney Neighborhood Center, the beautifully painted and restored old wooden school building at 6532 Phinney Ave. N.

On his special day, the groundhog is expected to poke his head up to look for his shadow. If he sees it, he makes the prediction of six additional weeks of winter, then returns to hibernation.

This year, our famous rodent friend may want to stay awake for a few hours to gather more and better information. Among the great exhibitors at the Fair, he could meet Chris Herman, of Winter Sun Design. Herman will be available to discuss the solar heating potential for any burrow or bungalow. He knows a lot about the length of shadows, and his calculations result in a level of accuracy that groundhogs can only dream about.

A wonderful range of architects, designers, contractors, suppliers and other building professionals will be available to help all of us make progress toward successful home improvement projects. They will include general and specialty contractors, environmental groups, landscape resources and governmental agencies such as Seattle's Department of Design, Construction and Land Use. An entire room will be devoted to getting accurate answers to building code, permit, and land use questions. Members of the Northwest EcoBuilding Guild will provide information on sustainable building practices.

So this is a day for home design, remodeling, materials, codes, finance and perhaps a weather forecast.

You're encouraged to bring your dreams, concepts, sketches, plans or wild ideas. Don't miss the chance to meet over 65 exhibitors who are particularly thoughtful and generous with their expert knowledge. Woodchucks, marmots, groundhogs and children will be granted free admission. Adult humans are asked to contribute $5, or $3 for PNA members.

This event is made possible thanks to the generous support of a number of sponsors including HomeStreet Bank, KUOW, Dunn Lumber, George W. Johnson Realtors, Greenwood True Value Hardware, Environmental Works and the Northwest Ecobuilding Guild.

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For additional information, call 783-2244 or check www.phinneycenter.org.