We're starting to get the city's feedback on the salon's construction plans. During this "plan check" stage, the blueprints generally go back and forth between the permit applicant and the city several times before everything complies with city codes. (That's when the permit is finally issued.) We've just been told we need to make some changes to the placement of the manicure stations. All six stations had been placed in the center of the salon with just a small walkway in between. But, it turns out this doesn't comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA); the walkway wasn't wide enough for wheelchairs to fit. (There seriously are so many things to think about with construction plans. It's hard to take everything into account ahead of time.)

The revamped plan has the manicure stations against the wall - three on each side. Unfortunately this means the stations are actually facing the wall. So now we're adding 20-inch. LCD monitors at every station. Clients will be able to watch their favorite TV shows while getting a service; we'll provide wireless headphones, or they can turn on the closed captioning, so it doesn't bother the other customers. And, now that the center of the salon is empty, I think we'll do some kind of artistic retail display through there. The other ADA adjustment we're making so far is to make sure the salon's elevator is also wide enough for clients in wheelchairs.

The other big thing going on right now is we're starting to accept bids for everything - like the plumbing, electrical wiring, and audio/visual products. Everything is moving along nicely.