The Next Chapter: Andy Wright Leads Second-Floor Construction at the North Star House

The second-floor construction effort of the North Star House is one of the most ambitious and exciting projects underway at this historic 1905 estate. Reviving more than 5,000 square feet of long-dormant space requires not only vision but deep expertise, and we’re fortunate to have both.

Leading this effort is Andy Wright, Construction Manager at the North Star House, whose decades-long career as a licensed general contractor and former owner of WrightBuilt Construction brings invaluable expertise to the project. With a strong background in residential remodeling and hands-on leadership, Andy has played a central role in clearing the space, renewing permits, coordinating skilled volunteers, and working with local suppliers and building officials to keep progress moving forward.

From preserving original materials to preparing for major milestones like drywall installation and inspections, Andy’s thoughtful approach is helping bring the upstairs rooms back to life carefully, deliberately, and with a deep respect for the house’s past.

“It’s a rewarding project and we’re making progress.” Andy says. “I love the Arts & Crafts era and the California history embodied in the North Star House.”

Why It Matters

The upstairs of the North Star House has remained untouched for decades, the entire second floor of the home inaccessible to the public, still bearing the marks of time and neglect. As restoration efforts continue downstairs and across the grounds, the upper story stands as the next great chapter in bringing this historic building fully back to life.

While the remodel won’t be a precise replica of the 1905 design, the approach is historically informed, preserving original features like rough-sawn local cedar framing and salvaged trim, while introducing modern infrastructure that allows the space to serve new community functions.

This thoughtful balance of preservation and purpose ensures the space can serve future generations while honoring the past. Once complete, the revitalized second floor will provide opportunities for community programs, artist studios, archives, and event rentals.

Andy’s long view of the project started nearly 20 years ago. “I originally was involved in 2005 helping secure the building against the elements. I took the opportunity to document the state of the crumbling plaster, broken windows and vandalized interior with photographs of every room. I kept my collection and have added them to the NSH archives.”

What’s Making Progress Possible

The second-floor project is making steady progress thanks to a combination of thoughtful coordination, skilled labor, and strong community support. Under Andy’s leadership, several key elements have come together to keep the work moving forward.

Consistent Volunteer Schedule 

Workdays are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays, providing structure and

momentum. This rhythm allows the team to plan effectively while also welcoming new volunteers into a reliable and well-paced workflow.

Collaborative Team Effort:

Skilled volunteers in electrical, plumbing, framing, and drywall rotate through the project as needed. Coordination between the upstairs and downstairs crews ensures that construction, restoration, and infrastructure efforts stay aligned across the property.

Community-Backed Construction

 Several local suppliers and contractors have stepped in to support the project. Hills Flat Lumber, B&C Hardware, Rose Roofing, It Pays to Insulate, and Bryan’s Heating & Air have contributed materials, services, and expertise, offsetting costs and strengthening community ties.

Preservation of Original Materials 

Wherever possible, original trim and lumber are carefully salvaged and reused through the on-site woodshop. This approach honors the character of the house while maintaining practical efficiency in construction.

Permit Renewal and Inspection Readiness 

Andy recently secured a five-year renewal of the building permit, a critical administrative milestone. This extension positions the team to begin inspections and ensures that all progress remains in compliance with local building regulations.

What’s Next

With much of the space cleared and systems in place, the team is now preparing for drywall installation in several rooms and the stairwell. “It's groundbreaking to see some of the open framing being turned into walls.”

However, the most urgent need remains unchanged. “What we really need are windows! We are staying true to the historic design using divided-lite wood windows and need $80,000 just to buy them.”

For now, temporary glazing is helping protect the interior, but permanent windows are essential for sealing the building, maintaining climate control, and protecting the investment of time and materials already made.

In the coming months, the team will continue organizing salvaged materials, finalizing electrical and plumbing, preparing for inspections, and gradually building toward a capital campaign. “Last year I built a budget so we could apply for a federal grant. We're revisiting the construction budget including site work, for a capital campaign. I'm updating our estimate to support the fundraising.”

How to Get Involved

New volunteers are always welcome, especially those with trade skills or an interest in hands-on work.

“Prospective volunteers who would like to join us Tuesdays and Thursdays should contact North Star House. They will get a call back from myself (upstairs construction manager) or Rick who manages the restoration crew downstairs. If it's a good fit, we set up an orientation meeting and introduce the new member to the crew.”

Whether you're a skilled builder or simply passionate about preserving history, there's a role to play. Visit: www.NorthStarHouse.org/volunteer

Looking Ahead

For Andy, the long-term vision is as practical as it is hopeful. “I want to trust we can keep the 1905 NSH safe and sound to make it another fifty years. Fire prevention is a very high priority. We're still in need of fire sprinklers and enough water flow.”

Thanks to his leadership, and the countless hours contributed by volunteers and community partners, the second floor is finally on its way toward becoming a usable, beautiful, and historically respectful part of the North Star House once again.

Pictures below taken by Andy Wright (LightHawkPhoto) when the first floor was just undergoing first restoration efforts - a blast from the past!

Take a deeper look inside the project—read Andy’s full interview.

Can you tell us a little about your role at the North Star House and how you became involved with the construction?

I'm the construction manager for the North Star House, helping organize the volunteers and materials. I've helped clear out old materials collected over several decades so we can move forward with plumbing, electrical, insulation and drywall.  I've also played a key role renewing our building permit and coordinating with the building department.

What first drew you to this project, and what keeps you motivated to continue?

I originally was involved in 2005 helping secure the building against the elements. I took the opportunity to document the state of the crumbling plaster, broken windows and vandalized interior with photographs of every room. I kept my collection and have added them to the NSH archives.

Could you describe the condition of the 2nd floor in your own words?

The upper floor is over five thousand square feet of open framing. Nearly all of the crumbing plaster has been removed. The building is framed from rough-sawn local cedar and is structurally sound. There are seven chimneys. I've spent the last two winters chasing down leaking chimneys, working with Rose Roofing. We are still storing vast amounts of the original trim and lumber, which we reuse in our woodshop.

What have been some of the most challenging aspects of this project so far?

We've had to clear out truckloads of stored lumber to make room for the plaster demolition. There has also been an effort to donate unneeded tools and supplies to the ReStore. Often I will find materials that have been upstairs for more than a decade that have no purpose and nobody can tell me why it's occupying the room. After two years of focused effort, we're starting to see cleared spaces and making progress on construction.

On the flip side, what has been the most rewarding part of working on the 2nd floor?

It's the people. NSH has a strong sense of community among the volunteers. We all have special skill sets and it's fun to collaborate on various projects. We eat lunch together in the dining room and enjoy fellowship.

Who else has been involved with the construction, and what has teamwork looked like on a project of this scale?

It's a long list of players. We've got our architects, David and Rick who help me when I need to amend the building plans. There's several volunteers who have special skills like Tom who does our electrical, and Don who's been rough plumbing the bathroom. Mike (Demo Mike) has done an incredible job helping remove the old metal lath and plaster wall coverings. Our framing and drywall crew includes Desert, Mark, Chuck, Jim, Lou and others. It keeps me busy, checking in with who's there on a given day and how I can help them be more effective.

I also want to recognize Gary and Bek, who have helped organize and separate the odd materials from the valuable heirlooms we are preserving. Mike Frasu has been donating the use of his trailer to help us haul off the heavy plaster debris, as well as keeping our water systems working. I'm working with him to provide better drainage to keep our cellar dry. Although I primarily focus on the second floor construction, I also am involved in projects downstairs and on the grounds.

How do you see volunteers and community members playing a role in the success of this restoration?

We've gained a few volunteers this year, which is necessary as it's hands on work. I've been reaching out to suppliers and subcontractors to donate their ability to the historic project. This year we've been supported in construction needs by Hills Flat, B&C Hardware, Rose Roofing, It Pays to Insulate, and Bryan's Heating and Air to name a few. I've had consultations with many other subcontractors about future work.

What does it mean to you personally to contribute to the future of this historic building?

I've been a general contractor for forty years with a focus on remodeling. Early in my career I was involved in a restoration guild in San Diego where I spent several years working on mission style homes. I love the Arts & Crafts era and the California history embodied in the NSH. It's a rewarding project and we're making progress.

What’s next for the 2nd floor? What milestones are you most excited about?

What we really need are windows! We are staying true to the historic design using divided-lite wood windows and need $80,000 just to buy them. We've got temporary glazing but the house isn't perfectly sealed. The crew is excited to be installing drywall in several of the rooms and stairwell. It's groundbreaking to see some of the open framing being turned into walls!

After our building permit expired, I had it renewed and last week received a five year extension from the building department. I plan to get our first inspection done in the next month which is a real step forward. I really appreciate the cooperation with our local building officials.

If people want to support or get involved, what’s the best way for them to help?

Prospective volunteers who would like to join us Tuesdays and Thursdays should contact NSH. They will get a call back from myself (upstairs construction coordinator) or Rick who manages the restoration crew downstairs. If it's a good fit, we set up an orientation meeting and introduce the new member to the crew. Visit: www.NorthStarHouse.org/volunteer

What would you like people 50 years from now to know about the effort happening today?

I want to trust we can keep the 1905 NSH safe and sound to make it another fifty years. Fire prevention is a very high priority. We're still in need of fire sprinklers and enough water flow.

Any other updates:

Last year I built a budget so we could apply for a federal grant.  We're revisiting the construction budget including site work, for a capital campaign.  I'm updating our estimate to support the fundraising.