This is the old newtonian mount pad, and two Locust trees, that spray sap all summer (not good for expensive optics), drop thorny twigs (not good for my dog's feet), and block the view to the south.

Several problems solved

Approximately 24" x 24" by 44" deep. I'd almost reached my target depth when I hit a huge rock covering the entire bottom on the hole, so the whole thing is sitting on the rock now.

With the Astro Pier mounting kit in place, the pier is all poured. It sticks out of the ground a bit to match where the floor will be, since the ground slightly slopes.

Getting ready to pour the concrete for the floor. The pier cement will be isolated with 1" thick foam. The pier concrete also has a 2" PVC pipe that comes up in the middle of the pier for wires from the computer. I also have a power outlet in the pier concrete.

My father in law helping out with the concrete. Notice the two PVC pipes to carry wires under the floor to the computer.

I put a board with nails embedded into the concrete for the warm room wall while the cement was wet.

The walls are started

Checking to see if there might be some food laying around somewhere.

I got the Astro Pier, and installed it with the MI-250 mount.

The pier and the MI-250.

The telescope it set up and ready to use (even though there is no roof).

I have one of the 4x6" beams that will hold the roof installed.

One of the roof beams with temporary braces in place to hold the posts up.

I have both beams and the metal rails up in this photo. The older boards are still some temporary braces.

This is before the 2x12's that will go on and cover the V groove wheels. The beams on the end connect with nails, and metal brackets that bolt in the corners for added strength.

The roof base almost complete, I braced the interior with a big "X" to keep it square.

Next - the rafters! I'm already having to roll it open to use the telescope

The start of the rafters for the hip roof

I've got a few more things to do before I'm ready for the plywood.

I have foamboard in the ceiling, and blocks between the rafters with vents to keep the "attic" part cooler. Ready to finish the plywood.

I have the felt paper on the roof because rain threatened, and just started painting the walls

The metal roofing is mostly done, and the gutters mostly on.

I finally got the inside walls painted and the carpet installed in 2009

The telescope, new carpet, and my dog Max in the doorway.  The new FSQ, a 4" scope sits on top of the C11 telescope.