Amador County - A three-way partnership in Ione has restored an essential part of the historic Preston Castle. Beginning in early 2008, the Preston Castle Foundation, with assistance from Rancho Arroyo Seco managing partner Bill Bunce and construction company Top Grade Construction, repaired the 114 year old spiral slide fire escape connected to the Preston Castle. The fire escape structure is a round metal cylinder, 50 feet tall and 6-1/2 feet in diameter and is attached to the Castle wall in two areas. If the fire escape was to collapse, it could have pulled down part of the brick structure, damaging the integrity of this historic landmark. The design also provides entrance to the escape from multiple floors with water flowing down the spiral to speed evacuation from a building. “Finding the right vendor to assist with this repair was the challenge,” stated Bunce. “We needed a company with structural engineering and equipment to evaluate the problem, and come up with the solution so we contacted Top Grade Construction.” Top Grade Construction is a Livermore-based company with plenty of experience with these types of projects. They graciously provided the equipment, materials and labor. This meant installing all new wood support beams, joined together with heavy metal braces and dozens of one-inch thick steel bolts. The challenge was that only two of the six up-right support beams were supporting the weight and the wooden beams were all rotten. “Rancho Arroyo Seco’s help on this project was invaluable…and the Top Grade Construction crew were real craftsmen,” said Preston Castle Foundation board member Doug Hawkins, adding: “Everything fit together like a fine piece of furniture, and has the look of what has been in place the past 114 years.” Story by Alex Lane (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).