Gas Fireplace Project

Finally created a new plan to replace the wood burning fireplace! It was in sorry shape, as the pointing (concrete between the bricks) was falling out of the fireplace proper. The chimney was listing away from the house, as a result of 60 years of a downspout affecting the soil under it.
We stopped having any fires about 5 years ago when the pointing became visible. Otherwise there's chance for fire and smoke hazards. Good thing, since it was clearly a problem noticeable during the demolition.
The new plan is to have a fabulous new Linear gas fireplace. Gas, so we can use it as conveniently as flipping a light switch. Linear, because the glass is 15 inches tall and 55 inches wide.
Here's the before, inside and out:

There was natural flagstone on the inside and it was painted white on the outside.
​Step one was demolition. The pile of rubble is about a third of what was removed brick by brick! Good thing for Craigslist, as all the brick was loaded and taken away by a young man with a new house and visions of great projects - good luck Jonathan! 

Time for some restoration.

Next was framing and setting the fireplace with all the venting.

With a deadline approaching, the inside was insulated and the outside sheathing was installed. Including the top cap.

The sheathing was put on just in time!

Inspections are next, and then decisions about the final exterior finish. But the priority will be to get this bad boy turned on and heating!