Here's the initial layout of the cabinet doors. This is the basic shape I had in mind. I took the necessary measurements then came up with a 2x4 structure to support the middle shelf and give shape to the unit. I later found some great oak plywood at Home Depot and had it mostly cut to size on their panel saw.
This is the heater from the fireplace insert I scored for only $18 of my own money. Unfortunately the heater didn't work, and due to the way I obtained the unit I had no way of returning it. Thus, I fixed it once, but its operation was still spotty. Then, remembering something I saw recently at Princess Auto, I relaxed!
Here's the $14.99 Princess Auto heater unit. It was clearly made for a very similar application as it was the perfect size. I modified the mounts and changed the wiring in the fireplace to activate both the fan and heat element from its built-in thermostat. Works like a charm!
Here's the fireplace in its new home. A new circuit runs through the wall and into the cavity behind the fireplace. A powerbar will also plug in here for the TV.
Here's a look at the lower half of the entertainment centre. The fireplace is in place. The bottom three doors are fixed. The top two open to reveal storage cabinets. The TV area is all oak, as are the sides of the unit.
A last minute thought while I was in the basement was to integrate one of my Ebay-sourced Schmidt's Beer signs into the entertainment centre. Here I've marked out one of the doors for some cuts, allowing 3/8" around the sign for a frame.
You can see the 3/8" thick solid oak strips I ripped on the table saw. I mitred them to make a frame for the sign.
Here the frame is in place (I glued and brad-nailed it in place shortly after).
Here's the sign, plugged in, in place. I'm happy with this decision!
And the final picture... Removable oak strips have framed the fireplace. Cut down drawer fronts and the modified "Schmidt's Beer" frame grace the top of the unit. I allowed for the thickness of the drywall as I sized the unit. Even though the unit is level and mostly square, the floor below and above aren't, so a cove moulding will be used to finish wherever oak meets drywall. The Schmidt's Beer sign panel is removable as well, obviously the sign isn't in place in this picture. It will need to be stained and varnished to match the cabinet doors, but this won't be until the walls and ceiling are in place. Besides, that's Vanessa's department, not mine!!!