A few more weekends of work and here's where we are.
Got the HVAC enclosed, hung a louvered door to ensure proper airflow into the unit. Sealed the cinderblock and framed the windows. Moved the refrigerator into its spot, finished the drywall on the closet and put a plywood floor down in the upper storage area. Ran electrical for the frig, a light, and some extra outlets along that wall.
Here's a look into the closet, still have to cut and mount the shelves.
Also, hung a new six panel security door leading into the house, so that everything matches (at the wife's request.) That's Three Doors Down!