Build on the Rock: May update
Since our last update the Building Committee created a sub committee which had several direct conference calls with our architects to develop a specific strategy on how we would like to move forward with our Master Plan development. Pros and cons were discussed and reviewed, options were considered and a recommendation was returned to the full Building Committee.
The recommendation was to develop the entire Master Plan as part of the Design Development portion of the architectural service at this time. This would ensure a complete and detailed scope of work for all the Phases of the work. By looking at the entire plan some Master Plan adjustments could be made to allow for future circulation patterns, utilities and the share facilities such as the restrooms to be adjusted accommodating the need to phase the work because of available funds.
This recommendation was approved by the Building Committee and is ready to be taken to the Church Council on Mon. May 24, 2010. Upon approval the architects will be given direction to process a contract of which would be presented to the Trustees for their signatures. The architects would jump into full action to proceed with all necessary steps to be taken to develop proposals for our consideration. The Building Committee would be in conversation with our architect team throughout the process and would be following their direction and assignments that we will be given.
Our specific objectives that are being given to the architects in the plan development for the first phase are as follows:
1. Improve accessibility entering our church. This would carry over to the inside by allowing complete access to all levels by adding an elevator system.
2. Impression and function are to stay on the forefront in our design and decision process.
3. Infrastructure plan development is very important in this early process. This includes electrical needs, plumbing changes, heating and air conditioning needs, sprinkler system development, etc.
4. Conservation of energy emphasis is to be looked at in all areas as we develop the planning. This obviously includes insulation throughout, window upgrades, lighting evaluation, and efficiency of heating systems, etc.
5. Daycare is to be developed in the long range plan.
6. First impression both outside and inside is important. Exterior finishes are to aesthetically balance with original 1887 structure.
7. Handicap restrooms on all three levels need updated on first phase if at all possible and kept in central location as planned on original plan.
