Construction Update May 2025
ONGOING CONSTRUCTION
The elevator is largely completed. We have seen the doors for several weeks now and are waiting for the elevator engineer to finish connections. The floors in the Palmer Room and the Loft have yet to be refinished before the final wood trim is applied to the new drywall.
The ramp is also largely completed. As of today (May 28th, 2025), only one side of the railing is completed, with the other side on hold until the tuckpointing is finished.
The east (main) entrance is still not complete. Work is needed to make sure the ramp and the floor align so there are few bumps entering the building. Drywall and electrical work are needed as well as flooring.
The fire alarm system still needs work in the loft, and that work will include installation of four ceiling fans to make heating and cooling that space much more efficient and effective.
Miscellaneous work:
The tuckpointing on the northeast face of the building is complete. While much of the entire building needs attention, this was the worst area because of the work done to raise the entrance.
We are still waiting on comparable quotes on loft windows. Once those quotes come in, we can make a decision between contractors and move ahead.
Heating in the “central” stairway and the youth room will be completed shortly; doing that work now made much sense rather than waiting.
The new stove (thanks to two special donors) will be installed just as soon as the east entrance and ramp are able to handle the weight of these appliances. As a reminder, the old gas stove is leaving and being replaced with an electric stove which will be safe for everyone to use.
Loft bathroom plans have been prepared and are out for bid, thanks to Steve Hier.
The new furnace for Fleishman area was replaced this winter before the prior one completely failed and left the area unheated. That would have complicated plumbing, people and all kinds of programs.
The basement elevator room needs flooring replacement and the installation of “cubbies” once the final inspection is complete. Our aesthetics committee will need to make decisions about this area going forward.
The garden is finally mostly ready for Teresa Kennedy and her crew—along with the contractor--to try to return the front, west side and back gardens to their new beauty. Construction was rough on these areas, and now it’s time to begin restoration.
Building cleaning honestly could not have happened without the countless hours Bill Crow has donated to sweep, mop, scrub and generally clean our “house.” Because of Bill’s work, the budget will be a bit better without having to pay a contractor for the entire year. And also because of Bill, the building (when not being buried by construction dust) looks better than it has in years. Kudos to Bill!
Thank you to our entire congregation. With pledges exceeding $900,000 and many having been completely fulfilled, this project, which began with a new roof, new flooring and a new chancel look is now closing in on completion. And if you would like to make a contribution, but have not yet done so, treasurer Tom Denio is certainly available to talk with you.
There are far too many people to thank specifically; however, the BIG-SCOPE committee met almost every other Monday, and those members are Tom Denio, Mary-Helen Steindler, Steve Hier, Monique Hanson, Rob Muller, The Rev. Jason Lydon, Sean Connley, Teresa Kennedy, Megan Dunning, occasionally architect John Holbert, and me.
