What’s happening with the renovation process since last you heard? Well, here is the scoop. This fall, there were four design presentations of the proposed renovations made available to parishioners by Q Design. Four construction companies were asked to submit preliminary bids for the proposed work. Prices ranged from $2.3 to $3.1 million.
As the low bidder, Virtexco Corporation was selected to perform some initial work using available Mary Williams Trust funds. Virtexco’s work on the church in December gave an indication of the quality of work they perform. Additionally, they completed the required work ten days ahead of schedule (and prior to Christmas) to our great satisfaction.
In the main church, mold mitigation on two sanctuary walls was provided. Gasketing (to limit dust infiltration from the attic) was installed at the old attic hatchway at the choir loft. Removal of debris and old insulation from the main attic totally filled two large construction dumpsters. New R-38 insulation was installed (doubling the previous insulation value) at the ceiling rafters. Bolted collar ties were installed on all pairs of roof rafters (to strengthen our slate covered roof) per the structural engineer’s previous recommendations. On the second and third floors of the tower, the toilet rooms were gutted. Asbestos flooring, luan underlayment, and flooring nails were removed. Ceiling and wall finishes (including lead paint and mold) were removed, and door/window casings (where agreed) were removed, salvaged and labeled.
During this work, an existing roof leak was discovered and it was repaired to prevent any further damage to the tower. Uncovering the structure allowed for confirmation of the tower’s original construction. The tower is made of solid brick masonry (not brick on block or brick on structural clay tiles). The bearing condition of the walls confirmed that the center partition on all three levels is bearing wall for roof and floor loads. Other items, such as active knob and tube wiring, were noted for future consideration in the proposed renovations. Due to this selective demolition on two floors (requiring another dumpster load), the choir, acolytes, lay Eucharist ministers, and the clergy have had to relocate their robes to different locations – some in the sacristy and some on the stage in the Parish House. The Altar Guild also has had to have seasonal linens relocated. Thanks to all those who helped in the relocation process.
E. T. Lawson was hired to replace all the air handlers in the Parish House and began their work in December. They also replaced ductwork underneath where needed and sprayed foam insulation around all the ducts. New programmable thermostats were installed. Cleaning significant debris from underneath the Parish House was completed, and a vapor barrier was installed on the earth below. This work was completed in late January. We should see a thirty eight percent (38%) reduction in fuel costs for the Parish House/Sunday School over a period of time.
Prior to E. T. Lawson’s work, pest control workers sprayed the underneath of the Parish House to rid it of a flea infestation and will repeat the treatment on an annual basis.
Michael Surveying and Mapping, P.C. has been hired to perform a boundary and topographic survey of the property. There was not one on record. This will be utilized by the design team for use in planning the proposed renovation work and will be useful for other purposes in the future.
The Vestry now has to determine how additional renovation work will be financed. A generous amount of money is available through the Mary Williams Trust and the St. John’s Endowment Board. We are indeed very blessed that St. John’s has the endowments available to us, but fundraising and/or financing will also need to be considered. Whatever path we take to finance the renovation, we need to realize we are preparing the church for the next generation, not for the present. We should look to the next four hundred years.
Originally published in St. John’s Epistle, February 2012.