Sunday:
This week the scaffolding has started to be removed from around the building. This rapidly brings to a close the restoration of the bricks, mortar, seismic upgrades, water proofing, and painting at the higher levels. The removal of the scaffolding will continue into next week. Please use caution around the building while the work progresses.
The next phase will focus on restoration of the lower concrete wainscoting, painting lower areas and doors, installation of rain down spouts, and construction of a new handicap access ramp to the south door which we received city approval.
The interior work sees continued focus on installing the fire sprinklers, fire alarm system, plaster patching, reworking of the HVAC ducts throughout the building for better airflow, and even finish painting in select areas. Paint restoration of the altar is in full swing with finish paint being applied this week. If you have not looked at the photo stream lately, there are great pictures of the interior of the Sanctuary with all of the scaffolding up.
We are a week away from the completion of the new bathrooms and locker areas below Walker Hall where the old locker rooms were located. The flooring is being applied this week, with finish paint and trim starting on Friday going through the holiday weekend.
Work to install the new fire sprinklers throughout the building remains on schedule. The major work in the Kitchen, Dining Room, Music Room, Parlor, Bathrooms, and Foyer are completed. Work is now moving into the Gym for the next 2 weeks. Due to the complexity of this install and need to work around our ministry needs to use Walker Hall, the schedule currently has this work completing mid October. Our facilities team is working daily with the contractors to be sure our staff knows which areas will be usable and which areas need to be shutdown while the sprinklers are being installed. We know that there will be interruption at times, but all of us are working together to reduce the impact to as little as possible.
To date we have had no accidents or personal injuries in any of the construction areas. Our contractors are very conscientious about keeping the facilities safe and secure and keeping all workers free from injury. To ensure this safety standard is kept, all areas inside the construction fences are off limits to outside visitors without prior approval. We ask that no one enter into any of the construction areas. We are keenly aware of the desire of all to know what is happening inside, so we encourage you to look at the photos that are updated on our website a couple of times per week. We are not able to accommodate onsite visits expect for official business by our project and executive leadership teams. Even those visits must be prearranged and only allowed when the site is safe to enter. We ask that everyone respect the fences and warning signs.
With school now back in session, our sensitivity to safety is even greater. There are daily meetings with the contractors to be sure our campus is safe at all times for students and parents. Please be diligent when walking near or around any construction areas.
Comments
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Bob Skinner September 2, 2015 6:40pm
Interesting, it looks like they are using lath & plaster under the balcony instead of sheetrock. Any insight as to why? Keeping things historical?
Bob Skinner September 2, 2015 6:43pm
I may have found the answer after doing the Google thing:
"There are actually many advantages to a plaster and lath construction. Most importantly is it’s ability to absorb noise and deter the spread of fire. The keys, with their irregular shapes between the walls, act as acoustical and sound absorbing elements and the lime plaster is denser than new gypsum board."
St.John's Orange September 3, 2015 7:07am
The restoration is a historical restoration. Where possible any patching and repairs are done with recycled materials from earlier demolition or similar construction methods done when the sanctuary was first built.