FAITH CENTER UPDATE - May 25, 2013
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The project team has made enormous progress since our winter update thanks to the generosity of our parishioners. Good weather this spring has allowed the work to move forward briskly, so the Faith Center is nearing completion.
Structural Components, Exterior Finishes & Site Work - Structurally, the building has been completed for some time now - including all the exterior masonry, roof, millwork, exterior glass and doors. Fourteen of the main church's exterior doors (four at each side entrance and six at the main entrance) have been replaced with solid mahogany doors and finished to match the original look of the church when it was constructed in the mid-1950's. Installation of the prayer garden paths and fencing will be completed in coordination with the redesigned concrete sidewalks, curbs and handicapped access ramps that are taking final shape. Once completed, we will begin the final paving of parking spaces and landscaping.
Mechanical, Electrical & Life Safety Systems - The HVAC systems became operational in mid February. All life safety systems (fire detection, emergency and exit lighting as well as sprinklers) throughout the Faith Center have been completed, tested and inspected. Also, the building's security system is being completed. Finished electrical work and lighting have been completed in all of the public spaces and rooms (hallways, anterooms, community room, meeting rooms, etc.). The Town of Fairfield also requires us to install fire detection, emergency and exit lighting in the main church. This unexpected work in the church will cost $45,438 and will be underway soon.
Interior Framing & Finishes - All of the interior framing, drywall, doors and hardware, ceiling installation and painting are complete in all of the public spaces and the sacristy. The flooring and carpeting installations are underway. The architectural details and construction of the chapel are progressing. The framing, windows and drywall assembly of the chapel sanctuary are complete and work on the curved ceiling of the nave is about to begin. The final finish elements and liturgical appointments of the chapel will be completed in 2014.
Administrative Office Wing - Our goal was to complete the entire Faith Center program in two phases. The first phase was to replace the slate roof and repair the steeple on the church building. This was completed in the fall of 2011 at a cost of $229,330. The second phase was to complete the entire Faith Center (community space, conference space, chapel, prayer garden and offices). Currently, we have uncollectable pledges totaling $222,293. This represents 3.5% of total pledges. The cost to complete the interior fit out of the office area is $170,000. So, in consultation with the Pastor, the Parish Finance Council and the Parish Trustees, we feel it would be fiscally imprudent to complete the office wing until we have raised the necessary funding. Working with our general contractor (AV Tuchy), we will hold the office fit out as an add-alternate with a price commitment of $170,000 for up to one year beyond the awarding of the certificate of occupancy. Fundraising still needs to be done to help furnish the new building. We invite once again those who have not made a pledge to do so. All pledges, regardless of the amount, are welcomed.
All of the project partners (AV Tuchy Builders, Doyle-Coffin Architects, our project manager, all of our sub-contractors and service providers) have been doing great work on behalf of our Parish Family to bring this project to completion. We are in the final stretch! Please keep us in your prayers. Thank you to all who have been faithful in fulfilling their pledges.
St. Pius X Building Committee
