Monday, May 17, 2021
Reggie Baird
St. John’s Church Connected in Christ—Progress Report Phase II
At the first Building Committee meeting we struggled to answer the basic question of how to maintain St John’s many outreach and support missions during construction of the new Connector and Fellowship Hall. Unknown to us at the time how life as we knew it was about to change and turn our world upside down in just a short few months. This is where the effects of the Pandemic was both a blessing and a curse. The past year was a horrible experience for countless families affected by this Pandemic. And yet, during this same period many opportunities to advance long awaited projects were accomplished. Sometimes we tend to worry about the most basic things which we have no control over. As humans we sometime have some of the most sophisticated plans for every minute detail in our lives often times forgetting who is really in charge. With the successful completion of The Capital Campaign Phase I which was finished on time and under budget we enthusiastically look forward to starting Phase II.
1. When will Phase II of the new Fellowship Hall and Connector start?
a. We anticipate getting the New Connector Fellowship Hall and elevator started in June. The major obstacle delaying the construction start date is obtaining Building Permits from the City of Portsmouth. This is turning out to be a most tedious task as many can attest to if you have recently tried obtaining authorization for repairs or new construction within the city.
2. Ground Breaking Ceremony:
a. A Ground Breaking Ceremony is currently being planned for the middle of June.
3. When do we anticipate building completion?
a. This remains an open-ended question for many reasons. Without a start date it is impossible to anticipate a completion date. The shortage of some building materials and the additional cost for lumber are negatively affecting contractors everywhere.
4. In anticipation of a late start are any specific actions being taken to ensure that construction will be completed prior to the heating season?
a. This question actually addresses some critical areas of the construction process. We have discussed the importance of ensuring that the new building will be fully enclosed prior to opening up the new entrance way to the church. And coordination with the Plumbers to remove the iconic giant steam radiator in the church vestibule.
5. Do we have signed contracts for all stages of the building process?
a. All contracts have signed AIA contracts with the exception of the elevator and chair lift contractors. We have received an estimate from one Elevator contractor and anticipate two other bids within the next couple weeks.
6. Are we required to secure Builder’s Risk Insurance Policy during construction?
b. The Church could add this coverage to their existing policy or each individual contractor could add St John’s to their respective policy during the construction process. To date all contractors contacted have agreed to add St John’s to their policy. The roofing, elevator and the chair lift contractors are not yet committed. Should any one of the contractors disagree with providing coverage, St John’s will contact our Policy Holder to ensure the building is protected during construction.
7. How will the church and Thaxter Hall be affected during construction?
a. The demolition of the Chapel street entrance to Thaxter Hall will result in the area being temporarily fenced off and inaccessible during construction. The Chapel Street main access to the Church will remain open during construction.
8. Will Gather and Common Table be able to continue preparing and providing meals during construction?
a. Yes. With the exception of electrical power interruption and the securing of Natural Gas to the buildings for SAFETY reasons. The mission will continue with absolute minimum utility service interruption.
9. How will construction affect the Parking Lots?
a. Throughout the construction process certain areas of both the upper and middle parking lot areas will be used to stage building materials. In an effort to minimize occupying parking spaces, the bricks and masonry blocks already purchased for this project are being stored at the supply store until needed on site.
10. Will it be possible to continue use of Thaxter’s Kitchen during construction of the elevator and areas affecting the interior?
a. Yes. The contractor has agreed to ensure a Clean Room is blocked off to minimize and control construction dust from enter the other inter areas. Once demolition and construction start C T and Gather volunteers will have access to Thaxter Hall via the Lower parking lot doors or the exterior Kitchen door.
11. Will you be able to access the church yard and cemetery from Chapel Street during construction?
a. No. The exterior grounds between the church and Thaxter Hall will be fenced off for public safety. The memorial markers presently placed along both sides of the brick walkway will be temporally relocated to the Northeastern side of the church during construction. The respective family members have been notified of this move.
12. Will the new Fellowship Hall and Connector have Internet and WIFI connectivity?
a. Lessons learned during the Pandemic, having functional internet service in all church property is absolutely necessary. Estimates Pending.
13. Will the Church Sacristy bathroom be made handicap accessible?
a. Pending drawings and cost estimate.
14. Will St John’s Thrift Shop have a new home in the future?
a. Yes. Drawings completed, Pending cost estimate and HDC approval for the old garage next to Tebbett’s House to be renovated.
We have much work ahead but, looking back together we have many accomplishments to celebrate. Special thanks to the entire St John’s Vestry for your consistent support and positive words of encouragement. We are blessed to have a wonderful team, Rebecca, Kelly, Michelle. Also, we are very fortunate to have our Project Manager Mike Campbell and all members of St John’s Building Committee Barry, Bob, Gerry, Rev. Rob, Rev. Nathan, Chuck and Anne together, forever onward.
Should you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate at ask. Reg.