Follow what's happening with UUSP's
Facilities Master Planning Process
23 January 2020
FEATURE:
State of the Church Facilities Report & Upcoming Meetings

Click here to read architect Martin Gold's "State of Church Facilities" report. As we wrap-up the first phase of our Facilities Master Planning process, the following conversations are critical... please join us!

noon Sunday Jan 26 - Sanctuary
State of the Church Facilities presentation, Q&A and discussion with Martin Gold.

12:15-2:45pm Sunday Feb 9 -
Conway Hall
This workshop with Martin will include a brief presentation, general discussion, and break-out sessions that'll include brainstorming on how our facilities can best support the key functions listed below. This workshop will provide valuable input for prioritizing projects and identifying critical needs for UUSP's long range Facilities Master Plan, due for completion this summer.

* Arrival & Civic Image - how do we arrive at the church and how can the building exterior and interior foyers make a more welcoming experience?

* The Service - what architectural changes and functional improvements can we make to improve the service experience? 

* Fellowship - what kind of spaces do we need to inspire and enhance fellowship? Where are the best spaces for these activities and how might we expand the areas of use?
 
* Education - how can we best serve the education needs of our children and adults within the current facilities and grounds? 

* Outreach - what kind of spaces or facilities are needed to improve and expand our outreach mission in the community and attract potential new members?  please include all types of programming (e.g. public lectures and community forums, services to the homeless & immigrant families, and potential rentals)

If you are unable to attend, please send question responses to Sharon at email address below.
PROJECT UPDATES

Landscaping:
The landscape installation is complete! Suncoast Irrigation and Land Services did a great job removing the existing vegetation and re-grading the site, amending the soil, retrofitting the irrigation system (including installing a new pump and timer), installing FL Friendly plants, and spreading mulch purchased through the City of St. Pete's brush recycling program. Tom's Sod completed installation with a new Bahiagrass lawn in front of Gilmour Hall.
We'll now shift focus to maintaining the new landscape. Deb's Lawn Care will continue to mow and provide general landscape maintenance, and Paul Burnore will serve as the maintenance liaison. We'll be synthesizing the educational components of the project (more on that soon).
A big thanks to everyone who helped make this project a reality! If you'd like to get involved, keep your eyes peeled for opportunities to help with quarterly maintenance work days in our new garden.
-- Kaitlin Hammersley
Bicyclists please note: bike parking is available in the interior courtyard and back playground areas. Once the parking lot project is complete next door, abundant bike parking will be available.

Narthex, tower entrance and lounge enhancements: Thanks to help from Randy Nolan, Cynthia Alicia, Paul Burnore, Reggie Craig and the Fitzgerald's, we're finalizing plans, close to scheduling the painter and making furniture selections. We're aiming to start work in February and complete all 3 projects by late March.

Kitchen rehab: Architect Martin Gold and a structural engineer hope to complete construction drawings, permit plans and structural analysis in February after which our project team will gather construction estimates. We hope to take a project proposal and cost estimate to the Board late this winter.
RECENT EVENT:
Renew - Restore - Rejuvenate Project Kick-off
To celebrate successful planning and fund-raising efforts... and the kick-off our first project: landscaping, we gathered on Sunday, Jan. 12. Thanks to the 25 households who made generous donations allowing us to complete our first 2 projects.

photos courtesy Michael Killoren














DO YOU KNOW...?
our Facilities Master Planning architect Martin Gold

While conducting research and teaching at the UF School of Architecture, Martin's been designing sustainable architecture at the community and residential building scale for 30 years. He believes in the potential of architecture and design to enhance humanity and finds that the complimentary modes of scholarly inquiry and professional practice nurture his work.

Martin has served as Director of the CityLab-Sarasota Master of Architecture program, Director of the UF School of Architecture, and Executive Director of the FL Community Design Center.

Martin's a joy to work with and offers valuable insights on a regular basis. In addition to his work leading our Facilities Master Planning effort, he's consulting on current projects listed above, ensuring that we take a holistic approach to our work.

Meet Martin at our Jan. 26th and Feb. 9th facilities master plan sessions, details above.
Your comments are always welcomed
For more information, contact Sharon Winters, Design & Planning Team lead, at swinters3455@gmail.com