Follow what's happening with the
Facilities Master Planning Process & Building Projects
20 August 2020
FACILITIES MASTER PLANNING
Last month architect Martin Gold delivered the 40-page Master Plan Report: Alternative Comprehensive Designs for the Future. He presented the plan to the congregation on August 2nd via Zoom. The report includes two alternative schemes which primarily address exterior improvements: "terrace & gardens" and "terrace and school." It also includes a prioritized list of interior improvements and maintenance issues that should be addressed.
To read the Masterplan Report, view illustrations and the recorded Zoom presentation - click here.

The Master Plan Report includes a variety of options to consider. It isn't a hard and fast "to do" list but is a working document that we can use over the next 10-20 years. As we identify, fund and implement high priority projects, we’ll want to refer back to our Plan over the coming years, adjusting as our needs and opportunities change.
Please share your initial reaction to the Master Plan recommendations by completing a short survey by Sunday, Aug. 23rd.
If you're a congregation member and haven't yet completed the survey - click here.
Next Steps
The Board Fundraising Taskforce is currently assessing the feasibility of funding the Kitchen Remodel project.
The Facilities Taskforce (Susan Burnore, Karen White and Sharon Winters) is coordinating work around the Facilities Master Plan and initiated the survey to gather your feedback.
The Buildings & Grounds Team is getting estimates for the repair of a sanctuary truss and assessing a simple video streaming project. The latter two projects can likely be funded with existing Maintenance Reserve Funds and Buildings & Grounds operating funds.

Once the Board of Trustees understands funding feasibility and reviews Master Plan survey results, they'll discuss next steps. As Board president Michael Killoren suggests "we may want to take on 'bite-size pieces' before attempting a sweeping plan... articulating future programmatic priorities will help guide next steps."
PROJECT UPDATES
Adopt a Garden
Let's keep our new landscaping looking fabulous!
Would you like to volunteer to weed a section of the UUSP gardens? Choose your section, weed when it is convenient for you, and enjoy the beautiful results.
For information and to sign up for a section, email Karen White.
Kitchen Remodel

With planning complete and construction drawings in hand, the Board Fundraising Taskforce (Paul Craig, Carol Ulmer and Cynthia Patterson) is developing a funding proposal for this project, a linchpin of the larger Facilities Master Plan. The project cost totals $150,000 but $12,000 has been expended during the planning phases leaving a fundraising balance of $138,000.

The hope is to raise most funds through individual donations. (The congregation has not attempted a fundraising effort of this magnitude since the late 1960s; read more on that below.) Taskforce Chair Paul Craig notes "fundraising activity will start in August and continue through September. We recognize a pandemic is not the best time to raise money, however, the pandemic is a perfect time to do the Kitchen Remodel." 

Click here to view the June 7 Kitchen Remodel Project Virtual Information Session with Cal Fox and Reggie Craig to learn about plans, estimated costs and timelines for our kitchen remodel project. Sharon Winters opens with an introduction to the facilities master planning process.
DO YOU KNOW...?
the story behind construction of Conway Hall & the 1967 sanctuary remodel

The building now known as Conway Hall was conceived to provide multi-purpose space and educational facilities for the growing congregation. It was designed by Harvard-Jolly Architects and erected between August 1966 and March 1967 at a cost of $121,000 ($1M+ in today's dollars). Rev. Jack Fisher, who served the congregation from 1961-1968, was instrumental in the construction of the new building, established our Endowment Fund, and was active in the Civil Rights Movement. The building was named for one of the major donors, Martha Conway.

In the late 1960s, the congregation was evidently confident about their future. In 1967-68 they also funded a major remodel of Gilmour Hall (above) and the Sanctuary which included replacement of the original organ, updates to the chancel, electrical and sound system upgrades, and the addition of a partition wall at the back of the sanctuary, creating the narthex entrance. Records indicate that this was the last significant remodel to our facilities... 50+ years ago!

Click here to learn more about our history.
The Buildings & Grounds Team always welcomes new members to help manage and perform an array of maintenance tasks;
no experience needed (really!)
Contact Sabine if you can lend a hand.
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Your comments & questions are always welcomed


For more information
editor & Design & Planning/B&G