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Communication from....The Capital Campaign Building Committee
The committee is a consultative body to the Pastor made up of parishioners with a strong technical background in Architectural design, Construction, Manufacturing, Interior design, and individuals who have successfully completed building projects at St. John’s and are very familiar with the overall facility. The committee has the responsibility to review, comment, edit and eventually approve all work as it relates to the project scope of St. John’s Capital Campaign, while maximizing our parish investment and maintaining the highest integrity of the overall project.
Look for future updates here and in the weekly bulletin, and meanwhile, if you have any specific questions or concerns about the project and planned renovations, please speak with one of the members of this committee or email Ken Margolis at ken362@comcast.net
Your Servant-Leader Members Include:
Fr. Bajorek, Jane Banik, Tom Felton, Jack Quindlen, John Bowie, Ernie Menold, Ken Margolis and outside consultants as required.
Minutes of past meetings:
QUESTION: “What’s going to happen to our beautiful book-matched marble wall?”
ANSWER: Nothing. The beautiful marble wall remains. Instead of seeing a wooden pedestal in front of the wall, you’ll now see the front of our existing Blessed Sacrament Altar with a new tabernacle.
QUESTION: “What about our statues of the Blessed Mother and St. Joseph? Are they going to move to the marble wall?”
ANSWER: The plans are to keep both statues in their present locations. Many of you responded to the original preliminary design rendering . . . and we listened to your suggestions.
QUESTION: “What happens to our Blessed Sacrament altar room? It’s so beautiful.”
ANSWER: The room remains intact. There is some discussion about having the room serve as a Reconciliation Room. There are other thoughts as well; but the room will remain part of our St. John Chrysostom church interior. What are your suggestions?
QUESTION: “We heard that there may be structural problems with the proposed clear story roof addition. And what happens if we don’t have enough money? Then what? Could we end up with just dry wall beams and a dry wall ceiling?”
ANSWER: As in any construction project, once the Schematic Design has been presented and a design direction established, consultants are brought into the project to both assess the existing conditions and to make recommendation as to the best way to accomplish our goals. At the same time the architect is beginning the detailing process. That process is called the Design Development Phase. We are just beginning that phase here at St. Johns.
A structural engineer will be working with the architect and building committee to come up with viable solutions to address this issue. We expect this much desired element of the renovation to proceed; and we’ll keep you informed every step of the way. And yes, budget will be a consideration in determining the final course of action.
As far as the ceiling is concerned, we can tell you that the beams and ceiling will not be all drywall. Investigation will soon begin to determine the desired look and acoustic qualities of ceiling materials available to us. A lighting consultant will assist us in the lighting design.
QUESTION: “What’s going to happen to our beautiful Risen Christ on the cross?”
ANSWER: He’s going to remain with us. As we take into account the height of the altar and the height of a new tabernacle; there will probably need to be adjustments made to the bottom of the cross that holds our Risen Christ. Those studies haven’t begun. We’ll keep you up to date.
QUESTION: “Do we need to put in a sprinkler system at St. Johns as part of the renovation?
ANSWER: Many of you have asked that question; as well as your building committee members. The answer is no. St. John’s currently has a heat, fire and smoke detection and alert system. This system fulfills the need for a fire protection system as mandated by the building code.
QUESTION: “How will the memorial items that were donated in honor of a husband or loved one be addressed if impacted by the renovation?” (A good example of this is our tabernacle door dedicated in honor of Msgr. Stevenson and Mr. Avicoli.)
ANSWER: Certainly, the committee needs to address these changes on an individual basis. Consideration could be given to using the item (in this case, the tabernacle door) in the design of the new. Often there is an inscription on the new item indicating that the original had been so dedicated. At the Malvern Retreat House, they have three small plaques indicating a 1st, 2nd and 3rd name as they were refurbished twice since being built originally. We’ll need further discussion as these questions arise. Your concerns are our concerns. Your suggestions are welcome and appreciated.
QUESTION: “Why do we need another reconciliation room?” “Why would the Altar Of Repose area be made into a Confessional when we already have four Confessionals?”
ANSWER: The Blessed Sacrament Chapel inside our church will remain an open area. We have received the following suggestions: Use the area as a Shrine area; use the area as a grotto with votives for prayer and reflection, and use the area as a reflective Reconciliation area totally different from the environment of a confessional. Certainly, further study is required. Please know that all of the suggestions and ideas will be carefully considered.
QUESTION: “What types of floors are being considered for the gym floor? Is the floor safe for kids and strong enough for lunch tables?”
ANSWER: Investigation into manufacturers of synthetic floors is ongoing and as of this writing, the vendor of choice is Robbins Sport Surfaces. The product is Pulastic 2000 multi-purpose sport floor system and claims to offer superior safety, strength and durability and performs under the everyday use of tables, chairs and bleachers. The product features a special recycled rubber shock pad for resiliency and ball rebound and is the product recommended for our level of sport and recreation. Beyond these strengths, the product is certified under stringent ISO -1400a environmental quality standards. We have requested and have received a list of school installations so that the building committee members or their designee may visit a site in order to receive input on the product for final verification purposes.
QUESTION: “Were ceiling fans considered as part of the ceiling replacement plan?”
ANSWER: As of this writing the ceiling is only conceptual. As we proceed with the design development process, the option of ceiling fans will be added to our growing list of considerations for our lighting, electrical, heating and air conditioning specialists. These consultants will be the guide toward the selection process of the interior components from both an aesthetic and functional aspect.
QUESTION: “Are there any plans in the St. John’s renovations to improve the Audio System?”
ANSWER: Yes. As part of the design development and construction process, a special sound consultant will be engaged by the parish to assess our existing conditions as well as the many issues raised by our various Ministries and parishioners here at St. John’s. It’s an important element that needs to be taken into consideration as we listen to the word of God.
QUESTION: WHEN ARE WE GOING TO REPLACE OUR FLOOR IN THE GYMNASIUM AND FRESHEN UP THE PLACE?
ANSWER: First there was the product research….vulcanized rubber, polyurethane or a wood floor system.
Then the questions....Which floors are best suited for our elementary school multi-purpose gymnasium? What do we do with the entry, the closets and the corridors to the restrooms? What about the cafeteria line? What about setting up tables and chairs on the new floor? What about the transitions from one surface to another, warranties, the EPA standards, the code requirements, initial costs, life expectancy, maintenance costs, our budget, and finally, the time line to ensure completion in time for the opening of school in the fall.
After that the due diligence…. Meetings with three well suited venders, reference checks on various products, installation companies, phone and internet research, site visits and discussions with existing users of the various floor products. Consultation with Archdiocesan asbestos auditor to ensure proper and timely removal (abatement) of previously unforeseen asbestos-containing
materials in accordance with Pa DEP, US EPA and US OSHA regulations and guidelines.
What was our key focus? To select a floor that ensures safety, playability, clean ability and aesthetics, while maximizing our dollars spent and return on investment.
Who else did we consult with? SJC Athletic Director took charge of communications with all high use users of the gym, seeking their input, i.e. game lines, colors, logo, team name and endorsement for what the Building Committee recommended for our application.
The decision…. Wood will be used for the entire sport surface, a synthetic called Terra Nova will be used in front of the kitchen area and bathroom hallway, a walk off carpeting used at the main and rear entrance vestibules and carpeting used in the music room and small office, with emphasis placed on all transitional areas to ensure safety and easy access to all adjoining areas.
Miller Flooring Companyin Clifton Heights, Pa. has met all terms and conditions of SJC AIA Contract for the complete new floor installation.
What about the freshening up?This will include painting, replacement of three deteriorated exterior doors, a new kitchen serving line access patrician door and other minor items to ensure that the space is worthy of the new floor.
How long will it take?The gym will close on Friday June 16th and reopen sometime in August.
Now what? Our project management team will oversee all aspects of the project to ensure a timely completion and oversee the preparation of a facilities user’s document having guidelines on the maintenance and care of the renovated space.
QUESTION: Once the Altar of Repose and Tabernacle are located behind the main Altar, from what location will the various readings be proclaimed?
ANSWER: During our ongoing design development process, we have considered different locations for placement of the Ambo and at all times have taken into consideration the importance of a prominent place for the proclaiming of the Word in our re-newed church environment. Our study which is still ongoing has included the preparation of concept drawings depicting the Altar of Repose utilizing our existing Tabernacle and Ambo along with the construction of a wooden mock up simulating the Altar of Repose and Tabernacle.
On September 19th, members of the building committee and our clergy met in church with objective to obtain a visual perspective using the wooden mock up as our guide. We placed the mock up of Altar of Repose and Tabernacle into the designated area behind the main Altar and studied the new position from several viewing angles in the church. All in attendance agreed that the designated area felt very natural.
We then placed the Ambo mock up laterally to the right (St. Joseph’s side) while viewing the main Altar and again felt that this location can serve as a place of prominence for the proclaiming of the Word. Also, taking into consideration that the Ambo has previously been located in a few different areas, for different reasons, over the life of our Church building and to help us confirm this new location, we have decided to construct a wooden mock up to simulate the platform or marble extension that will be necessary to provide proper elevation and support of the Ambo, while addressing the accessibility and to give us a better visual for further design and confirmation of the new location.
More information of this study will be provided as it becomes available and meanwhile, we welcome your comments and suggestions.
Your questions provide new insight into the many issues we face as we move
forward with our building project. We need and welcome your input and we thank you for taking the time to put your thoughts into writing.
QUESTION: How is the process progressing of defining our project scope, selection of a Contractor and the logistics of establishing a suitable timeline to complete the planned renovations?
ANSWER: The Building Committee in conjunction with our Architectural Firm meet regularly as a group and also in small groups, each charged with individual initiatives towards reaching our ultimate goal of successful execution of the planned renovations at St. Johns.
Highlights from these efforts include:
Preparation and the evaluation of Sanctuary Mock Ups to help better understand and confirm the new locations of the Ambo, Tabernacle and Baptismal Font.
Preparation and the evaluation of Church interior and exterior lighting simulations.
Consultation with Diocese recommended marble and Liturgical experts.
Consultation with an experienced Church interior designer.
Consultation with Township officials to ensure our design specs will meet with prompt approval.
Preparation of a scaled model of our Church interior that clearly exhibits the ceiling options being studied.
Re-examining all other areas of our Church buildings and grounds that will be affected by the renovations, such as the Church heating and air conditioning systems, Church entryways and bathrooms.
Compilation and study of our facilities maintenance requirements and consider those items that should be completed during the renovations.
Visitation of area Churches to inspire design concepts.
Meetings and study of numerous venders such as acoustical ceiling material, lighting design and sound.
Discuss and plan for the inconveniences expected and the impact the renovation construction time period will have on our Parish.
Adherence to the established guidelines and consultation with the Diocese Building Committee as per their December 14th preliminary approval to proceed with our planned renovations.
These initiatives, although a few, are offered to enlighten our parishioners of the extensive due diligence that has been underway since conception of the Building Committee on March 20, 2007. The task is enormous!
As previously announced, a pre-bid was held at SJC on December 17th and attended by seven invited General Contactors, all of which are considered quite capable for our needs. The contractors were given adequate time to make site visits to our campus and engage in discussions with Building Committee members and our Architect to educate them on our needs.
On January 18th, five preliminary bid proposals were delivered to St. Johns and opened during a Building Committee meeting on that same day and next steps were discussed and planned for. As of this writing, three Contractors have been selected for final approval consideration of our planned renovations.
To further narrow down the field, during the week of February 4th, Fr. Bajorek was accompanied by Architect Tom Felton and Building Committee members Ken Margolis and Jack Quindlen to conduct extensive interviews at the offices of the three selected Contractors.
To prepare for these interviews, each Contractor was given a list of 26 questions developed by the Building Committee, a detailed list of specific design costs questions and specifics on an acceptable execution timeline.
As of February 8th, the three meetings and follow up communication with the Contractors have been completed and upon receipt of specifics related to individual costs, timing with regards to what is deemed to work best for SJC and other logistical and financial concerns, the Building Committee will be in a position to finalize our renovation plans, our timeline and proceed towards solicitation of definitive bid proposals and planning for the renovations to begin.
Fr. Bajorek will continue to make pulpit announcement updates as this process continues and announce the timing of our town meeting when all of our defined plans will be presented to our Parish.
Meanwhile, please know that your questions provide new insight into the many issues we face as we move forward with our building project. We need and welcome your input and we thank you for taking the time to put your thoughts into writing.
Please continue to share your questions about the renovations with us and we’ll try to answer them each week in our Sunday Bulletin. Send your questions to Ken Margolis at, ken362@comcast.net or call Ken at 610-891-0799. See all Q&A inserts to date and Building