Building Program First Presbyterian Church

A. Next February, 2005 the Building Committee will recommend for approval to the Session and Congregation, a Schematic Design solution for the proposed building program. Today we will show you where we are in this progress. The Building Committee and Kingscott look forward to your reaction and/ or questions as we work toward a final schematic design solution. In reviewing this design with several ministries and programs we have already received suggestions that will enhance the solution.

B. In February, 2003 the Planning and Evaluation Committee issued its final approved report. It recommended the session take the position that it was now time to address the building needs of the First Presbyterian Church, and that all future planning be guided by the following priorities:

Commitment to preservation of the Gothic Sanctuary
Accessibility and safety
Expanded worship opportunities
Fellowship
Youth Ministry
Health Clinic
Reaffirmation of our downtown location

C. With these priorities in mind, the Provisional Facilities Task Force asked Kingscott to help them develop a program statement outlining the facility needs of the church and conceptual design options responsive to those needs. As a first step Kingscott interviewed 150 members, leaders, professional staff and users to identify the Church’s objectives and needs; present and future. The history, insight and ideas from these interviews is invaluable; thank you. Four conceptual designs were created and presented to the Session and Congregation. Three remodeling options with a project cost of 6.2 million dollars and a new building option of 8.8 million dollars.

D. On September 19, 2004 the Congregation voted to proceed with the design for the proposed building program and its financing, with a target project cost of 4 million dollars.

E. The Building Committee and Kingscott have been exploring schematic design options to meet as many of the above priorities as possible within the project cost of 4 million dollars. The following major elements have been selected:

F. Preserve the Gothic Sanctuary; interior or exterior.

Create convenient barrier free, safe access to all major levels of the church; (the exceptions will be the Columbarium, front choir and second floor transept seating which is cost prohibitive)

This will be accomplished by: a. The addition or two new identifiable, welcoming entrances at South Street and the Lovell Street parking lot; b. Lowering the present Chapel floor to match the Sanctuary floor level.

The two new entrances will house the stairs and elevators to all levels

Create new convenient and barrier free toilets with more fixtures at all levels including a family toilet near the Sanctuary.
Create security by using the new entrances for daily access. This allows for an “open” church while controlling access and use of the various areas in the church.
Create a new fellowship/worship space in the present Chapel and adjoining areas. Create an exciting, highly utilized multi-use space that can be used exceptionally well for fellowship, worship, weddings, funerals, memorials, receptions, large group meetings, etc. This space will connect physically and visually to the new front and back entrances and be adjacent to and directly accessible to the Sanctuary.
Convert unused and/ or code deficient stairs and corridors to useable space to provide needed program square footage.
Create areas where like functions are gathered together to allow synergy, efficiency and multi-use. Provide limited remodeling to meet program needs.

• Worship

• Intergenerational Church School / Meeting Rooms

• Outreach

• Administration

• Multi-Purpose room and related spaces.

The design of multi-use spaces is critical to meeting the present and future ministries, programs, and activities within the available building area and project budget.

Create a more useable, healthy, safe and energy efficient environment by providing:
New heating, ventilating and cooling system in the Church House, Fellowship/ Chapel, and lower level of Sanctuary
New electrical service
New fire alarm system
New windows in the Church House

Respectively Submitted

KINGSCOTT

Brooks Godfrey