Building Project Update

 

RENOVATION UPDATE

 

 

 

 

November 11, 2018

Unity Landscape Project Update

Funds were approved by the membership for the courtyard landscaping project. We are currently waiting for our City building permit, and then once permit received, construction will start! Our sacred space will soon have a nicely developed elegant presence. Highlights of the project include:

·        Mix of colored concrete courtyard and ornamental gravel patio areas. Concrete color will coordinate with existing seeded concrete and within courtyard will be three 14’ x 12’ planter beds,

·        8 new trees and over 400 new plants within and around the courtyard area,

·        2 10’x16’ shade sail cloths with room to add more and/or add umbrellas,

·        Irrigation upgrades, adding electricity and new trash cans,

·        Wooden bench seating will be coming in future with separate fundraising effort, and

·        Keeping some of the existing Natal plum hedge and adding new hedge plantings in entrance areas for screening and welcoming feel.

March 15, 2018

There are a few items yet to be completed:

• Frosting glass on the skylights
• Upgraded sound and audio systems
• Window coverings in new classroom/meeting space
• New carpet in the Sanctuary (Sometime in March)
• Heating and Air Conditioning completion

Here are more details;

• We have received architectual drawings for the new ADA bathrooms
• We have received a bid for the construction of the new ADA bathrooms
• We await the design proposal for the new Landscape

Direct your questions about the Building Upgrades to Joan in the office (966-2239 or unity@santabarbaraunity.org) and she will connect you with the proper person to give you more information. 

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November 30

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November 7

  1.    Youth Classroom/Meeting Rooms: Completed! The Youth materials were moved in this week thanks to Jennifer, Barbara, members from two SpiritGroups and other Volunteers!

2.     Kitchen configuration is complete! We added about 60 sf with the removal of the two existing walls between the kitchen and the classrooms and the cabinets and counters were moved to the enlarged room. Future changes to our restrooms will again change the kitchen size in 2018 but for the Holidays 2017 we will enjoy a larger kitchen and work space with stove and pantry intact.

3.     Sanctuary Upgrades:  Chairs have been ordered! Air conditioning is almost done, painting touch ups to do; color palette will remain same for Sanctuary. New opaque glass skylights and roof shutters ordered; new 20 year membrane roof will go in soon. Dedicated electrical to audio and visual equipment and new equipment selection completed. 

4.     Roof repairs will be done in Nov. on all buildings when Sanctuary receives a new roof; drainage/sitting water to be corrected.

5.     Architectural plans are being created to convert all 3 restrooms for disabled use in compliance with local and federal regulations as well as the Courtyard and landscaping designs—all to start when permits received, hopefully in February 2018. Meanwhile some landscape improvements will be made.

 

 

October 19

4.     Kitchen will change configuration, adding about 60 sf with the removal of the two existing walls between the kitchen and the classrooms and new electrical work and air conditioning access. Drywall underway then cabinets and counters to be moved. Future changes to our restrooms will again change the kitchen size in 2018 but for the Holidays 2017 we will enjoy a larger kitchen and work space with stove and pantry intact.

5.     Roof repairs will be done in Nov. on all buildings when Sanctuary receives a new roof; drainage/sitting water to be corrected.

6.     All exterior metal railings and gates have been sanded, primed and painted.

7.     Architectural plans are being created to convert all 3 restrooms for disabled use in compliance with local and federal regulations as well as the Courtyard and landscaping designs—all to start when permits received, hopefully in February 2018. Meanwhile some landscape improvements will be made.

8.     Meanwhile our thanks to Armstrong Construction and their excellent, kind superintendent Tom, for working with us on the many phases of, and changes to, this work in order to support the activities at Unity while keeping to our budget.

9.     Huge thanks for the patience of Minister, staff, and volunteers who have worked kindly during this long process.

10. And finally, although this report was created by Nola, we are adding a note to express our gratitude to Nola for her steadfast commitment to clarity, economy, efficiency, and peacefulness as she oversees this building project. 

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Update, August 31

Our Timeline for September includes:

The new Administrative Offices will be completed by Friday, August 18. A long time coming but soon we will be moving and setting up our new space. If you want to lend a hand, talk with Joan. 966-2239 or email her at unity@santabarbaraunity.org

The Youth Classrooms will be next, and the two bathrooms and the kitchen are being redesigned to facilitate disabled persons. Depending on the City permit process this may be completed this year. The Sanctuary upgrades are scheduled to be done in October of this year.

 

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Update, July 26, 2017

Here is an update on our Building Project:

Rendering of Upcoming Remodel of Sanctuary

Update, July 7, 2017

Here is an update on our Building Project:

The administrative offices are on track to be complete by mid-July. 

Youth Classrooms' construction will take place in August.  

 

 

Update, June 29, 2017

 

Here is an update on our Building Project:

·         There was a change to the layout in the administrative offices, so we were delayed as the architect made new drawings for the City to approve. Permit in hand, we are back on track, with a revised end time of mid-July. 

·         Nola will be available in the new offices between services on Sunday. 

 

 

 

 

 

Update, June 7, 2017

Here is an update on our Building Project:

The paint has been selected, carpet tiles are on order, and we're measuring for desks and furniture, preparing for our move to the new administrative offices. 

Nola will be available in the new offices between services on Sunday. 

 

 

Update May 18, 2017

Here is an update on our Building Project:

• Demo in Noreen's new office is complete. 

• Expect drywall, paint, carpeting to be complete in Noreen's office by the end of the week, May 19.

• New Administrative offices demo is scheduled for week of May 22

 

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Update May 4, 2017

Here is an update on our Building Project:

• Our contractor, Armstrong Associates, pulled our construction permit on May 1.

• Our floor coverings, are made by Curtis Carpets of SB in shades of blue, selected by our interior designer and Unity member Jessica Risko-Smith, and approved by our staff.

• Renovation begins this week on the new Administrative offices with the move in date is scheduled for the end of May.

• The Children's classrooms’ renovation is expected to finish by the end of June.

• Roof repairs and cement walkway repairs are underway.

• The work is underway weekdays with minimal disruption of daily Unity activities

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Update April 28, 2017

We have hired Armstrong Construction and they will begin demolition of existing walls to make way for the new Administration offices and an office for Noreen. We will move the Admin offices in May and the Childres's Wing renovation will be in June. We will also be completing some deferred maintenance items.  

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Update April 14, 2017

Following a unanimous vote of approval at our community meeting last Sunday we are authorized to move ahead and hire Armstrong Construction to begin the first phase of our building project. We are blessed and grateful!

At the April 9 Special Membership Meeting, the plans of the Building Committee were approved to complete the children's classrooms and administrative offices as well as upgrade the electrical capacity as needed in all buildings, install a Hearing Loop installation in the Sanctuary, repair the Sanctuary roof shutters, repair leaks and wall stains in the Chapel basement, as well as other needed improvements. This increased scope of work in the improvement project will be done now to better organize the work and make economical use of our contractor time. The estimated cost of this project has not changed but costs between the Phases have been reassigned and a larger reserve added to the budget.

Work will begin shortly in the administrative/bookstore area and then move to the classrooms. Construction is expected to occur during the May-July timeframe and will only minimally hamper the event schedule at Unity. The Building Committee continues to be responsible to the Board for supervision of this project with Nola Force as liaison between the architect, contractor, committee and Board. She can be reached at 530-966-0916 by call, text or email nolaforce@gmail.com. 

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Update March 31, 2017

 

Friday, March 31, 2017

Re:  Vote of the Membership on Building Project Expenditure

Dear Unity of Santa Barbara Member,

Please attend the Unity of Santa Barbara Membership Meeting on Sunday, April 9^th to be held after the second service at approximately 12:30 PM. The purpose of the meeting is to vote on an expenditure in excess of $25,000.  Specifics regarding the expenditure are provided in the Building Committee Report and the Updated Remodel Project Budget accompanying this notice.

We are sending this notice in accordance with the Bylaws, which state as follows: “#3.04 Powers of Active Members…(d): Vote on any question of sale or pledge of real property owned and/or used for the operation of this Ministry, or any expenditure that exceeds twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) in value. A majority of those active members in attendance is required to approve the sale, pledge, or expenditure.”

At its March 28, 2017 regular meeting the Board of Trustees approved an expenditure covering the $175,600, subject to the approval vote of the Membership on April 9, 2017. This expenditure is for the remodel of the Youth and Administration areas, ADA compliance, pantry revision, deferred maintenance, and sanctuary repairs to the skylights and upper windows. Additional details about the project will be provided to the members at the April 9^th meeting, with time for questions and discussion. In the meantime, if you have any questions please contact the Building Committee Chairperson, Nola Force at nolaforce@gmail.com.

With abundant blessings on behalf of the Unity of Santa Barbara Board of Trustees,

 

MaryJo McGrath,

Board President

Below are links to the Building Committee report and the Remodel Budget

Building Committee Report

Remodel Budget

 

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Update January 26, 2017

 

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Update October 27, 2016

 

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Update September 29, 2016

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Update September 1, 2016

Our plans for the 1st phase of the project (relocation of Admin offices and develop Youth class space) were conditionally approved by the Historic Landmark Commission last week!  Additional engineering consultations for A/C and electrical are in process in preparation for submitting complete Phase I plans to City and solicitation of competitive bids by end of September. We are grateful for the progress and excited about the new changes to support more efficient facility usage and our Youth and Family ministry that are within sight! Watch this page for periodic updates as progress unfolds.

Concept Drawings for the proposed (Phase 2) exterior gathering space, garden design and preliminary kids playground (termed “tot-lot”) are now on display in the Narthex, as well as linked below for your viewing and download/printing.  We will have some copies of the rendered and annotated site plan (colored drawing) available for pick up on Sunday.

 

We have already received some wonderful feedback and questions from the initial presentation on June 5.  We are gathering these comments and questions in one place so that we can keep track of them and incorporate them into our next round of design.  PLEASE FORWARD YOUR THOUGHTS/COMMENTS/QUESTIONS/CONCERNS as soon as possible so we can include all voices in the process.   There is a box right under the display in the Narthex to drop off your ideas.  You can also email them to TheBoard@santabarbaraunity.org  Subject Line: “Building Project”

 

 

We are happy to be moving forward with the unanimously approved Phase 1 Children’s Ministry/Administration Project! 

 

The architect is getting the engineering we need to provide drawings to the HLC (Historic Landmarks Commission) so that we can approve the required ADA improvements triggered by the project, as well as some required reviews related to the proposed addition of Air Conditioning to the Phase 1 project areas and other parts of the campus. 

 

They plan to present to the HLC as soon as Mid-July.  

 

Submitted by Jessica Risko Smith, Board Vice President, Design Team Member

 

Click on this link:

The Members of Unity of Santa Barbara in attendance at the June 5th Members Meeting made a unanimous decision to accept the proposal for Phase #1 (Children's Ministry/Administration Project) of the renovation project which had been previously approved and recommended by the Board of Trustees.

 

Concepts Drawings for a proposed exterior gathering space and landscape area were also presented. These drawings will be on display in the narthex and posted to our website very soon. Your comments and concerns are welcome as we continue to consider and evaluate these proposals to enhance our physical space.

 

We have received preliminary cost estimates for Project #1 (Children’s Ministry & Administration Relocation) of our Building Project.  The scope of work entails moving the children’s ministry into the current administration spaces, and the administration offices into the spaces opposite the courtyard into the Sanctuary Building.  The Prayer Room will be relocated to a quiet room above the Chapel.

 

Our Architect is working toward completing the Permit package to issue to the City, and the BID package that we can issue to 3 contractors for pricing simultaneously.  We anticipate issuing this by mid-May.  Permits generally take 30 days and our Bid Pricing will be back within this timeframe. 

 

The Board has seen the preliminary costs and project details and has recommended we present the full scope of work to the membership for authorization.  We are excited to get the youth ministry into a functional, appropriate space that supports their growing needs.

 

There will be a CommUNITY Meeting and Membership Vote on June 5 to review the Costs and Plans and membership approval to proceed.  We will send out more details in advance of this meeting.  

 

Submitted by Jessica Risko Smith, Board Vice President, Desiign Team Member

We have been busily weaving the myriad of threads together for the building project.

 

We are scheduled to receive complete cost estimates for Project #1 (Children’s Ministry/Administration Project) of our Building Project on Friday 4/22. Moving the children’s ministry into the current administration spaces, and the administration offices into the spaces opposite the courtyard. 

 

The Prayer Room will be relocated to the quiet room above the Chapel during this project.

 

Our Architect is completing the permit package for this scope of work. 

 

In addition to the pricing and permit preparation for this scope of work, we have been doing research, testing and engineering to better understand the campus’ complete heating and ventilation system so that we can determine what is required in order to provide Air Conditioning to our spaces.  There are a number of sticky wickets to this process due to the age of our building and the current infrastructure and the new energy codes for ventilation systems.  These factors have to be carefully figured into the project so that we may obtain a required permit for this work.  All of this must be pre-determined so we appropriately cost out the work and determine what is feasible for our budget.   We’ve brought in a Mechanical Engineer to assess the systems, test our current systems and provide our contractor with the needed calculations and scope of work so they can provide pricing. 

 

Portions of the above HVAC work needs to be considered as part of our relocation project for the children so we can efficiently do this work and include it in our permit.

 

We have completed concept work on Project #2 (Exterior Courtyard Sanctuary/Fellowship Hall Project). 

 

We are eager to present these ideas to the congregation for your review!  Our landscape architect and project architect have presented some beautiful and functional ideas to enliven our campus and create a very special gathering space.  Pricing estimates and permit requirements are already being developed so we will be able to make swift progress based on your feedback.  

 

We tentatively plan to hold a congregation meeting and membership voting in early to mid-May that will address:

 

Project #1 Budget Review/Approval Children’s Ministry/Administration

 

Project #2 Concept Presentation Exterior Courtyard, Sanctuary/Fellowship Hall