Construction Update - November 6, 2013

Update - November 6, 2013

Rev. Dr. Barry Cass

Progress is being made in several areas this week.  Driving by the church you can see that Avery Construction is working on the entrance driveway.  The grade of the slope from Main Street to the parking lot has been re-worked so that it is suitably gradual.  There will be a concrete sidewalk between the driveway and the Meeting House, and several lamp posts will be installed along the sidewalk.  The Main Entrance to the building has been re-opened and will remain so except for a day now and then when paving or other work is being done.  The new roof over the main entrance will help distinguish it from other doors and make it “weather friendly.”  Paving should be completed on the driveway early next week.

Other progress that should be noted:

·         There will be a test of the fire alarm and sprinkler systems at the end of next week. 

·         All of the kitchen equipment is due for delivery by November 8 and installation will begin immediately.

·         Painting should be completed by November 8 in the Foundation Room, Pilgrim Hall and the 2nd Floor Meeting Room.

·         Carpet is to be installed in the Foundation Room, Pilgrim Hall and the 2nd Floor Meeting Room beginning on November 11.

·         The front columns are being installed this week and next week.

·         Stained glass window installation is complete.

·         Exterior trim on the west and south sides is being completed this week.

The largest part of the project at the moment continues to be the installation of the ceiling in the sanctuary.  The design team continues to work with the organ builder and construction manager in order to create an acoustically correct and aesthetically pleasing design.  We have been told this will be completed by November 8.  Construction will begin as soon as all the involved parties have signed off on the design.

The Building Committee discussed the sidewalk on the west side of the building, which will run from the street to the Memorial Garden.  Because pavers were broken by equipment through the course of the fire and construction, it was decided to have a poured concrete walk. 

The Committee reviewed the design of the hymnal racks for the pews.  Lloyd’s had sent a sample which we looked at.  The hymnal racks will be constructed with mahogany given to the church by the Larsons and will be stained to match the other mahogany trim work in the sanctuary.  There will be room in the racks for hymnals, Bibles, pew cards and pencils.

We are pleased to announce contributions to the Capital Campaign continue to come in by mail (P.O. Box 295 Somers, CT 06071) and through our website (www.somerscongregational.org).  There is still a substantial amount of money to be raised.  Updates will continue to be posted on the website, on our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/SomersCongUCC), and on the Ellington-Somers edition of Patch.com.