The Parish Facility Committee is finalizing and prioritizing a comprehensive facility report that will help guide ongoing maintenance plans, improvements, and capital projects for our whole facility (building and grounds, mechanical, electrical, and operating system controls) in the coming years.
We often hear people say, “Now that summer’s here and school is out until August… I’m guessing staff is looking forward to things slowing down a bit?” Well, the reality is just the opposite. The summer break is our time to address near-term capital improvement projects, deep clean the facilities, and play catch-up on numerous deferred maintenance items. Thanks to generous parishioner stewardship and many active volunteers and staff working in coordination with our Facilities Committee and Finance Council, here are a few of the approved projects scheduled to be completed this summer:
Window replacements: New energy-efficient windows, frames, and blinds are scheduled to be installed mid-July in the gathering space, dining room, and the atrium that borders the parish offices and hallway connecting the Church and School. Existing windows are original to the facility and are in extremely poor condition. The cost to replace these windows is approximately $151,000.
Parking lot and sidewalk repairs: Sometime late June (weather and contractor pending) work is scheduled to replace broken concrete sections of the parking lot, curbs, and sidewalks. Please watch for minor detours and re-routing of parking lot traffic flow as some of this work will affect the main north and south entrance drives. Approximate cost: $36,000.
Restroom upgrades: In addition to deep cleaning and painting, new partitions and fixtures are scheduled in four restrooms in the School and the restroom located in the dining room. Approximate cost: $28,000.
Ceiling tile replacement: Due to water leaks, staining, damage, and aging over the years, ceiling tiles in the dining room, kitchen, and school commons area are scheduled to be replaced. Approximate cost: $10,000.
Confessional updates: Repairs are in progress to improve sound-proofing in the two confessionals located adjacent to the Adoration Chapel. Approximate cost: $10,000.
Chiller: Earlier this spring, the original 29-year-old chiller which cools the water and supplies air conditioning to the Church, parish offices, dining room, and the majority of the school was replaced at a cost of approximately $100,000.
HVAC maintenance agreements: The parish has recently entered into an agreement with a mechanical contractor for ongoing inspection and preventive maintenance on our HVAC system. After the initial inspection earlier this spring, more than $25,000 has been authorized to address leaking pumps, water filtration systems, control valves, fan motors, and management system issues.
Electrical improvements: To help reduce the effects of power surges and outages, a surge protection system will be installed for the entire building this summer. In addition, we will be adding new LED emergency exit signs, installing CO2 detectors and GFI receptacles required by code, and making needed repairs and upgrades to our life safety and fire projection systems. Approximate cost: $10,000.
Technology Upgrades: In an effort to replace and upgrade an aging and outdated computer network, the parish and school are leveraging a $187,000 grant from the Federal Emergency Assistance to Non-Public Schools (EANS) to offset more than $280,000 of technology expenses. These technology upgrades include new servers, increasing network wireless capacity, new laptops, Apple MacBooks for teachers, and other classroom teaching aids such as smart boards, projectors, and Apple TV. These improvements will give our educators and staff access to the latest teaching technologies, an improved network, and increased wireless connections.
Caring for our parish home is a big responsibility. These improvements are made possible by your generous offertory contributions, specific restricted donor gifts, and funds raised through our Spring Appeal and Joy of Giving campaign. To learn more about contributing to these important projects, please visit stephen.org or contact the parish office at 402.861.4543. Thank you for your support.