The congregation may recall that we launched our “20/20 Capital Campaign” around Fall of 2016. The purpose was to raise funds for much needed capital improvements to our building. Before 2016 we conducted congregation surveys and meetings to receive input from the congregation on what those improvements should be. Priorities were set, and over time some projects were eliminated due to feasibility issues. Many have been accomplished. The next project on the list after the sidewalks were rebuilt, was to be upgrading our restrooms. A reminder of our goals:
· Create ADA accessible restroom space for all genders.
· Increase the number of toilet fixtures, especially for women.
The Restroom Upgrade Committee and Council have been carefully discussing options and reviewing architect sketches for well over a year. At this stage, the Upgrade Committee is seeking contractors to give us “ballpark” estimates on two proposed architect schematics. Once we have those estimates, the Upgrade Committee will share them with the Congregation (hopefully this Fall). No work will progress until we have Council approval to proceed on one plan and its financing, adjustments have been made, working drawings have been developed, and Contra Costa County has issued permits.
Details Coming Up:
· Narrow down the options to 2. (Council selected those July 8)
· Submit proposed schematics to contractors for “ballpark” estimates. (In progress)
· Present the 2 options to the congregation along with “Ball Park Estimates” for feedback. (Hopefully in Fall)
· Architect makes feasible adjustments.
· Council reviews funds available, votes on whether to proceed, and if so, selects a single plan.
· Architect develops working drawings, and they are reviewed by Council.
· Architect submits working drawings to the County for permits. Our architect will help negotiate with the county under their hardship considerations. We are doing a voluntary upgrade so there is wiggle room.
· Council accepts a formal contractor bid accepted by the Council.
Background, Work Done So Far:
A great deal of work and study has gone into this project for feasibility, codes, ADA requirements, etc. Council hired Architect, Christopher Gillman at the end of April after months of discussing configuration options, goals, conversations with the county, and Upgrade Committee interviewing architects. Since then, Chris did thorough research on the requirement of ADA upgrades, and Contra Costa County Code requirements. Based on measurements of our current space, and knowledge of what we are allowed/required to do, as well as our goals, Chris developed 6 schematics of what we could realistically do to upgrade. The Upgrade Committee: Linda Young, Eleanor Crump, and David Hertzer reviewed those options and narrowed them down to three that seemed to best satisfy our goals.
Council met with Chris Gilman in June, to review the three best options and gave a considerable amount of input and suggestions, so Chris went back to the drawing board. He submitted the same three options with important adjustments considering all the input from Council. On July 8 Council selected the 2 best options to submit to contractors for likely costs. The Upgrade Committee is currently searching for contractors. Some names have been recommended by the architect but if you have an idea of a contractor licensed for public/commercial buildings let Linda know. Those 2 options, along with “ballpark” estimates will be shared with the Congregation once we have them, hopefully in the Fall.
Linda Young, for the Restroom Upgrade Committee