An essential part of long-range planning involves an evaluation of our parish facilities. This process began last year with the work of the Space Use Committee that examined how our buildings are used, explored options for improving the utilization of our facilities, and identified our most pressing space needs. The Sub-committee for Facilities of the Long-Range Planning Committee continued this process by projecting our anticipated space requirements in 5-20 years.

A downtown Parish, here to stay

Our history is that of a vibrant parish with strong ties to the University. With the inevitable growth around us, we will find ourselves in an increasingly urban environment. New challenges, opportunities, and missions will likely evolve with these changes. As new Episcopal churches are established in the surrounding area, our call will remain here with our historic chapel and beautiful church. We will face growth from within our parish and demands from outside as we provide assistance to new missions. One vision is the Chapel of the Cross as a ‘resource church,' acting as an informal cathedral parish to newer surrounding Episcopal churches.

Space needs

While some space needs are projected for the future, others exist at present. Atop the list is a large parish hall to replace the present dining room. The dining room was enlarged 50% in the 1991 renovation but remains inadequate for many functions. A new parish hall should have a high ceiling with attractive architectural detailing to complement the church and chapel. Larger meeting rooms and improved office space are other needs. Future needs might include code-compliant space for a full-day child care center.

Growth on a postage stamp

We face the same dilemma that most city parishes confront of limited lot size with no adjacent property available. Parking is a perpetual problem, especially during the week when Sunday morning on-street parking is unavailable. A detailed map for newcomers is planned, depicting parking locations in close proximity to the church. A busing plan might be developed to shuttle parishioners from a city lot to church. Any expansion of our facilities almost certainly means additional loss of parking. Of many possibilities studied, two general options emerged:

* Parish hall on the playground. Create an Attractive Parish Hall with a Cathedral Ceiling in a New Two-Story Building on the Current Playground. The first floor would be the basement level and could house offices or an expanded child care center. The playground would be shifted into the current parking location, unfortunately eliminating a number of current staff spaces. The parish hall would be accessed from the church by a hallway through the existing dining room, which in turn could become a large meeting room.

* Radical rebuilding. Tear down the Battle Building, leaving the Yates Wing. This option would offer the potential to create an energy efficient new building that incorporates a parish hall, kitchen, meeting rooms, choir room, and offices. An architectural and engineering study would be required to determine the feasibility of either plan.