Next Step Committee
Chapel of the Cross
Meeting of March 27, 2006
Present: Rob Sullivan, Paul Carew, John McGee, Terry Eason, Reid Conrad, Linda Rimer, Barbara Schütz, Martha Dill, Ted Vaden
Ted convened the meeting at 6 p.m. The committee reviewed input from meetings
with parish groups since the last NSC meeting, as follows:
Youth Council: The primary request was that there be a separate "hang-out"
space for teens, preferably separated by high school and middle school. That
request already has been met through the new design provided by the architects.
Some participants at the Youth Council meeting also questioned the priority
of the Fellowship Hall over the classroom, office and other space. Parking
also was a concern. Reid will arrange a meeting with the EYC to get their input.
Staff meeting: There was a request for meditation space. That has been addressed with the design update, which includes meditation space in the rear tower. Staff also had concerns about the physical separation of the staff/clergy offices on the second floor from reception area, and receptionist(s), downstairs. It was suggested that the second floor offices be designed so that the entire office suite, especially for clergy, can be separated from public area and able to be locked down at night. There was also a suggestion that the space for non-clergy staff not be divided into offices, but perhaps set up as a larger space with individuals in cubicles. That would promote staff interaction and accessibility to visitors. There also was discussion whether the student residence needed to be in prime space in the clergy area. The suggestion was that the residence be moved to the Spencer Dorm side of the floor. It may not be necessary to preserve on the second floor the circulatory pattern of the first floor.
Men's breakfast: Topics discussed were parking, designs to attract young people (25-40), and the kitchen. The NSC discussed the kitchen at length and decided to leave to the architects whether the kitchen could be relocated or otherwise redesigned to avoid taking up prime space while still having accessibility to the fellowship hall. The Men's Breakfast generally seemed supportive of the plans and encouraged us to "be bold" in designing space for program. Ted relayed the concern of Jim Crow to build in some outside space -- i.e. terrace, deck -- that takes advantage of the arboretum location.
Several members relayed parishioner interest in building the entire project at once, and Paul said he had heard from several parishioners who encouraged the parish to use bond financing.
There was consensus in favor of Terry's proposal for a double hallway next to the church that would separate priest vesting, sacristy etc. from the public corridor.
Barbara reminded the committee of interest in a day-care center. That led to a discussion that we prepare a FAQ for the April 3 parish listening session, to include the day care topic and others. Ted will prepare that.
The committee discussed how to preserve storage space now provided in the attic. Terry said it may be possible to include an attic in the new building. Rob said storage might be available in the basement.
Paul reported on the parking subcommittee. One topic is whether parking could be built under the new building.
The committee discussed the possibility of using stone from St. Thomas More church that might be donated by Jim Heavner. Terry said it might be more expensive to build with that stone, even if it is donated.
Committee adjourned approximately 8 p.m.
Follow-up assignments:
Ted will talk to Matt re the stone, parking and contract status.
Ted will prepare a Q&A for the April 3 session.
Terry will ask Eleanor Chou about making the design changes for the first floor double hall, the lobby/reception area, additional third floor classroom space and moving the student residence. We would like to have a poster of that to display at the April 3 listening session.
Last updated: April 1, 2006
