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Campus “Master Plan” Development
Final Design Process The first step in the final design process requested by Archdiocesan Planning Office was for Hollis Miller to re-examine the preliminary programming developed and designed over a year ago by another design firm. This was to ensure that the project scope and needs had not substantially changed as well as to determine if a more efficient design existed in terms of overall function, form, and long term performance. In the early stages of the conceptual design, Hollis Miller incorporated a “Project Focus” process which included input from
· Parish Community · School Families · Holy Trinity Staff · Parish Leadership
To gather information about the project needs and goals, Hollis Miller used an interview process referred to as “programming”. From June through August, representatives from across the parish were actively engaged in the conceptual design of the project. Project concepts were developed and refined though meetings with the Building Committee.
By actively engaging representatives from these groups in the design process we were able to ensure that the project had a clear focus and the functions of the facility would best meet the current and future needs of the parish.
Campus Master Site Plan
In developing the final design of our TWC project goals, it was important to ensure that the design had architectural elements which connect to the existing facilities at Holy Trinity. The concept of a Holy Trinity “Campus” which was unified both functionally and physically was an important design objective. Another important objective was to consider ways to improve the pedestrian safety and traffic flow on our active campus.
Existing Children’s Center Issues
During this final design process, a thorough review of this building by the Building Committee, Architects, General Contractor and the Archdiocesan Planning Consultant resulted in multiple renovation issues:
· Overall Efficiency - Of its 12,000 total square footage, an extraordinarily high 30% was deemed unusable due to staircases, excessive restrooms, new hallways, and utility chases – issues that could not be cost effectively overcome.
· Functionality – The ministry needs were restricted to the shape and design limitations of the 3 story building. The youth center and meeting rooms were small, disconnected and inflexible spaces. These issues could not be overcome with renovations due to the structural design of the building.
· Access Control – There are multiple entry points into the building that make it difficult to secure and control. In addition, the building is not handicapped accessible, which adds greatly to the challenge/expense in all renovation considerations.
· Long Term Viability – This building was designed to serve as a kindergarten classroom and apartment complex for our nuns who served in the school back in 1967. For nearly 40 years, it has been used and renovated many times but it remains an inexpensively constructed facility that sits at the center of our campus – precious space.
· Renovation Expense – cost projections to renovate/adapt the building were only slightly lower than new, highly efficient construction cost. When factoring inefficiencies and deficiencies contrasted to a new, custom-designed space, it becomes cost neutral over constructing new.
· Apartment – due to changes in the building codes, residential housing would not be permitted in the renovation.
· Architecture – The existing building, while structurally sound, does not have significant historic or architecture value as it relates to other parish structures.
· Focal Point - There exists a unique opportunity to create a central focal point of our campus that would tie our faith – particularly our Perpetual Adoration Chapel – pedestrian safety and architecture together in a more unified, functional overall plan.
As a result of these conditions and issues the existing Children’s center will be torn down after construction is complete and the Children’ Center and Catechesis programs are moved into the new space.
On this site, construction for the home of our most sacred treasure – the Blessed Sacrament - will begin for the 24/7 Adoration Chapel linked to the new Center. The chapel will be a key focal point of our campus, similar to the church building, it will be at an angle on this corner of the property, which is at the heart of our parish.
Associates Apartment The priest apartment, currently located on the 3rd floor of the existing center, will be lost once the adoration chapel is built. Building code does not permit a residential apartment to be mixed with new commercial construction, so alternate arrangements will be required for the Associate Pastor. The parish is exploring several options but the most immediate solution will be to move into the Rectory.
In Conclusion As the project moves into the construction phase, parishioners can expect to have details of the progress of the project regularly communicated. With the excitement around the groundbreaking and start of construction, we can expect continued support from existing contributors as well as a new opportunity for those families who are not yet stakeholders to participate in the project.
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