September 2017 News

The church renovation will go forward in two phases: one is the replacement of the steam heat system with a forced air system, and second is the reconfiguration of the first floor which includes wheelchair lift, new bathrooms, larger Gathering Place and kitchen. 

Before any construction contracts can be issued, building permits need to be obtained from Edgewood Borough which requires additional detailed drawings of the proposed HVAC additions and modifications.  Phase 1 covers HVAC in all areas of the church, including the basement Social room, second floor day care, and Sanctuary.  These drawings are being completed and then will be submitted to the Borough for approval.  Hopefully that process can be completed in the next 30 days.

Following approval, final pricing will be requested and contractors selected to start phase 1.  Phase 1 requires forced air furnaces located in the second floor storage room, basement storage room next to Social room, and the basement Mud room and Youth room.  Each furnace and A/C condenser will need individual electrical connections, and each furnace requires a gas supply.  Several areas that have either frequent or very infrequent use on the 1st floor, such as the Pastor’s office, Church office, nursery, and Music Minister’s office, will be heated/cooled by ductless units (similar to the unit presently used in the Gathering Place except much smaller}.  The church presents an unusual occupancy problem in that many areas are only occupied less than 4 hours in a 168 hour week.  The most occupied area is the day care at maybe 60 hours per week.  No one spends the night, and most often Saturday is unoccupied anywhere in the church. 

Insulation will be added in the area above the second floor to make the building more energy efficient.  All first floor areas heated/cooled by forced air furnaces will have ceiling or floor supply and returns.  The second floor and Social room will have exposed spiral duct, which is popular for use in building and restaurants.

Phase 2 requires some information from Phase 1, but should be able to initiate shortly after contractors are selected for Phase 1.  Some minor changes on the LGA drawings will be required, but they are basically ready for submittal.

Regarding a loan for the renovation, the Pittsburgh History and Landmark Foundation (PHLF) has offered to provide a $250,000 loan at 4.25% 5 year fixed interest rate using the building as collateral.  The loan will initially be a construction loan that can be drawn as needed with interest only payments.  At the completion of construction, the loan will be converted to a mortgage requiring principal and interest payments for a 15 year term.  This is the best offer available so far.

Tom Ochs