Meeting:                        Visioning for Fellowship Hall

Date:                                9/27/06

In Attendance:          Julie Leik, Kathy Crisson, Deria Foster Moore, Nancy Donahue, Betty Klinc, Debbie Ryback and Jeannine Martin

Absent:                       Gregg Hauser

The following details the discussions and recommendations of the meeting concerning the refurbishment of the Fellowship Hall at Saint Paul The Apostle Catholic Church.  We have also included a work sheet that we can plug our budgetary allowances into.

BACKGROUND

As stated in the discernment minutes from the facilities meeting, Fellowship Hall was built in 1976 and has served our community well as a hub for meetings and fellowship during that time.  However, the facility, now 30 years old, is beginning to show age and, as times inevitably change, it does not meet the needs of our current dynamic and varied community life here at Saint Pauls.

THE USES OF FELLOWSHIP HALL

First discussions identified the current uses for the Hall and resulted as follows:  The primary functions of the Hall at this time are as a gathering place for

• Receptions –  Weddings and Funerals,
• Parish Dinners
• Lectures
• Welcomings and Send-Offs,
• Lifeteen
• Parishwide Faith Formation, and
• Occasional Theatrical Productions.

In light of the functions described above, it was recommended that a space be created that is a bit more elegant and warmer.  Not as institutional looking… perhaps reminiscent of a Hotel ballroom.  The above functions would all thrive in such a setting spurring increased use of the facility and hopefully boost attendance for the different functions bringing us all closer together in Christ.

Because of adjacency, anything involving food will be best done in Fellowship Hall.  (NOTE:  It was recommended that once the refurbishing is done, the Hall can be promoted as a moneymaker and rented out for wedding receptions, parties, etc.)

BASIC RECOMMENDATIONS

Lighting

Because of the diverse nature of the functions in Fellowship Hall, versatile lighting will be needed.  It was commented both during the meeting and in our discernment responses that Fellowship Hall often seems dim and cave like.  The lighting is inadequate for activities that require being able to see well, but does the job when a certain warm ambience is required.  The following recommendations were made:

• Check into some mini-chandeliers that can give better light and bring a more elegant look to the space.  It should be noted that the height of the ceiling would not accommodate a big chandelier.
• Consider using soffit lighting around the perimeter of the room utilizing the newer fluorescent bulbs that create a daylight effect.  This can help brighten the room as used in conjunction with the overhead lighting, or can be used stand alone to give some light to people leaving or entering the room when it is darkened during lectures, the showing of films or theatrical productions.
• The use of wall sconces might also be considered in addition to or in lieu of the soffit lighting detailed above and would assist in creating the more elegant atmosphere desired.
• Additionally, it was recommended that a different treatment for the walls and ceilings in the Hall would assist in lightening up the space.  The current appearance is choppy and outdated with some natural wood areas, vent colors that draw attention to themselves when they should be minimized and blend in.  The overall recommendation is to utilize light neutral colors on all that will unify and blend at the same time they lighten and brighten the space.  However, use of a bit bolder accent color in certain areas is not discouraged and should be explored.  More to come in the section on walls and ceilings.
• We want a disco ball people!  That can be put up or taken down for specific events.
• De-Sanctuary the lighting.  When built, Fellowship Hall was multi-purpose as a sanctuary and gathering room.  It is no longer the sanctuary and it will be good to remove the two big lights on the stage, which were installed for that initial purpose, in addition to any other things, which might suggest “Sanctuary”.
• Light strips such as the ones that mount flush into the floor at a Movie Theatre were suggested for the steps to the stage area to assist people when the room is darkened.
• Electrical outlets in the stage stair risers were also suggested to assist in special Theatrical lighting when needed.

Wall Treatments and coverings

The current wall treatment is outdated and showing wear.  However, it was suggested that we continue to utilize a wall covering which will be easier to keep clean and more durable than paint.  The right selections here will go a long way in creating the tone and environment for the whole space.  Suggestions include the following:

• Select a premium wall covering in a light neutral shade.  One possibility might be an off white on white pattern not too traditional looking but with an elegant tone that can create a warm friendly feeling and bring a certain sense of sophistication to the space.
• Paint all natural wood surfaces and vents a color that will blend, unify and brighten.  This will allow them to begin to “disappear” and the other more dynamic ideas mentioned below will become the focal points in the room.
• Explore an accent color as recently done in the Sanctuary.  It may add to the overall presence and ambience created in the space.
• The use of a wainscoting could add an element of sophistication to the room.

Ceiling

The current dropped ceiling tiles are very dingy looking and should be replaced.  The idea of the dropped ceiling remains a good one due to its acoustical properties and for our purposes.  The following suggestions were made:

• There are many updated tile designs on the market, and it was suggested that a tile with a bit of a bevel might assist in creating that subtle harmony we will be looking for between walls, floor and ceiling.  So that all works together in a nice blend, and does not overpower or become a focal point.
• Explore Accent Color on the ceiling.  Vaulted parts by the side doors

Flooring

The carpet is in very bad repair and will definitely have to be replaced.  A combination of carpet and premium vinyl is recommended as follows:

• Select an industrial, premium grade of carpet that can withstand high traffic for a wide perimeter of the room.  The carpet should be a patterned loop; the loop for superior wearing characteristics and the pattern to assist in the camouflaging of dirt and spills.  Colors should have an overall neutral feel to them but have a good contrast of dark and light to create the “camouflage” effect.
• An alternative that was suggested was to use carpet tiles that can then be easily replaced in case of staining.
• Replace carpet on the stage and steps with a premium vinyl from Amtico or Strattica.  A relatively new product on the market that beautifully simulates a hardwood floor but is longwearing, and easy to keep clean.
• Additionally, place this same vinyl flooring where the parquet floor is now and extend to the base of the stage steps, which will increase the dance floor space.

Doors

Due to the fact that there are four sets of doors in and out of this room it becomes a natural crossroads of activity as people traverse the facility.  This is not conducive to having lectures or any event where interruptions should be limited.  The following ideas were presented.

• Eliminate the door on the stage that leads to the new wing.  This may not be possible due to the need to maintain a ratio between a certain number of required exits and the occupancy.  The question should be put to Joe Anatrella, the architect for the parish.  If possible, it would eliminate all travel through traffic.
• Another alternative may be to keep that door locked and have it unlocked only during events where the occupancy numbers would dictate that.
• Curtains/shades/draperies were suggested for covering the side windows at each set of doors.  The frequent interruptions experienced during events can be minimized by limiting visual access to the room during events. Draperies or shades can be pulled or open to accommodate the situation.
• It should be noted that some new designs on the market may be just what we are looking for… a vertical shade that is reminiscent of a drapery but structured like an accordion shade in a vertical orientation.  It combines the best of a soft flow and an elegant tailored look.  The only problem may be that they might be offered only in a sheer fabric and we may want something more opaque to limit visibility.

Chairs

It was recommended that we exchange the nice cushioned chairs currently being used in the Parish Life Center with the plastic chairs that are used in Fellowship Hall.  The “cushy” chairs will be better suited to the new look we are planning for the Hall.

SPECIAL FEATURE RECOMMENDATIONS

Serving Counter

As our parish has grown, the serving set-up for dinners originally planned (a small serving window with roll down closure) has become inadequate.  We have compensated by moving the serving area out to the main floor with covered dinner tables that make long lines of food served or brought as cover dishes.  At times this has created a bottleneck of traffic between drink stations and food tables, especially when the groups are large.  The following recommendation will create some beautiful focal points for the room and help to alleviate the “traffic jams” at serving time:

• Create a long serving counter that will begin at the office-side entrance to Fellowship Hall and go straight then forming a rounded-off 90 angle and connecting back up on the other side of the existing door to the kitchen with an opening for access.
• Accent the counter structure with arches and columns that will create a dynamic focal point and go a long way in giving us that air of sophistication and elegance we are looking for in the room.
• Built-in shelves open with no doors will line the back of the counter for easy storage of cover dish containers and wrappers along with other kitchen supplies as needed.
• Frame out the existing roll down window to compliment the new look.

Bar Area/ Drink Station

• Create a complimentary station for drinks across the room connecting to the area that backs up to the current library. 
• It is to be utilized for serving beverages and should include a bar complete with automatic drink dispensing. This feature would help to position the hall as a viable money maker for wedding reception, etc. and at the same time allow us more control of beverage dispensing especially for alcoholic beverages.
• Once again customize the space with matching arch and columns that will balance the room. 

NOTE:  The overall effect created by these two serving stations will be quite impressive and create a room that the congregation will love to be in while also creating a space marketable to the community at large for wedding receptions and festive gatherings of all kinds.

OTHER SPACE RECOMMENDATIONS

Check-in Room

It is the consensus of this meeting that the current “check-in” room - which really resides in one of the busiest hallways (anteroom) of the entire facility - is completely misused as a space.  To have children dressing in the middle of a hallway is ridiculous.  Recommendations as follows:

• Go back to the original check-in room for ministers.  It was too small when it was being used for the priests and the ministers, but for just the ministers it will work better.  Then the altar servers can dress back where the priests use to dress.
• Select a room for use as the Mass prep room for the priests.  The office where Deria and Bob are currently situated may be one option.  There is already a nice big closet in that room for the vestments.  However, they have been moved numerous times and it may be better to find an alternative spot or to offer to move them. 

Resurrect a “Narthex Lounge” type area

The Narthex lounge which had an important function as a small homey gathering spot was turned into the reception area for the parish last year and a similar space for those functions was never established.  It played such an essential role as a kind of oasis for families traumatized by funeral events or Brides dressing for their big day.  It was a place that had an almost therapeutic effect on people.  We feel it is essential to create a space like this again.  Recommendations:

• Appropriate classroom A for this purpose.
• Sheet rock and decorate in a living room style.
• Purchase couches and comfy chairs creating a sitting area for folks. 
• Incorporate a dressing screen and full-length mirror in sink area.
• Maintain a sink area but re-vamped for the setting so brides can apply makeup, etc.

NEXT STEPS

• Review ideas for code violations, other unfeasibility factors
• Draw up plans for the two serving areas and flooring arrangement.
• Conduct fieldtrip(s) to lighting stores, etc. to get ideas of style and cost on the more expensive aspects of the remodel.
• Plug in allowances for the different areas involved in the remodeling.
• Organize before and after fundraisers to help defray expenses.

REMODLEING WORK SHEET