by John Sorce
john.sorce@theleaven.org
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — As churches across the archdiocese prepare to deck themselves out in their Christmas finery, noticeable enhancements are coming to both the Savior Pastoral Center and the chancery here, although of a more permanent kind.
At Savior, the front entryway and Strecker Bridge — which connects the main Savior building to the Strecker Suites, or guest rooms — are being redone, while a new roof has been installed over the athletic center.
The chancery building is seeing new wallpaper, carpeting and floorboards being installed.
Savior Pastoral Center director Greg Mies noted that much of what is being updated was part of the building’s original structure.
“The building turns 60 years old next year, so many of the things we’re dealing with are original to the building and have worn out over time and with exposure to weather,” Mies said. “That had a big impact on our bridge project and that’s part of the reason we are doing the front entryway — because salt ate up a lot of the previous concrete.
“I think updating our entry will provide a more welcoming look for people who drive by or visit the facility.”
The temporary railings for the entryway are installed, and the entry is open intermittently until the permanent railings are installed in late December. The roof project was delayed due to rain but reached substantial completion on Nov. 19.
Mies noted that repairs for the Strecker Bridge were approved on Nov. 19 and construction is set to begin soon, though there is no timeline for completion.
“We’re in the process of determining what the right next step is and what that cost will be, so we know when we can take care of that project,” he said.
Michael Moore, facility engineering supervisor, said they have been thinking about making improvements to the entryway for about five or six years, and at least eight years on the roof.
He said now is the right time because they are at a point where they are unable to put it off any longer.
“It’s just to a point where we have to do it,” Moore said. “We’ve been making repairs over the eight years since I’ve been here, and they had made some previous to that. But it’s just to the point now where we have to replace it.”
As for the chancery building, a wall covering project was completed on Oct. 28 and a carpet and floorboard project is also on the agenda.
Rita Herken, director of administrative services, said the wall covering project was estimated at $80,700. The decision to replace came after several solutions to keep the existing wallpaper, which was installed about 35 years ago, were unsuccessful.
“A few years ago, a lot of the seams on the wallpaper started peeling back and we tried a number of different solutions,” Herken said. “Contractors came and tried various adhesives for free, but none of them worked.
“I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that the wall covering that was put on that many years ago was very good quality. So, we didn’t have any choice but to replace it.”
Herken said they are currently going through bids for the carpeting project, which is estimated to cost between $70,000 – 80,000. Both projects are being funded through “a funding source that came through” for the fiscal year.
“Updating the bids and obtaining the carpet samples has been slower than anticipated, but we are making progress,” Herken said. “Sample books have been reviewed and we asked for larger samples on a few selected options. But there is no estimated start date yet.”
Keeping the facility in good condition is a responsibility Mies does not take lightly.
“I’ve been familiar with this building for 40 years,” Mies said. “I played basketball in this building years ago and I’ve watched it deteriorate as it has. To be able to preserve and improve the building and do it by being a good steward with money, time and resources is an honor to me because this facility is incredibly meaningful in the archdiocese.”
“Improving what can be improved but preserving what needs to be preserved is a difficult situation to be in, because we want to keep the building’s original architectural intent,” he added. “But this is an honor and a responsibility that we don’t take lightly in making sure things are done right.”
