off

Phase 1 proposed renovation Q & A

Below are questions and comments raised since the master plan was approved by the congregation in January 2016, including the congregational Forum on October 2. We will add questions and answers as they are raised this fall and winter, including the November 6 Sunday Forum and special congregational meeting. The questions and comments below are categorized as follows:

1. General Questions
2. Nave Restoration
3. East Wing Remodeling
4. Finance and Funding

General Questions

What is the Luther Memorial “master plan?”
We approved our new master plan for facility renovation at a specially called congregational meeting in January 2016. This was the culmination of an all-church discernment process from 2012-2014 and a year long master planning process in 2015. This 2016 master plan replaces the previous one approved by the congregation in 1993 and helps guide and give shape to our future ministry and facility planning.

How “done” is this recently approved plan? Can certain aspects still be modified?
We consider this plan a “road map” not a finished product. It gives us a way to move forward. Changes to the concept drawings are anticipated even after final congregational approval.

What does it mean to “phase” the master plan? How many phases?
Although the master plan is a single plan, its implementation will occur in at least two phases depending on funding and the timing of other critical events in the congregation’s life. After we approved the master plan in January, our Council and task force leadership spent time considering how best to move the plan forward. They eventually recommended a two-phase construction model, which was approved by the Congregation Council in July and August. You may recall that the 1993 master plan also took shape in distinct multiple phases.

What is proposed for each of the two phases?
Phase 1 of the 2016 master plan includes renovation to three of the four floors of the east “education wing” originally constructed in 1957. It also includes two major projects in the nave: the installation of a permanent free-standing altar platform and renovations and improvements to the rear balcony. Phase 2 of the master plan would address the new west addition.

Why are we not doing the west addition first?
Our assessment took into account issues of ministry priorities, funding sources and capacity, and our current and future partnership with Lutheran Campus Ministry. We have also been in close conversation with the Christian Science Organization. In light of what we have learned over the past several months, it seems best to do the east wing and nave work first.

How long will the Phase 1 construction take?
According to Vogel Construction, Phase 1 construction will take several months. We anticipate the east wing will take 4 months. The nave projects would commence near the end of the east wing project and take 2-3 months. If we start in early May, Vogel estimates a full completion by mid-October. By scheduling most of the construction over the summer, we lessen the disruption to our current ministries.

What ministries are likely to be displaced during Phase 1 construction?
During construction, our Sunday School and The Road Home will not be able to use the upper floor of the education wing. This is good timing for us, since Sunday School does not meet over the summer and we rarely host The Road Home during the hottest season upstairs. Staff will be displaced during construction and will need to find alternative space. When work moves to the nave, we may need to worship in the Great Room for several Sundays.

Does our historic landmark status affect Phase 1?
Since Luther Memorial is a city landmark, we are required to get a certificate of appropriateness from the city landmarks commission for any exterior work, including design of the proposed new windows in the east wing.

What about interior signage?
Anyone who has spent time at LM knows interior signage needs improvement. Phase 1 of the master plan will address this issue. Interior signage is particularly acute for those with special needs and first time visitors.

When is our current HVAC system due for replacement?
The current heating system is in good shape and has undergone some improvements over the past several years. It should last many more years. The current AC system needs some work. The master plan includes improvements to the AC system with the nave restoration (adding AC to the choir balcony and mid-nave) and the east remodel (adding AC to 3 of the 4 floors that do not have it currently.) These AC improvements will require an upgrade to the current system.

The 1921 Church and Nave Restoration

Why isn’t a new pipe organ for the rear balcony included in this plan?
Luther Memorial spent considerable money in recent years on both enhancements and needed work on the Austin organ; originally installed in 1966. Therefore the master plan does not address the eventual replacement of this instrument. That is why the proposed balcony work is referred to as a “tune-up,” including improved lighting, sound, HVAC, and general usability of the loft. By doing a light balcony “tune-up” now, the congregation will be in a better position to consider a new pipe organ (and any more substantial balcony changes) at a later date.

It is great that air conditioning (AC) is going to be added to the choir loft. Any chance we can improve the AC in the rest of the nave?
Adding AC to the choir loft should improve the overall AC system in the nave. We are also looking at adding AC in the mid-nave by converting the existing heat registers along the side aisles of the nave to a register that can provide both heat and air conditioning. Together this should improve the overall temperature control of the nave.

There are a number of issues with the current kitchen, storage and Great Room. Will these be addressed in the new master plan?
Yes. Several groups have mentioned the need for a tune-up in the kitchen. The Phase 2 west addition will include a “catering” kitchen, but in Phase 1 we anticipate a number of small but important upgrades to the Great Room kitchen as well as the planned addition of another pantry off the kitchen.

Is there a proposal to make the sacristy larger?
While not directly addressed in this master plan, several people have commented that the existing sacristy could be remodeled to improve its function. The Task Force is currently considering this issue.

What is the shape and size of the proposed free standing altar platform? And is it movable?
The proposal calls for a free standing altar platform that mimics both the aria balconies and the pedestal the Christ figure is standing on in the reredos. It will have an 8-sided appearance (or really 5 of 8 sides of an octagon showing). And no, as proposed the altar platform would not be movable. It would be made out of steel frame construction and finished with a stone like material that complements the existing terrazzo flooring. Overall it will be a bit smaller than the existing platform.

East Wing Remodel

Is the proposed “Children’s Courtyard” part of Phase 1?
No. It would be part of the proposed Phase 2 work. Until a west addition is constructed, we need the courtyard as it currently exists to function as a weekday “front door.” During the week, visitors, vendors and others frequently use this entrance to meet with staff.

What is the Children’s Realm?
The new Children’s Realm off the narthex and adjacent to the Sunday school wing allows for large group gatherings, small skits and plays, music, and a waiting area for parents. It also can be used for “large motor play” during inclement weather. This open area can also serve as overflow space from the narthex during very large events held in the nave.

Will sound from the nave be available in other parts of the building?
Currently the services in the nave can be broadcast over the speaker system in the Great Room, Luther Room and Library. We are exploring the possibility of expanding the coverage to include the new nursery, new Children’s Realm and possibly some of the bathrooms.

Will infant diaper changing tables be available in the bathrooms?
Yes. Appropriate changing space for infants will be available in the new nursery and some of the bathrooms.

What plans are envisioned for the lowest level in the east wing?
Currently this level is listed as storage. It is clean and windows were recently added. If, during Phase 1, we improve HVAC systems to this floor and add an elevator, we can optimize this space for future expansion. Council leadership is exploring the possibility of a student oriented food pantry for this space.

Funding and Finance

How much will Phase 1 cost?
In mid-October, Vogel Construction and The Kubala Washatko Architects provided our Task Force with an overall project estimate of $3.9 million dollars. Potentially, we hope to offset this amount with state and federal historic preservation grant credits (see question below.)

What about the historic preservation credits I’ve heard about?
Luther Memorial Church (including the east wing) is a city landmark. We are also applying to be a state of Wisconsin historic landmark and a US federal landmark. These would allow us to qualify for state and federal grant credits. Given the size of our proposed project, the state grant credit could be about $700,000 and the federal grant credit an additional $700,000.

What is a capital fund appeal?
A capital appeal is a special fundraising effort often undertaken to support building-related projects and sometimes reduce debt. In order to fund Phase 1 of our building project, our congregation will likely launch a 3-year capital appeal in early spring 2017. LM members and friends will be invited to pledge a special gift to this appeal above and beyond regular giving. When called upon to do so, our congregation has responded with generous hearts in the past to these mission-related opportunities.

Will debt reduction be part of this fund appeal?
We hope so. Our congregation currently carries a $640,000 mortgage from previous building repair and restoration projects. By including debt reduction as part of our fundraising goal, we hope to retire the congregation’s debt at the end of the 3-year appeal. However, the generous state and federal tax credits are such that we don’t want to miss out on opportunities to restore and renovate our facility now rather than later when the credits would not be available.

What about the existing building fund?
We are closing this fund at the end of 2016. Your generous gifts each year to the building fund have helped with repairs and debt reduction. Starting in 2017, repair expenses will covered by the operating budget instead. This shift will boost the total amount our congregation needs to raise for the operating fund. You can continue to help cover yearly building expenses by combining your annual building and operating pledges into one single pledge.