Episcopal Church of the Ascension Visioning and Master Plan - Presented November 4th, 2018

Transcription

1 Episcopal Church of the Ascension Visioning and Master Plan - Presented November 4th, 2018 Prepared for: Episcopal Church of the Ascension, Stillwater, Minnesota Prepared By: Kodet Architectural Group Ltd, Minneapolis, Minnesota Architect s Job Number:

2 Contents Acknowledgments i Contents ii Executive Summary 1-4 Existing Conditions Assessment 5-14 Community Engagement Plan Acknowledgments Ascension Visioning Team: Rev. Buff Grace, Monica Davis, Jim Caldwell, Lauren Hannigan, Erik Sorensen Ascension Clergy and Staff: Rev. Marilyn Baldwin, Brenda Hoffman, Nancy Whipkey, Ruth Meyer, Mindy Boynton, Ascension Discovery Team: Linda Amrein, Duane Arndt, Kathy Carlson, Jim Christopherson, Mark Doneux, Don Greeley, Tom History and Preservation Visioning and Master Plan Next Steps and Resources Marie Goebel, Edmund Farnham Mcelin, Nance Purcell i ii

3 Executive Summary Executive Summary Background Worship Space Renovation The Presenting Concern Since 2010, Vestry and other leaders have been concerned about how worn the carpet in the nave is. Besides the aesthetic issues, wrinkles in the carpet have caused some to fall. Repairs were made in 2011, but the company making the repairs did not guarantee the repair, and with each year concern grows that the carpet will fail quickly. The carpet needs to be replaced. Maintenance Requirement When the carpet is replaced, the pews will have to be removed in order to lay the new carpet, and the church has been advised by parishioners knowledgeable about furniture that moving the old pews is likely to require significant repair to them. This means that, at a minimum, there will be significant expense to simply maintain the worship space just as it is. The Opportunity Given that Ascension is faced with a significant maintenance expense and the upheaval of the church to accomplish that maintenance, this is the perfect time to ask if there are other renovations that could make the worship even more expressive of God s love and make it more accessible to more people. Asking these questions now is faithful stewardship. Ascension Interior circa 1946 Published in Centennial Observance Pamphlet, June 7, 1946 The Episcopal Church of the Ascension, now located at 214 3rd Street North in Stillwater, Minnesota, dates to 1838 when Ezekiel Gear, chaplain from Ft. Snelling, conducted the first Episcopal service in the wilderness that was to become Stillwater. Regular services began in 1846 and construction for a church to be known as Ascension began in 1851, at Second Street just 1 north of today s Lowell Inn. A newer church was consecrated at the present Ascension site in That church, regrettably, was struck by lightning and burned to the ground immediately following a restoration project in A new red brick building in the Mid-Victorian style was dedicated exactly one year later in years later that building still serves the Ascension congregation. Stillwater, Minnesota, looking south on Third Street in Collected by John Runk, photographer, Stillwater, MN Initial Process Visioning and Master Plan Draft Ascension s Vestry understands how central worship is to the Ascension community and how important the current worship space is to our experience. For this reason, a process was developed to gather input and to engage members with specific knowledge that can assist the process, and to employ professionals who can honor the needs of a modern community in an historic church building. May 2018 The Vestry invited anyone who wanted to serve on a Discovery Team to apply. This Discovery Team, including the vestry leadership for the master plan, would visit other places of worship throughout the summer to gather ideas and combine those ideas with a review of Ascension s space. Their findings were reported to the parish in September, This Team continued to be part of the process through the end of the master plan process. June 2018 The Vestry leadership interviewed architectural firms for the purpose of conducting engagement with the congregation and to develop a visioning and master plan for possible renovation. The scope of this project did not include going forward with actual physical changes to the building. From this process Kodet Architectural Group was recommended to the Vestry for Approval. Visioning and Master Plan Draft

4 Executive Summary Executive Summary Visioning and Master Plan Summary Prior to the kickoff meeting on August 14th, 2018, Kodet collaborated with the Visioning Team to develop a work plan for this project. At its essence, this work plan consists of the following three components: an Existing Conditions Assessment of the Worship Space, the development and implementation of a Community Engagement plan, and the compiling of this information (along with 3 design options) into a Master Plan and Visioning document for the Episcopal Church of the Ascension. The physical area that was to be the focus of this study was determined to be the Worship Space (Sanctuary, Narthex, etc) as well as entry/exit points of the Worship Space. Existing Conditions Assessment The Existing Conditions Assessment includes review of existing documentation, on-site field verification, and an accessibility assessment of the Worship Space (Sanctuary, Narthex, etc) as well as entry/exit points of the Worship Space. Existing Conditions Verification Kodet conducted the following to review the existing conditions: Review of existing drawing sets made available by the Church. One field verification site to refine existing Worship Space floor plans and photo document existing conditions. 3 Accessibility Narrative In addition to a current set of floor plans and photo documentation, an Accessibility Narrative of the Worship Space and its entry/exit points will be included. Possible corrections for improved accessibility will be addressed as part of the design options later in this Master Plan. The intent of this narrative is to document existing conditions. Community Engagement Visioning and Master Plan Draft Community Engagement for this project was composed of meetings with the congregation, Discovery Team & Staff/Worship focus groups, and the collection of congregation/community feedback via survey and direct feedback to Visioning Team. The development of the Community Engagement plan was a collaborative effort between the Visioning team and Kodet. Visioning Team Buff Grace Rector Monica Davis Sr. Warden Jim Caldwell Vestry 2019 Lauren Hannigan Vestry 2020 Erik Sorensen Vestry 2021 Visioning and Master Plan Clergy and Staff Marilyn Baldwin Associate Priest Brenda Hoffman Deacon Nancy Whipkey Director of Music Ruth Meyer Asst. Director of Music Mindy Boynton Youth Ministry Marie Goebel Office Administration Edmund Farnham Custodian Discovery Team Linda Amrein Duane Arndt Kathy Carlson Jim Christopherson Mark Doneux Don Greeley Tom Mcelin Nance Purcell Drawing from the outcome of the community engagement, existing conditions and accessibility narrative, Kodet developed 3 concepts reflecting Minimum, Medium, and Maximum levels of intervention. These concepts took shape early on in the process and were developed and reviewed at project meetings in collaboration with the Visioning Team. Time-line The Visioning and Master Plan project began with a Kick-Off meeting with the Visioning Team on August 14th, 2018 and concluded with a final presentation to the congregation on Sunday November 4th, In addition to the meetings illustrated to the right, Kodet and the Visioning team conducted progress meetings, conference calls, and reviews via . Visioning and Master Plan Draft

5 Existing Conditions Assessment Existing Conditions Assessment Episcopal Church of the Ascension Visioning and Master Plan - Presented November 4th, 2018 Episcopal Church of the Ascension Visioning and Master Plan - Presented November 4th, 2018 Ascension Site Plan Site Entry and Accessibility Description Description The Episcopal Church of the Ascension is located The congregation enters the church from both 3rd at 214 3rd Street North in Stillwater, Minnesota. Street North and 4th Street North. Wheelchair Adjacent properties are the Stillwater Public Library accessible entry to the church occurs off of 3rd to the north, Stillwater City Hall to the West, Street primarily through the lower level entry of and the Stillwater Water Department along with the fellowship hall where an elevator provides Trinity Lutheran Church to the south. The church access to the sanctuary. Limited accessible parking is located on a hill with significant grade change is available off street in the north side driveway, in each direction. The church s property spans where an exterior path around the sanctuary leads between 4th Street North and 3rd Street North to an accessible entrance to the fellowship hall at with the primary address being on 3rd Street North. the level of the Sanctuary. The sanctuary is only Parking needs are met through street parking and accessible by wheelchair from the gallery and not shared lots in the surrounding neighborhood. through the traditional front entrance/narthex. Note: Complete and measured architectural drawings are not included in the contents of the assessment. The included diagrams identifies primary locations referenced in this document and is intended to be used for reference only. Stillwater Public Library rd Street North 5 Stillwater Water Department rd Street North Trinity Lutheran Church th Street North (3rd Street Entry) Visioning and Master Plan Draft Address 15 Groveland Terrace Contact Stillwater City Hall th Street North P: F: arch@kodet.com Primary stair entry at 3rd Street North Wheelchair accessible entry to lower level fellowship hall off 3rd Street North Visioning and Master Plan Draft Address 15 Groveland Terrace Contact Wheelchair accessible parking located at north driveway adjacent to sanctuary. P: F: arch@kodet.com 6

6 Existing Conditions Assessment Existing Conditions Assessment Entry and Circulation at Gallery Description The gallery is the focal point of circulation within the church and is the primary point of access to the sanctuary for much of the congregation. A stair and elevator bring congregation members from the lower level of the building and from the lower level 3rd Street entrance. An entry vestibule off of 3rd Street at the main level brings congregation members into the gallery adjacent to the Chapel. Congregation members entering from 4th Street arrive through an internal hallway past the Dining/ Multi-purpose space into the gallery. A single set of doors provides access to the worship space adjacent to the chancel/altar. Entry and Circulation at Narthex Description The traditional entry to the sanctuary, the narthex serves as entrance for congregation members parking along 3rd Street North. Additionally a small stair at the base of the bell tower allows for circulation to the basement, primarily used by clergy and choir members for services. Along with entry, welcoming, and circulation the Narthex is utilized for storage of coats, name-tags, and other worship items. The Narthex is an internally focused space with solid entry doors and opaque stained glass windows. Single door vestibule entrance to gallery. Narthex looking north. 7 Hallway from west/4th Street North entrance to gallery. Stair and elevator entry from lower level fellowship hall to gallery. Visioning and Master Plan Draft Congregation name tag board Guest sign in table and storage. Visioning and Master Plan Draft

7 Existing Conditions Assessment Existing Conditions Assessment Nave Description The Nave is traditionally laid out with wood pews and stained glass windows at the sides and rear walls. The pews allow for an approximate seating capacity of 230 people per initial code review. The wood pews are upholstered and have kneelers which are used in the service. The choir, clergy and congregation process via the center isle, which is noted to be tight for special services, to the chancel and altar during services. Two side isles accommodate circulation before and after services. The baptismal font is located at the rear of the nave, where the bell choir and other functions also occur depending on liturgical requirements. Chancel, Altar, and Organ Description During services the chancel seats clergy, attendees, and the choir. The congregation processes up three stairs onto the chancel and through a narrow path between the choir to reach the altar for communion where clergy and a number of attendees serve communion at a traditional rail. Congregation members seated to the north of the nave exit the altar through a narrow path behind the organ which requires ducking to avoid the organ. The chancel is unable to accommodate the church s piano or other musical assembles during services. The sacristy is accessed to the left of the altar at the rear of the worship space. Baptismal Font at rear of nave Nave looking east towards 3rd Street Rear of Nave Piano, lectern, and choir seating at front of chancel Altar with traditional communion rails at rear of chancel Pulpit, choir seating and organ at chancel 9 Visioning and Master Plan Draft Visioning and Master Plan Draft

8 Existing Conditions Assessment Existing Conditions Assessment Accessibility Narrative Synopsis The Episcopal Church of the Ascension, located in Stillwater, MN, is a two-story facility with classrooms, choir staging, storage and restrooms in the lower level. On the main level, a fellowship addition was added in the 1920s to the original 1888 historic sanctuary. Renovations in 2000 to the fellowship addition updated the facilities and incorporated an elevator for wheelchair access from the lower level 3rd Street North entry to worship space on the main level. Other functions on the main level include meeting rooms, a chapel, the kitchen, and parish hall. The purpose of this accessibility narrative is to review the accessibility compliance of the building for both the public and staff. The facility was reviewed with regard to both the MN State Accessibility Code, Chapter 1341 (2015) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (2010) and their related documents. This accessibility narrative focuses on the worship area and the main function areas that are part of worship at the Church, including the worship space, parish hall and main level restrooms. The narrative 11 includes the access to the facility from 3rd Street N. From brief observations of the space and an analysis of the existing plans, it has been found that there are several components to the worship area that do not meet the accessibility code. The following narrative will prioritize accessibility as follows: Approach and Entrance Accessible Path Through Building Restrooms Parking Drinking Fountains Additional Items * Note that the narrative is not fully inclusive - it is a preliminary and representational summary of the major functions of the Church, including the worship space, main level restrooms, and Parish Hall. * Note that Episcopal Church of the Ascension is not listed as an historic building on a national, state, or local Register. It is, however, part of the Downtown Stillwater Design Review District, as well as the potential Stillwater Cultural Landscape District. Building changes would need to be reviewed by the City. Since the building is not listed on a Register, accessible upgrades would be required with changes to the building. Priority 1 Parking/Drop-off There is not currently a compliant accessible parking space. The parking space located on the driveway could be upgraded to be compliant. Slope and cross slope of the space should be verified and appropriate striping for the parking space and access aisle should be added. The sign location should also be brought to code, as it is not installed at the correct height. The curb cuts and accessible parking at the front of the building on 3rd Street N. are not dedicated to the Episcopal Church of the Ascension, but they do provide the on-grade access point to the lower level. The recommendation would be to work with the City and community (neighbors, etc.) to create a designated drop-off from the street. Approach Entry into the facility occurs from several different locations on two streets, 3rd Street N. and 4th Street N. This narrative did not evaluate the approach and entrance from 4th Street N., as the only path from the street to the building includes stairs. Additionally, the worship area is closest to 3rd Accessibility Narrative Street North. Visioning and Master Plan Draft There are two levels of entry from 3rd Street North, allowing access to the main and lower floors, depending on where the approach begins. From the parking space by the driveway, there is a sloped sidewalk that leads to the main level. From the city sidewalk there is a clear and accessible sidewalk to the lower level. The sidewalks are currently in fair condition and appear to meet the required slope measurements for an accessible path. The sidewalks should be monitored so that they remain in compliance, and there should be no changes in level greater than 1/4 high. If they do exist, the sidewalk should be ground down or otherwise modified to comply. Heaving and cracking are examples of conditions that should be monitored, given the site location and Minnesota winters. Direct entry into the narthex is by two sets of stairs in the north and south of the space. From the city sidewalk there is a set of stairs, then an additional sidewalk and another set of stairs that lead to the narthex. There are several items with the stairs that are not in compliance, such as unequal tread depth, non-compliant handrails, and lack of a visual contrast at the edge of the tread surface. Adding strips of visual contrast at the leading two inches of the tread would be easily achievable. Changes to the concrete steps and handrails would be a more major undertaking. Entrance The entry at the lower level, which is approached from the city sidewalk, is accessible; but needs signage indicating as such. The main level entry, accessed from the parking spot in the driveway, is not fully accessible due to missing latch-side clearance at the door. In the entry vestibule, the door to the chapel creates overlapping door swings. The chapel door has a vision panel that does not meet accessibility codes because of its location in the door. It is too high, (above the required maximum starting point of 48 ), thereby prohibiting accessible visible access to the vision panel. A vision panel is not required on the door, but since it is provided it should be accessible. Door hardware at each of the entries off of 3rd Street that can be accessed by a ramp should be upgraded to meet code, by switching the knobs to levers. Each space needs a minimum of one path of accessible entry, and hardware upgrades would not be required at every door if one path was provided. Further analysis of each space and hardware would help to determine which spaces need to change, and which could keep more historic hardware. Visioning and Master Plan Draft

9 Existing Conditions Assessment Existing Conditions Assessment Accessibility Assessment Priority 2 Access to Goods and Services Once inside the building, there is an accessible path to the worship space. From the lower level, one would move through the vestibule to access the elevator. The elevator brings one to the main level, where there is a direct path to the worship, parish hall, and restrooms. The path to the worship space is accessible, but there are overlapping door swing areas in the hallway leading into the parish hall from the gallery and the storage room by the stairs. These door swings would need to be addressed to make the parish hall accessible. From the main level, the vestibule is inaccessible due to lack of latch side clearance at the doors. Once in the gallery, the worship area is accessible. However, the parish hall and restrooms have the same door swing clearance issue as listed above. Nave Seating There is not currently adequate accessible seating in the worship area. This does not comply for the following reasons: the number of accessible seats does not meet the required number and there is an inadequate number of companion seats. 13 The worship seating currently holds approximately 230 people. According to code, five accessible seats are required. Each accessible seat is also required to have one companion seat that is equivalent in size, quality, comfort and amenities to the immediate area. Depending on the calculations, there are either four available accessible seats and only two companion seats, or two accessible seats, each with a companion seat. The accessible seating is to be equally dispersed throughout the seating area. According to the code, there are two locations required for seating dispersion. At this time, the accessible seating is at the back or front of the church, which meets the minimum code requirement of two different locations. The appropriate number of accessible seats and companion seats should be added. Though not required by code, accessible seating dispersion that includes a space in the middle of the worship area is desirable. Nave, Chancel, and Altar The chancel is positioned three steps higher than the nave and is only accessible by stairs. The choir seating and organ are located on the chancel. The chancel also holds the pulpit and lecterns for service. These spaces are not accessible for the members of the clergy, musicians, or any other public members of the church who may be aiding in a service. This could be members who are readers, or people helping with communion. This is a high priority item. Adding a ramp or lift would be the recommendation to access the space, which would be a significant change. The altar is an additional two steps higher than the chancel. During the service, communion takes place at the altar. This is prohibitive to those with physical disabilities due to the steps and inaccessible path of travel after receiving communion, but a program change moving the communion location may be the easiest way to solve this issue. Accessibility Assessment Visioning and Master Plan Draft Narthex The narthex is an inaccessible location from both the exterior and the nave. Entry from the exterior was previously discussed. For entry from the worship space, the double doors are under five feet wide total, thus the individual door width is less than the 32 required. Welcoming items such as the guest book, church information, and member name tags are all located in the narthex. By moving these items to a different, accessible location, these programmatic functions could become accessible and changes to the narthex would not be needed. Additional Items As a general note, hardware throughout the church could be made accessible. Much of the hardware is currently accessible, so changing any remaining knobs to levers would benefit the accessibility of the Church with minimal investment. Each space needs a minimum of one path of accessible entry. Accessories throughout the Church, such as light switches and room signs, are to be located no more than four feet high. If some of the accessory items, such as thermostat controls, could be controlled only by staff and not used as public features, that could mean that the accessories would not need to change immediately. CONCLUSION Overall, access into the building and throughout the path of travel to the worship space is accessible. Though the paths are not the most direct, given the historic nature of the building and the topography of the site, the approach should not need to drastically change. Minor improvements to signage and hardware should be addressed. Changing the hardware is a priority item than some of the other issues, but it is readily achievable without a big investment. Within the worship space, the accessible seating could be improved. The changes to the flooring material would provide the opportunity to make those changes. Modifications to the location of communion and/or the program location could make communion more accessible to all. Visioning and Master Plan Draft

10 Community Engagement Plan Community Engagement Plan Focus Group Feedback Discovery Team Feedback Kodet engaged Ascension Clergy and Staff through surveys and a Focus Group meeting at the church conducted on August 28th, An additional conference call was held for the musical staff, Nancy Whipkey and Ruth Meyer, who were unable to attend the initial meeting. The surveys content was In May 2018, the Vestry invited anyone who wanted to serve on a Discovery Team to apply. This Discovery Team, including the vestry leadership for the renovation, visited other places of worship (listed below) throughout the summer to gather ideas and combined those ideas with a review of Ascension s own space. These findings were reported to the parish in the September 2018 Congregation Meeting. Kodet engaged with the Discovery Team through a survey and meeting on August 28th, Discovery Team Linda Amrein Duane Arndt Kathy Carlson Jim Christopherson Mark Doneux Don Greeley Tom Mcelin Nance Purcell generated by Kodet with input from the Visioning Team to engage the specific programmatic needs of the clergy and staff. Responses to these surveys are included in the digital appendix of this report. Clergy and Staff Participants Marilyn Baldwin Associate Priest Brenda Hoffman Deacon St. Clement s Saint Paul, MN St. Luke s Hastings, MN St. Mary s Catholic Stillwater, MN St. Mary s Episcopal Saint Paul, MN Nancy Whipkey Director of Music Ruth Meyer Asst. Director of Music Mindy Boynton Youth Ministry Marie Goebel Office Administration Edmund Farnham Custodian 15 highlighting key focus areas for each User Group. St. Andrew s Duluth, MN Visioning and Master Plan Draft St. Mary s Alexandria, MN St. Christopher s Roseville, MN St. Anne s Sunfish Lake, MN Visioning and Master Plan Draft

11 Community Engagement Plan Community Engagement Plan Congregation Questionnaire Question 1 What brings you to Ascension for worship on Sunday mornings? What changes Congregation Questionnaire Question 3 What aspects of your current worship spaces do you like the most? The least? to the space would better enhance your worship experience and aid in more meaningful engagement? The people and community are the primary drivers to bring people to Church on Sunday mornings. Members are aware of issues to address; there is a hesitancy to change but acknowledgment of the need. The historic treasure of the building and architecture should be maintained. Members love the space, words cloud diagram The congregation truly appreciates their historic worship space - the windows, historic feel, and woodwork area amongst the most favored. Areas that are least like are the lighting, sight lines, acoustics, and lack of flexibility. words diagram history, and community of Ascension. Question 2 What values and priorities are most important to you in the worship spaces? Question 4 What makes a welcoming worship atmosphere? Describe what the character, image, appearance, etc. should be in the worship spaces. The sense of space to each individual is important and relates to the physical space, the feeling of the space, and the community. Accessibility and acoustics are among the main concerns for the space. words cloud diagram The most important elements to a welcoming atmosphere relate to the people and having a space that is accessible to all individuals. The traditional liturgy, clean, well-kept space and bright facility were highlighted as creating a welcoming atmosphere. words diagram 17 Visioning and Master Plan Draft Visioning and Master Plan Draft

12 Community Engagement Plan Community Engagement Plan Congregation Questionnaire Question 5 Which historical aspects of the building and worship space are of greatest value Congregation Questionnaire Question 7 What about the current lighting in the space enhances and/or limits your wor- and importance to you? ship experience? What changes or modifications would you like to see in the future? Overall, comments were to preserve the beautiful interior, maintain traditional character, and restore existing pews. The stained glass windows are a highly valued historic feature. words cloud diagram Comments were split on the need to change lighting. Factors for changing it included environmental responsibility and functionality. Many comments noted the buzz from the lights and the desire to use a hearing loop system to improve acoustics. words diagram Question 6 Is flexibility in the worship space of value to you? What types of special Question 8 What about the worship spaces enhances or detracts from the musical programs could use the space now and in the future? How important is it to experience? What changes would better support the music at Ascension? have visible community space at Ascension? The congregation was divided with whether or not flexibility was important. Overall, there was consensus that the sanctuary needs to stay a church first and foremost. Several comments discussed that Ascension had other flexible areas and that the worship space should be preserved as is. There was general acknowledgment of the ability to have other events would require greater flexibility in seating and space use. 19 words cloud diagram Visioning and Master Plan Draft The lack of space and flexibility were the most common recurring responses. It was suggested to have the choir facing the congregation. Many people addressed the sight lines in relation to the musicians. words diagram Visioning and Master Plan Draft

13 Community Engagement Plan Community Engagement Plan Congregation Questionnaire Question 9 What do you like and dislike about the technology in the worship space? What Congregation Questionnaire Question 11 What supports or limits the circulation flow in the worship spaces, entries, and technology resources would better aid the worship environment? exits? What are current barriers and what would better aid your worship experience? Hearing loop and improving overall acoustics were the most common responses. Technology that is discretely integrated may be acceptable. Screens and projections were equally suggested and perceived as non-acceptable for the historic space. words cloud diagram The accessibility to communion is a barrier. The lack of space at the narthex is also difficult for people to maneuver. words diagram Question 10 What do you like and dislike about the seating in the worship space? How does Question 12 Please make other comments regarding long-term needs and long-term visions the current seating affect the historical nature and flexibility of the space? for the worship spaces at Ascension Episcopal Church. (This is a catch-all What values of seating options are most important to the worship spaces at question.) You may take the liberty of responding to the question or adding any Ascension? The majority of responses requested to leave the pews. The need to restore them was acknowledged. Many people were open to the idea of rearranging pews or removing some to allow for more room with the altar/chancel. The sense of church should not be lost with any change to seating. words cloud diagram additional comments. There are several members looking to move forward to ensure that Ascension stays relevant. There is a general sense that the historic treasure of the church should be maintained. Members are aware of issues to address; there is a hesitancy to change but acknowledgment of the need. words diagram 21 Visioning and Master Plan Draft Visioning and Master Plan Draft

14 History and Preservation History and Preservation Time-line The following time-line reflects general dates for the Episcopal Church of the Ascension. This does not represent a comprehensive history of the building. It captures significant dates in the congregation s history as revealed in the general Master Planning conversations First Episcopal Service 1846 Regular Services 1851 Construction began on the original Ascension Church on 2nd St., North of the Lowell Inn 1873 Cornerstone laid at current site of 3rd Street 1887 Original Ascension Church struck by lighting and burned down 1888 Current red brick Mid-Victorian Ascension Church constructed 1925 Parish Hall constructed 1950 s Under-croft and basement of the parish hall were remodeled. Parish hall remodeled and kitchen upgraded. Margaret Rivers Chapel added Office Wing constructed 1972 Parish Hall remodeled Renovation of lower level creating classrooms 1985 Dobson pipe organ installed 1986 Major restoration of the church 2001 Renovation to parish hall, classrooms, landscaping and addition of elevator 2013 Stained glass window restoration Original Ascension Church, cornerstone laid May 29, 1851 Sketch by Miss Lee Maunsell Published in Centennial Observance, July 7, Commissioned Visioning and Master Plan Historic Value Visioning and Master Plan Draft Many responses to the Community Engagement Survey highlighted the historic sanctuary as a valued asset and significant feature of worship and the building. Although minor modifications have been made since the church was originally constructed in 1887, many of the sanctuary s significant architectural features remain in good condition. The primary character defining and aesthetic traits of the sanctuary are: Woodwork including: beams, window and door trim, alter, trim along ceiling and chancel woodwork Stained Glass Windows (Tiffany) Furniture: wood pews Plaster walls / ceiling Layout: nave, chancel, altar procession Over the years, these modifications have been made to improve worship and congregational fellowship. Alterations to the historic layout of the church permit a direct path between worship in the sanctuary and secondary church functions: fellowship hall, classrooms, chapel, library, and church offices. Changes to the chancel bring the congregation closer to the alter for communion. The Episcopal Church of the Ascension has set two precedents for their building: 1. The church s stewardship and maintenance of the building has preserved many historic materials and historic integrity of the building. 2. Within the history of the church, the nave has been modified to best suit the needs of congregational liturgy and fellowship. The challenge for the current congregation is to discern whether or not to modify significant elements within the sanctuary. Secretary of Interior s Standards for Rehabilitation Preservation: retaining the existing historic building as it is including modifications that have been made since the building was originally constructed with an understanding that the modifications are part of the history of the building. Rehabilitation: Maintain significant historic features, but permitting changes that maintain the use of a historic building Restoration: returning a building to a defined period of significance, removing elements not dated to the period of significance, repainting to match historic colors, etc. Reconstruction: Rebuilding lost historic elements based on documentation Visioning and Master Plan Draft

15 Visioning and Master Plan Visioning and Master Plan Concept One - Minimal Intervention Concept One - Minimal Intervention Summary Concept One Updated Lighting at Altar, Chancel and Nave Updated Hearing Loop System New mixed flooring at Nave and Narthex Existing 22 full pews and 2 half pews to be restored as required, Seating for 230 to remain Concept Two - Medium Intervention Summary Concept One (Included) Updated Lighting at Altar, Chancel and Nave Updated Hearing Loop System New mixed flooring at Nave and Narthex Concept Two Wider Center Isle Modified Pew Seating for 198 New Choir Seating for 30 Expanded & Reconfigured Chancel with Accessible Ramp Relocated Communion Rails Relocated Choir Chancel remains at 3 steps above Nave Seating Concept One Approximate Estimate$ Concept Two Approximate Estimate$$ 25 Visioning and Master Plan Draft Visioning and Master Plan Draft

16 Visioning and Master Plan Visioning and Master Plan Concept Three - Maximum Intervention Concept Three Approximate Estimate$$$$$$ 27 Summary Concept One (Included) Updated Lighting at Altar, Chancel and Nave Updated Hearing Loop System New mixed flooring at Nave and Narthex Pew Restoration as Required Concept Two (Included) Wider Center Isle Modified Nave Seating New Choir Seating - 30 Expanded & Reconfigured Chancel with Accessible Ramp Relocated Communion Rails Relocated Choir Chancel remains at 3 steps above Nave Seating Concept Three New Addition for interior circulation from Narthex to Gallery Accessible Ramp to maintain accessible entry from north side driveway parking Expanded addition option for internal stair to basement. Expanded Gallery Next Steps Visioning and Master Plan Draft Kodet Architectural Group would like to thank the Ascension Visioning Team for their mindful work in developing this Visioning and Master Plan. We would also like to thank the clergy, staff, Discovery team and many congregation members who extended their thoughts on how to create better facilities. This Visioning and Master plan presents information from which to move forward to better understand the common values of the congregation and to engage in changes as necessary to improve the existing church while preserving its historic qualities. Next steps include, first and foremost, additional conversations and reflections amongst the Ascension community to further understand the concepts presented and align values towards a chosen direction for the church. Kodet looks forward to working with you in the future and recommends a Pre-Design study as a possible next step. This type of study brings together architects along with mechanical, electrical, and structural engineering consultants to develop a concept above the level presented here. It offers time to conduct further studies of the existing conditions and to dig deeper into the design solution, providing the information required for initial cost estimates. Again, thank you for your time and efforts in working with We very much appreciated working with such an engaged congregation and look forward to working with you in the future. Resources The following are professional resources utilized as references for this study that are available to Ascension for further discussion should the church require it. Dobson Pipe Organ Builders, Ltd. 200 N. Illinois St. Lake City, Iowa Contact: Lynn Dobson ldobson@dobsonorgan.com The Gale Family Library Minnesota History Center 345 W. Kellogg Blvd. St. Paul, MN Phone: Sauder Worship Seating 930 W. Barre Rd. PO Box 230 Archbold, OH Regional Contact: John Baker, St. Paul Fabricating & Decorating Company (Pew restoration and fabrication) 1750 Thomas Avenue St. Paul, MN Phone: Contact: Ken Brooks Visioning and Master Plan Draft

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