We are fast approaching the reopening of the building on September 12. While the building has been well cared for and capital campaign projects continue, we find ourselves working at a quick pace to complete final details and prepare the space for you as we gather in our building again. This will be a joyous time to see each other and reconnect.
As many of you may know from your experience in doing home improvements, or perhaps through your work, it is increasingly difficult to get products and contractors in a timely way.
Before I go into the details of what you might expect inside, let me fill you in on exciting projects that are taking place outdoors. We are almost there in obtaining our permit for the ramp. Once the permit is let, construction will begin. It is still our hope to get the ramp and all plantings done this summer and fall. We are looking forward to our Intergenerational Playscape and Accessibility Ramp from the southwest door of the sanctuary.
Barb Butz and volunteers have created a beautiful pollinator garden on the northwest lawn. Today when I was there the sun was shining, multiple flowers were in bloom, and the native prairie garden plants loomed behind and high above. It is just beautiful. Thank you garden team. Along the west wall of the wing you will see new prairie grasses and a few yews planted with hostas on the south end of the lot. Thank you, Carol Nielsen for following up on that much needed improvement. It seems we could say we have developed a “Garden Ministry”. The talents of our congregants and care for our grounds is a gift to everyone at UCE and those who visit us.
Remember our rain gardens? There’s one on the east and one on the southeast of our property. A group of Northwestern Engineering students are working with Kimberly Gray, Chair and Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering to study our southeast rain garden. NW received a federal grant to study how cities can achieve installations of more urban rain gardens. They found out about ours and came to talk with us back in the spring. They are now following up to confirm their proposal to install a “weather station” with sensors to test the water and various aspects of the rainfall collected. This project will be presented to the Green Team and Buildings and Grounds at our joint September meeting. The students have assembled a power-point that explains the design and our study objectives. The professor and her team were very impressed with the fact that we have not one, but two rain gardens, and that they appear to be working well. This will be an exciting project for the Green Team and Buildings and Grounds to discuss and look forward to. Stay tuned as we provide additional information in the months ahead.
The lobby may not quite be as complete as we had hoped, as this hinges on our new hospitality desk availability and other refinements for furniture. Our goal is to make the lobby as user-friendly and welcoming as possible, with a special focus on how all generations can move in the space that flows better and creates a safe environment. We are excited about a new larger monitor that provides more information about what is going on in the building as well as general information about UCE events and activities.
Room 2 carpet will be laid next week, but alas, there is a back order on the trim that goes around the room. We are hoping that it arrives by the promised September 3rd date. Once installed Room 2, will have new carpet, furniture, shades, ceiling tiles and lighting. Rather than fixtures like the office and Room 3, we chose softer lighting that will work with our existing sconces to provide a quieter feeling for covenant groups, small memorials and meditation. We think you will enjoy the feeling of this clean and fresh updated space.
Steven and Liz are cleaning rugs and removing paper from the hallway areas where we have been protecting the new floors installed earlier this year, as well as going through each and every room to clean and tidy up for our ingathering in September.
On September 19th, we will dedicate the new, beautiful kitchen. As you will recall, we closed the week before our planned event in March. Please join us for this important recognition of the love and care that has gone into making our kitchen the heart of our home and a place where we gather for hospitality and connection.