usi ng o u r resour c es w i s ely
KEYS TO CONSTRUCTING THE CHURCH OF THE FUTURE
Photo by Megan Marley
C OMM U N I CAT IO N AND
O
By Bridget Locke
C OL L ABOR ATIO N
ver the years, Martha Kauffman, construction manager for the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, has seen many construction projects come to fruition. From
minor updates to major renovations and new construction, Kauffman has helped parishes enhance their physical structures to demonstrate good stewardship, gratitude to God for his provision and faithfulness in preserving the
D I O C E SAN B UI LD I N G C O M M I SSI O N •D eacon Michael Lewis, Chairman • Matt Berislavich • Bob Drake • Bill Gagnon • John Giacomo • Chris Hotop
• Bernard Jacquinot • Martha C. Kauffman • Angela Laville • Tim Saxe • Thomas Strahan • Father Paul Turner
Church for generations to come. While reverence to God is paramount, successful construction projects also require meticulous planning. Therefore, under Kauffman’s guidance, the diocese adheres to a structured process flow that helps ensure that the right constituents are convened and accountable through every stage. As part of the Property Management Office, the Construction Management Office is involved with projects that cost more than $150,000 and require the expertise of an architect, engineer or other professionals. The Construction Management Office, led by Kauffman, works in close collaboration with the Diocesan Building Commission. Together, they oversee the design and construction phases of major builds.
GO W I TH TH E (P RO CE SS) FLO W There are several major projects in various phases of completion within the diocese. For example, Downtown Kansas City’s Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is in the midst of its “Building Glory” capital campaign to construct the new Father Donnelly Hall Evangelization Center, a 300-400 seat, multi-purpose event space that will house parish offices, meeting rooms, a reception area and catering kitchen,
and includes improvements to Morning Glory Ministries, the parish’s mission to the homeless and hungry of the downtown area. Additionally, St. Andrew the Apostle Parish (Gladstone) is in the schematic design phase of its “Church for the Ages” campaign, to erect a new worship space to seat 1,200 and add classroom space, youth program rooms, meeting rooms and a large reception hall. Neither project would have advanced to this point without carefully crafted strategies. So, what are the hallmarks of a good construction plan? It’s important to assess needs, secure proper approvals and engage the appropriate church leadership and professionals in the process. These steps are expounded upon in detail in the comprehensive “Guidelines for New Construction and Major Renovation Projects” document, which is being updated to include information on contracts and different options for Project Delivery Methods. Written by the Construction Management Office and peer-reviewed by the Building Commission, the document offers step-by-step instructions for parishes engaged in major renovation and new construction projects.
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