Greenwood Memorial United Methodist Church Executive Summary, Due Diligence Master Plan 1 June 2009 In the fall of 2008, Greenwood Memorial United Methodist Church commissioned Studio G Architects to conduct due diligence planning to evaluate the possible and necessary improvements of their existing basement space. Studio G hired Zade Associates and Souza True and Partners for building systems and structural engineering consultation. Their respective reports regarding existing conditions and recommendations are attached to this summary. A historic rehabilitation study report was previously prepared by Pillings+Smith Architects in April 1998 and June 2000, and is also attached.
Space Programming and Activities The basement currently houses all of the Church social events – consisting of numerous adult ministries and group meetings, an Afterschool Program for children aged 5 to 14 years old and Sunday school classes for 30 children and adults. Its main spaces include the Vestry (social hall), office, kitchen, computer room, several small classrooms and library, a stage area, separate restrooms for boys and girls and miscellaneous utility and storage rooms. The Vestry is heavily used by all groups and is required to transition from a space for children to a space for adults at various times, while also being a place that unifies people of all ages. It is important that the space stay flexible and is enjoyed equally by all users. The office, classrooms, library and computer room are predominantly utilized by the Afterschool program.
Planned Improvements Greenwood Memorial received a planning grant from the Children’s Investment Fund (CIF) in December 2008. The due diligence planning by Studio G recommended the following design and building systems upgrades: • Mechanical systems upgrades, including addition of new AC at the Sanctuary, as noted in Zade report. • Electrical upgrades and repairs, especially for the fire alarm system, as noted in Zade report. • Necessary structural upgrades as noted in Souza True report. • Plumbing upgrades required for a new sprinkler system for fire protection, which will allow for increased occupancy, which is currently limited to 100 people. • Exterior window repairs/replacement (as allowed by Mass. Historic Commission) to reduce drafts and improve the overall weather-tightness of the building envelope. • Provide handicap accessibility between floor levels through the addition of a limited use limited access (LULA) elevator or wheelchair platform lift, as well as other necessary interior handicap accessibility upgrades. • Improve flexibility and allow multiple group use of the vestry through the addition of an acoustical movable partition with integral hinged door to allow passage when the partitions are closed. • Replacement of the existing accordion partition at the stage with an acoustical movable partition for better sound control. • Provide a counter and storage cabinets at the vestry for serving and entertaining during social gatherings. • Provide display boards for dedicated use by the various groups.