About Us 
Renovation Update: November 2009
Sanctuary Renovation Update
We're excited to be moving forward on the renovation and renewal of our sanctuary. Here is some information to keep you up-to-date. Look for ongoing information in ENews and the Celebration newsletter as work progresses.
Who will be completing the construction?
Westwood's Facilities Team has reviewed official bids from five construction companies, all of which have excellent reputations for the kind of special work we are requiring. The Facilities Team unanimously agreed to pursue the project contract with Karkela Construction. Karkela Construction submitted the lowest bid for the project. Westwood has previous, positive experience working with the firm during the construction of the bathrooms located near the sanctuary. Larry Karkela is a member of Westwood and has served on our Properties Ministry Team for the past four years. Roger Swagger will be the construction manager for the project.
When will construction begin?
Final preparations for the project will begin on November 10, as volunteers help us remove the organ pipes and transfer them to storage for the duration of the project. The volunteer efforts are saving us about $20,000 on the cost of the project. Contact Kris Langlois at k.langlois@westwoodlutheran.org if you are interested in helping too. Construction work will begin the week of November 16 with an estimated project completion during July, 2010.
What is included in the project?
Final components of the project were selected as part of the bid review process. The project scope includes:
- new double-pane windows
- repair and refurbishment of doors
- restoration of walls, floor, columns
- new lighting and refurbished ceiling
- new or repaired electrical and mechanical systems
- installation of a sprinkler system
- new chancel platform
- new sound system, projection and recording systems
- installation of doors to south courtyard, along with repairs to the courtyard
- roofing repairs of the west education wing
- new and newly configured seating
- handicap accessible entryway near the narthex
What maintenance items are included?
The largest portion of dollars for this project address maintenance items, e.g. cracked windows and walls and old mechanical and electrical systems. The majority of the items from the Properties Ministry Team's "must do" list are addressed within the scope of this project. Some of the items have already been addressed prior to the onset of the construction project. Other items will be included in our budget and properties planning process as dollars become available.
What is happening to the pews?
The contractor is responsible for removing and storing the pews through January 1. Westwood is currently pursuing many options whereby the wood will be re-used, either at Westwood for new furnishings or elsewhere. We remain committed to making sure these materials are re-used.
What about chairs?
We are pursuing chairs which are sturdy, can hold hymnals and Bibles, contain padding, and are stackable. We will soon have some specific chair design samples for you to try out in the Commons.
What will be happening to the sanctuary cross?
As a part of the renovation and remodeling, the chancel platform, altar table, and pulpit will be moved forward from the west wall. The cross will be moved forward, consistent with these other elements of worship. The existing cross will be used on a pedestal, similar to today's set up and will be permanently anchored to the floor. The cross, in keeping with our theology, will be in our midst and we will sit "at the foot of the cross." (See the wooden model in the Commons.)
What is planned for the baptismal font and the altar?
We are hoping to re-use or re-cycle parts of the current font and altar and to make them moveable. Different options have been discussed, but nothing specific has been proposed yet. The Facilities Team will continue to work with the architect regarding design options. The design drawings will be made available to the congregation at that time.
Do we have the dollars to do what we need to do?
We initially hoped to raise around $2 million in the Capital Appeal. The current pledges to the campaign are slightly over $1.1 million which is partially a reflection of the state of the economy last spring when the Capital Appeal began. The project scope was reduced to match the pledge commitments. With the contract bid coming in at a very favorable level to Westwood, we are confident that we will be able to complete the project in a way that truly sets us up for an exciting next half century of ministry in this space! Watch for additional opportunities coming your way over the next six months to support this effort.
May I give a special gift in memory of or in honor of someone?
The Capital Appeal Team will be providing opportunities in early 2010 to "buy a window" and to purchase the altar furnishings as special gifts. A special Memory Book will be created to name those gifts and the special people being remembered and honored. Please speak with Jim Vos, the Capital Appeal Chair, or Pastor Tania Haber for further information on special gifts. We also encourage year-end gifts during December which will help cover immediate cost needs.
Who can I talk with if I have other questions?
Please contact members of the Facilities Team: John Stark (Chair), Keith Bergquist (Properties Ministry Chair), Lorraine Kent, Charley Rosengren, Kurt Koubal (Council representative), Andrew Holmberg, Jim Holmes, and Bekah Padilla. They will be available in the Commons on Sunday mornings and at Town Meetings which are scheduled throughout the winter and spring.
