Construction

We are happy to report that our renovation project is about to break ground! We want to thank all those who have helped us get to this point. This is to give you an update on what’s planned, what it means and what to do if you have questions or issues.

What’s Planned

We have three projects happening in Phase 1 (roughly June 29 – Aug 30):

Replacing the concrete stairway leading to the front of the church (Albemarle side) with a new stairway.

Replacing and renovating the main kitchen on the third floor.

Installing a new retaining wall and fence along the back of the playground. 

Phase 2 will include replacement of the elevator, a new stairway in the back of the building (Butterworth side), a new trashpad, and improvement of the bathrooms, and improved ADA accessibility to the church via the Albemarle Street entrances. We will share more information about Phase 2 at a later date.

We have permits for all three Phase 1 projects. Work will take place between June 29 and August 30, so that it does not extend into the nursery school year. 

Our general contractor is ThirdWall Construction. They are finalizing and coordinating logistics plans with the Church and Nursery School for Phase 1 work. Church, vestry and nursery school leadership are in close communication with the architect and general contractor and are committed to keeping parishioners and neighbors appropriately informed during this Summer. 

What This Means

Construction will impact our ability to use some of the Church spaces:

• Playground:
  The playground will be closed to both the congregation and the public from June 29 to August 30. Signs will be posted at entrances. For your safety, we ask children and adults to stay away from it during this time.
  
  
• Kitchen:
  The kitchen will not be usable between June 29 and August 30. St. Columba’s staff will empty the kitchen of all items it wants to retain and find storage by June 29. Any ministry with property in that kitchen, or any need to access it between now and September 1, should contact Torie Proctor.
  
  Note that the Great Hall and the bathrooms behind the kitchen should still be accessible, with some possible interruptions. 

• Parking lot:
  Parking access will be reduced during construction to accommodate materials and vehicles.
  
  
• Labyrinth: the Labyrinth will be inaccessible during the period of construction. 
  
  
• Entrances:
  The two entrances to the church along Albemarle St. will be closed – those from the front steps to the Commons and the Narthex.
  
  The entrance to the offices on Albemarle St will be open
  Monday through Thursday 9a to 4p, Friday 9a-1p and Sundays 7a-1:30p.
  
  The 42nd St entrance (and the ADA ramp) to the Nave will be open Sundays 7a to 1:30p
  
  The entrance to the Great Hall from Butterworth will also be open
  Sundays 7a to 1:30p
  
  The nursery school entrance and access to the elevator will also be available on Sundays, 7a to 1:30p
  
  
• Working Hours:
  Construction hours, as allowed by DC ordinance, are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Generally Monday through Friday with occasional Saturday workdays. There may be periods of high noise, dust, or vibration during removal of the existing front steps on Albemarle St., for which we apologise in advance. We hope this can be done quickly and efficiently. This will happen early on in the process and should last no more than a week. We do not anticipate any substantial utility interruptions (water, electricity, internet, HVAC, etc.) to the church.

Please visit columba.org/construction for information and to 
contact us. For non urgent matters, the parish office number is 202.363.4119.

For matters that require immediate assistance, call 202-630-4010 

What’s Next 

We will share more details about Phase 2 as we finalize our plans. 

If you have questions or concerns, please call 202.363.4119. We will send periodic updates through the summer regarding the status of construction and impacted areas of the Church, including any schedule changes, emergencies, or unforeseen impacts. The Church will post notices in and around the Church where entry or parking is affected.

Construction activity always involves surprises, changes of plan, and unexpected shifts caused by weather. We know it will also be disruptive to Church members and staff, as well as neighbors; we apologise in advance and ask for your forbearance. We plan to communicate regularly to minimize concerns. When the work is done, we hope that it will result in a better, more beautiful, more welcoming church!

We want to thank again those who donated to the Live God’s Love capital campaign, making this all possible. We would also like to thank everyone on the Property Development Task Force  for all their work to date to make this happen, and to colleagues in all our ministries and church staff for their patience while we have worked this through. 

Quick Tips for Accessing the Church

Options for Accessing the Church Nave:

• The Nave doors on 42nd street will be available. 
• You may also use the 2nd floor office doors
• The doors on the Butterworth side of building, 1st 2nd and 3rd floors

Accessing the Great Hall: 

• The Nave doors on 42nd street will be available. 
• You may also use the 2nd floor office doors
• The doors on the Butterworth side of building, 1st 2nd and 3rd floors

If you require elevator access:

• You may also use the 2nd floor office doors
• You may also use the Nursery School entrance and 2nd floor Butterworth

Please visit columba.org/construction for information and to 
contact us. For non urgent matters, the parish office number is 202.363.4119.

For matters that require immediate assistance, call 202-630-4010