Questions and Answers
P reparations for the
upcoming capital campaign are underway! A series of special presentations
will begin at the end of February and run through the end of March. Every
parish and school household will be invited to attend and hear details
about St. Catherine of Siena’s capital campaign and master building plan.
In the meantime, a series of bulletin inserts will begin to address some
of the questions raised during last fall’s fundraising feasibility study.
1. What building projects does Phase I involve?
The focus of Phase I and the upcoming capital campaign is the construction
of a 10,000 square foot Multi-Use Hall that serves as both a Parish Hall
and a Gymnasium. It will be located just northeast of the Church and will
include a commercial kitchen, ample storage space, stage and adequate
restrooms.
2. What other projects does the campus master plan include?
St. Catherine’s Facilities Committee developed a comprehensive campus
master plan that takes into account the current and future needs of the
parish and school. It includes: 1) new middle school (6-8th grades)
classrooms and a science laboratory 2) development of the north entrance
of the Church to include a covered gathering area and more inviting main
entry 3) creation of a center plaza with grass and play area on what is
currently the north parking lot 4) possible relocation of the pre-school
to the Siena Center, to the location of the existing Gym/Social Hall or to
another space.
3. Why is a new Gym and Parish Hall Phase I of the Master Plan?
Households that completed the Facilities Survey in 2004 overwhelmingly
favored a new social hall with a modern kitchen and a gym as priorities
for improving the parish/school campus. The existing gym/social hall is
functional but poses many challenges when it comes to athletic events and
practices, food service, large group gatherings, accessibility, storage
space and adequate restrooms. Also, the new Gymnasium will include a
regulation-size basketball court so that St. Catherine home games can be
played at home rather than other parishes!
4. Will we have handicapped parking spaces if a building is placed
where there is currently a parking lot?
Yes, it is a priority to assure that there is adequate parking and that
the new buildings are accessible. Additionally, the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) requires a specific ratio of handicapped spaces
based upon building capacity.
5. Will the existing cafeteria continue to serve as the cafeteria when
the new Multi-Use Hall is completed?
Yes. The expectation is that when the eighth grade is moved to the new
classrooms there will be more room for food service.
6. What is the construction cost of Phase I?
Preliminary estimates are based upon square footage and comparable, recent
building projects in the Archdiocese and King County. These indicate that
St. Catherine can expect a cost between $1,800,000 - $2,300,000 that will
include permits, professional fees and a 10% contingency.
The capital campaign seeks to raise a minimum of $1,300,000 and to secure
aloan from the Archdiocese to cover the balance. However, the feasibility
study that was conducted last fall indicated that St. Catherine is
positioned for a very successful campaign and with widespread
participation may well be capable of raising far more than the $1,300,000
minimum goal.
7. Will the Multi-Use Hall be rented to outside groups?
We expect the new Parish Hall and Gymnasium to be used so frequently for
parish and school activities that little opportunity will exist for
outside use. However, outside rental request will be evaluated on a case
by case basis.
8. What will become of the existing Gym/Social Hall?
The existing Gym/Hall will remain until the phase that builds new
classrooms. When that time comes, the decision to renovate or demolish the
existing Gym/Hall will be based upon costs to renovate or demolish,
practicality, and parishioner/school parent input.
9. Does the Parish have plans to purchase other property surrounding
the parish if it becomes available?
Property acquisition will be considered if funds and property become
available and if it is determined that it furthers the parish and school’s
respective missions.
10. What are the plans for the Siena Center?
At this time, we do not plan to sell the Siena Center. If, at some future
time we think it is a viable option, we would write the Archbishop to
obtain permission. It is expected that the Parish Offices will be moved to
the Rectory when it is vacated by CYO sometime in the winter of 2006/07.
We will be looking for an appropriate renter for the Siena Center. If you
have any suggestions on possible renters, please email
Victoria.
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