By Kim Brannon
As many may have noticed, a new building has emerged during the past year on the north lawn of the church. Through divine feats of engineering, this new building connects so seamlessly to the existing church, that references to the “new building” will surely evolve into buzz about the “expanded space” in the near future. Because the architects stayed true to the traditional style of architecture, the expanded space appears as if it was miraculously part of the original building construction!
But make no mistake, the vision of the Building Committee and the desires of the congregation have been fulfilled with the addition of 33,000 square feet of new building space. This includes 22,000 square feet on the first floor and 11,000 square feet on the second. As originally planned, much of the second floor will remain unfinished for now with an eye toward future expansion. However, the Adult Library, a spacious gathering area, and elevator access already makes the second level a key part of the enlarged church. The nearly completed first floor of the new building holds preschool classrooms and nursery space for the church and Weekday School, Children’s Ministry office space, a new gathering/information/entrance area, abundant restrooms, a small conference room, additional kitchen access, and UPUMC’s brand new Activity Center.
The spacious Activity Center takes up much of the new construction and will host a variety of functions in the coming life of the church. Its 30-foot ceiling and expansive floor make it ideal for sports, musical productions, contemporary worship, large meals, receptions, and service to the community. Up to 500 people can comfortably attend a staged performance within these walls. Alternatively, 300 can enjoy a meal while seated at round tables. Newly purchased tables and chairs will complete the set-up.
One of the most striking features of the Activity Center is the beautiful floor. A subgroup of the UPUMC Building Committee spent months researching and visiting other churches to study flooring material. Their investigation yielded a floor that is aesthetically beautiful, yet practical for performances, meals and sports. The subtle basketball court markings will seemingly disappear when the room is set up for other activities.
Audio-visual equipment hangs discretely overhead, waiting to display song lyrics, film presentations or scripture during worship. A portable sound cart stands ready to direct lighting and visual effects. Another will control sound functions. Because audio-visual technology is such an important part of the multiple uses of the Activity Center, UPUMC contracted Electro Acoustics to create this feature. Electro Acoustics may be familiar to some as they also installed the audio-visual elements at The Ballpark in Arlington, home of the Texas Rangers!
As furniture is moved into place and coffee bars become active, it is becoming apparent that the renovation of the existing building is all but finished. We celebrated the completion of the Education Building remodel over a year ago. By the end of 2011, renovation work on the rest of the existing building wrapped up, as well. These improvements included a new gathering space near the Sanctuary, the relocation of staff offices, renovation of all restrooms, and an updated kitchen. Eighty percent of the existing campus was overhauled during this campaign.
All in all, through the Generation to Generation capital campaign, UPUMC members prayerfully paved the way for the renovation of 22,000 square feet of space in the Sanctuary and Fellowship buildings and 29,000 square feet of building space in the Education Building. These were greatly needed improvements for a stately church building that ranged in age from 50-70 years old.
One of the most pressing concerns of the Building Committee has been addressed through the improvements and additions to the children’s areas of the church. Secured access to children’s classroom space has been a priority during this improvement campaign. With the completion of the Education Building renovation and the added space of the new building, an increased level of electronic and physical security will be in place. Glass walls in gathering areas and classrooms provide security as well as transparency for the children in the care of church staff and volunteers. As an added security feature, all classrooms are now wired with telephones.
In addition to the latest design and technological updates, church members should be assured that physical safety remains an utmost concern. The Building Committee has ensured that the church facility continues to be a safe place for both children and adults. With the completion of the expanded space, an upgraded fire alarm system is in place which meets or exceeds local fire code throughout the campus. Upgraded features include a new automatic fire door in the new space.
As we renovate property and build additional building space, UPUMC remains mindful of the stewardship God has given us over the Earth’s resources. Toward that end, high-efficiency materials and fixtures have been used throughout. Currently, 95 percent of all church windows are new dual frame, high-efficiency rated windows guaranteed to lower energy consumption. High-efficiency rooftop heating and cooling units have been installed, low-flow toilettes and restroom fixtures are in use, and high-efficiency lighting has been put in place which includes motion sensors for classrooms and restrooms. As an additional benefit, the renovation has caused 99 percent of all of the building’s asbestos to be abated, resulting in the elimination of substantially all asbestos in accessible areas.
Several improvements to building accessibility were made early in the renovation process, and work to make the UPUMC campus accessible for all continues. One of the most desired features of the building plan has been elevator access from top to bottom – UPUMC has never had elevator access to the basement Youth Department. That is no longer the case as UPUMC’s brand new elevator is up and running!In addition, a new driveway off of Preston Road is nearing completion and this will provide convenient, special needs church access, several close-in parking spaces, and an inclement weather drop-off point close to the Sanctuary.
As new church entrances open, church members and visitors have already begun to see new signage both inside the building and out. One of the very first initiatives of this building campaign began with the installation of distinctive brick markers proclaiming the name, University Park United Methodist Church, strategically located around the building. This initiative continues with new classroom signage and outdoor directional signs conveniently placed. In this instance, the goal of the Building Committee is to welcome members and visitors alike with clear direction and welcoming signs.
The renovation would not have been completed if not for the sacrificial but joyful work of a few men at UPUMC known as the Merry Methodist Misfits. For years this group of handy and talented craftsmen have repaired woodwork, built tables, and worked on a perpetual fix-it list. However, their talents and sacrifice were never more needed than during the latest renovation project. The Merry Methodist Misfits saved UPUMC thousands of dollars in restoration costs by completing projects such as wood work in the Adult Library and Parlor, door repair, and moldings installation. UPUMC members Fred Christen, Dick Taylor, Terry Chambers, Pete Protzmann and Jay Arthur make up this band of merry misfits and should be thanked with a sincere handshake when you see them on Sunday mornings!
So we have been very patient during these past few months and years of planning and dreaming. Through the faithfulness of our congregation, we have funded and built a building during a stressful recession, come in right on budget and incurred no ill will from neighboring homeowners during the process. And now, as we open this new building and inaugurate the expanded space, please be prayerful about God’s intention for this resource. Ask yourself, “How does God want UPUMC to use this space? How does God want ME to invite others to this space? How will this space affect the lives of brothers and sisters in our community, our nation and the world?” Our focus now shifts, and the real work begins. To God be the glory.
Sunday, Feb. 12, we will celebrate the opening of our newest sacred space! Everyone is invited to the Activity Center at noon for lunch, fellowship and a short service to consecrate the new building. Be sure to stay after the service to take a tour.To ensure an accurate headcount for lunch, sign up at the Connection Center or call the front desk at 214-368 1435. Donations to offset the cost of the lunch are accepted. To donate, go to www.upumc.org/give.