Construction Updates: Waterproofing, Roof Raising, & More!

For quick updates on the renovation project of Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Congregation, you can visit or subscribe to the 3-Minute Rundown.

For in-depth updates, read on!

Maryann Dillon, co-chair of the Construction Task Force, says, “I hope you're as excited as I am to see all the progress we're making. We're so pleased with our general contractor, Whitener Jackson, who's really looking out for us and staying on schedule and on budget!”

Recent Construction Milestones

The construction crew has been busy! The Construction Task Force is pleased that renovations are going smoothly, and we greatly appreciate the congregation’s flexibility during this time of great change.

This month, the sidewalk that encircles the main building has been removed. There is a temporary accessible walkway to access the sanctuary on Sundays. Please note that currently the chapel and rooms on the lower level of that wing are not available. The removal of the old sidewalk was needed to waterproof the lower level of the building and to build a more accessible sidewalk.

Work on building a larger, more accessible elevator continues to progress.

The “rough-in” for the fire alarm system is well underway.

There is a lot going on with the newly expanded Social Hall!

The roof has been removed for the contractor to construct a raised roof that will bring in more sunlight and connect to an expanded deck. It’s exciting to think about how this expanded space will be used in the future. Currently, temporary waterproofing is installed to protect the building until the new roof is installed. Structural steel has been erected for the Social Hall’s raised exterior wall.

Structural steel framing for the Social Hall.

Recently completed site work outside and below the social hall deck includes a new swale and new drains. This will help direct rainwater away from the building .

The rocky swale directs water away from the lower level of the building.

On the lower level, interior wall framing has begun for new restrooms and a social lounge.

What’s Next

Where the sidewalks have been removed around the front of the main building, waterproofing is underway to ensure water no longer enters rooms on the lower level. Once the waterproofing is complete, new concrete sidewalks will then be installed.

We’ll soon see roof framing for the Social Hall from outside the building. Meanwhile, inside the expanded social hall, ductwork will also soon begin.

Throughout the main building, plumbing, electrical, and fire alarm rough-in work continues.

In the front of the sanctuary, the stage back wall framing work will soon begin.

Work at the front of the sanctuary (“backstage”) soon begins.

Accessing Worship Services & Housekeeping Notes

We invite you to join us for worship in the sanctuary on Sundays at 10:30 AM. As always, we also livestream worship services at 10:30 AM on YouTube.

The sidewalks leading to the main entrance have been removed and a temporary walkway has been constructed. Please use care and stay in the indicated areas.

Inside the sanctuary, the concrete floor is overall quite smooth, but there are some areas that are more rough than usual. Please use caution.

The demolition created quite a bit of dust. We have deep cleaned, but there is still some dust. People who have a respiratory condition or are particularly sensitive are encouraged to wear a mask or participate in Sunday services online.

There is an accessible portable restroom and sink in the courtyard and accessible restrooms in the Chalice House. There is also a small restroom in the wing of staff offices.

Do not enter areas that are under construction. They are unsafe and dirty. We do not have access to the Social Hall, the upstairs hallway with the main restrooms, the front of the sanctuary (behind the shogi screens), and most of the lower level.

Child Care During Worship Services

Each Sunday through August 6, there will be a creative MakerSpace and separate childcare available in the Chalice House. As always, babies, children, and youth are welcome to remain in worship with their parents/guardians.

Meeting Access and Contacting Staff

Cedar Lane teams are welcome to contact Lizzie Person, Office Administrator (lperson (at) cedarlane.org) to schedule onsite, late afternoon or evening meetings. Space is limited.

Mail is being delivered to the building and collected by staff. Many staff members continue to work remotely. Email remains the best way to be in touch.

For Cedar Lane Ministry Teams contact information and the current schedule of events, visit: https://www.cedarlane.org/ministry-teams-contact-information.

…And remember, quick updates on the renovation project are shared in the weekly e-news or can be directly accessed in the 3-Minute Rundown. Stay tuned!