Over the past several months, the Building Our Tomorrows Renovation Progress Committee has worked thoughtfully and diligently with the Hiti, DiFrancesco and Siebold, Inc. (HD+S) design team to advance design of the renovation and expansion of UUCC’s facilities. The Committee’s work has been guided by a vision for a building that is open, adaptable, welcoming, accessible and inclusive, and that fosters spaces where community is formed, sustained, and enriched. Our work also remains focused on environmental responsibility and careful stewardship of the congregation’s financial resources.

Significant progress has been made, including:

• Refining the Vision: The committee reviewed and affirmed the program and space needs established through the original master plan and prioritized improvements for further study.
• Exploring Design Options: More than ten alternative design concepts have been developed and reviewed, including floor plans, exterior elevations, and building massing studies. Each option has been carefully evaluated, and the design options are being refined in response to the committee’s input.
• Constructability Review: A detailed assessment of the existing building by the design team, engineers and construction manager have identified opportunities to accomplish more of the renovation within the existing building footprint. This approach will help control construction costs.
• Construction Manager: The committee conducted a thoughtful selection process to select a construction manager for preconstruction services and cost estimating. Regency Construction Services, a Cleveland-based firm, has been selected, and initial cost estimates for the various design approaches are now being developed.
• Understanding the Site: A professional surveyor has prepared a drawing of the existing property boundaries, topography, utilities, and other site conditions.
• Working with the City: Initial discussions have begun with the City of Shaker Heights regarding zoning requirements and the design review process, including considerations related to the existing historic steeple and north portico.
• Exploring Sustainability: The committee and design team members participated in a webinar exploring geothermal systems and how other congregations have incorporated this technology into their facilities.