Greetings  Fellow Parishioners,

Spring has finally arrived (and, I am hoping, it is here to stay for a while!!) With this brings the start to the construction season!

We have now completed the construction documents with the architect,  Neumann Smith.  In cooperation and   coordination with Amy Suave from the Music Group, Art Belloli and the Worship Commission, we have finalized a   design for a completely new audio system, wireless microphones, and lighting controls in the church as well as multi-purpose video displays in the gathering space and new multi-purpose rooms. The initial design has also been enhanced to expand the choir area, raise and expand the altar and give the              multi-purpose rooms a warmer and less “utilitarian office” feel to them with the addition of richer textures, lighting and finishes that will accommodate a wider array of uses for these areas.

Over the past 45 days in conjunction with our contractor (J.S. Vig) we have issued the architects final construction drawings to the subcontractor market for formal bids. It is a very busy time right now in the construction industry, but we received multiple bids for all of our trades and some competitive price comparisons. Following the tabulation of the bids, we selected 2 or 3 of the subcontractors in each trade and performed our post-bid       interviews with them to review scope, schedule, clarifications, alternates and other details and minimize any potential surprises. 

It was a lot of work and I would like to personally thank Joe Chemello, Rich McLaren, and the entire J.S. Vig construction team for their extraordinary efforts and support during this critical phase of the project. Our final selection for subcontractors has been completed and their respective contracts are being prepared. Several of the important subcontractor trades, such as timber framing, structural steel and masonry, have already begun their shop drawings and product submittals to the architect in an effort to begin procurement of these longer-lead items.

Our main hurdle remains in obtaining the necessary permits and approvals from Wayne County on our stormwater design and then subsequently the Plymouth Township building and engineering departments on the remainder of the approvals. I am pleased to say that we are making headway, and last week received review letters from the   initial submissions in February from the County and the Township with their comments and concerns and continue to work diligently with the architect and the engineers to satisfy all their requirements.

On behalf of the entire Saint Kenneth Building Committee, I would like to thank everyone who is volunteering their time, talents and treasure for this project.  It is truly an exciting time for Saint Kenneth and I am proud to be a part of this effort. With continued trust in the Lord, your generous support and patience during this expansion and renovation, the future is truly bright for our Parish.!

Sincerely,

Bradley J. Neilson, Chairman
Saint Kenneth Parish Building Committee