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Build the Spirit!
Archives of the Capital Fund Campaign

View from Fairfax Drive, updated August 23, 2002.

• A welcoming beacon to invite all people
• Symbolic of the values in faith and community
• A bold expression of purpose, outreach and openness to the community
• A secure environment for all users

Preliminary Blueprints

Refer to Parish Center update in each week's bulletin, which takes the place of the Build the Spirit newsletters.
 
Background: Parish Center Committee
Newsletter #22 (12/23/01) exlains the estimated total project cost of $5.4 million along with what's in and what's out - December 23, 2001
Newsletter #20 (10/7/01) | Newsletter #19 (8/26/01) | Newsletter #18 (8/19/01) | Newsletter #16 (7/29/01) | Newsletter #15 (7/15/01) | Newsletter #14 (6/17/01) | Newsletter #13 (5/26/01) | Newsletter #10 (3/25/01) | Stakeout on the Circle photos, story (10/22/00)
Newsletter #9 (10/1/00) | Newsletter #7 (9/10/00) | Newsletter #6 (6/25/00) | Newsletter #5 (6/4/00) |
Noticiero #5 | Newsletter #4 (4/30/00) | Newsletter #3 (3/05/00) |
Newsletter #2 (2/27/00) | Newsletter #1 (2/6/00)
Final Report of Parish Center Group | Homily on Parish Center, Hospitality

 

One Proposed Exterior View from Parking Lot (not funded),
updated August 23, 2002.

Preliminary Blueprints Available Online 6/24/01

As previously reported, the Parish Center Executive Committee and Ambassadors Group, who represent the various elements of Parish life, have held extensive meetings with Michael T. Foster of MTFA Architecture, Inc. Together preliminary blueprints have been developed for both the interior and exterior designs of the Parish Center. This group has reached a consensus of what those plans should be.

2/04/01 - Architect Chosen

From Fr. Creedon's remarks in the Parish Bulletin of February 4, 2001

The Parish Development Committee and I have offered a contract for Schematic Design to MTFA Architecture, Inc. to assist us in the first phase of architectural planning for our new facilities. Michael Foster and his company offer the skills and vision that will enable us to build on the great work already done. I thank all who have brought us to the brink of this historic work by ministries, especially our school, as we move forward.

"Build the Spirit!"

1/29/01 - One Step Closer

As Fr. Creedon recently advised, the St. Charles Parish Community Center Committee has received approval from the Diocese to select an architect and an engineer for our project. Five Diocesan-approved architecture firms have expressed interest in submitting proposals to provide planning/design services to St. Charles. Our Committee will be conducting interviews with these prospective firms in late January 2001.

If you have any thoughts on the project that you wish to bring to the attention of the Committee, please feel free to contact one of the members listed below e-mail the Committee at fund@stcharleschurch.org.

Monica Craven, Chair
Fr. Gerry Creedon
Mimi Fitzgerald
Carolyn M. Gretzinge
Jane McCarthy
Genie and Jim Murphy
Carol Poplin
Angela Scanlon
Jenny Sullivan

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Community Center Fast Facts

Cost
$3 Million
(Due to inflation and standard construction escalation, the cost of the Parish Center is revised to $4.68 million as of June 2001, and $5.4 million as of December 2001). See newsletter #22 for more details.
What We're Getting
• Parish Social Hall
  This is grand a room for large gatherings. It can be sub-divided into smaller meeting rooms.
• Meeting Rooms
  Additional meeting and educational rooms are provided. Movable partitions are used for flexible spaces. Flexible meeting spaces are combined with multiple storage spaces which will be "dedicated" to the various groups. A large kitchen is provided that is convenient to all of the meeting spaces
• Multipurpose Gym
  This large multipurpose space will be used for sports such as basketball and volleyball, educational and religious presentations, theater and entertainment programs, and very large community gatherings. A serving station will be provided to support food service, and a mezzanine will provide additional space.
• Narthex/ Pre-function Social Area
  The various facilities are linked together with a grand hall space that serves as narthex space on one end and social pre-function area on the other. Also, as a general circulation space, it provides logical entry, user orientation, and security.
• Additional Spaces
  Included are a library and bookstore located in narthex hall, multiple restrooms, a music rehearsal room in the existing sanctuary loft, an information/reception station, and mezzanine-level offices.
Who Benefits?
Our Church, Our Rectory, Our Convent, Our School ... and YOU!

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Stakeout on the Circle!

On October 21-22, 2000, parishioners assembled on the circle (Fairfax Drive and Kirkwood Road) where Fr. Creedon, Fr. Mendez and Sr. Benedict drove the first ceremonial stake for the Parish Community Center. Full story and photos.

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Fr. Gerry on "A Parish Community Center"

"Over Christmas, Bishop Loverde gave us permission to go ahead with plans for a Parish Community Center that would include a large social hall, a gymnasium and needed meeting space--on one very important condition: that we raise the 3 million dollars required!

"I want to thank everybody who participated so far.

"I have been touched by the wide and generous response already evident and count on each of you to participate along the way.

"Your support brought us to more than half of the estimated cost of $3 million, with over $700,000 in pledge payments and contributions already in hand. We're now working with the Diocese to take the next step of selecting an architect.

"A minority of our congregation have already given with extraordinary generosity. All we need now is for the remaining majority to participate with ordinary generosity. A burden shared is a burden lightened.

"Fifty years ago, the parish dug deep and gave us the facilities we enjoy. Now is our turn to help revitalize the first parish in Arlington! Build the Spirit!"

--Fr. Gerry Creedon
Pastor, St. Charles Church