Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Duluth 
College Street Newsletter article for September 2007
Under Construction
A column to answer questions about our new church home.
STATUS REPORT, August 15, 2007
Sewer Update – Here's the latest poop! No pun intended! We are still awaiting final authorization from the City for our sewer to be built going out west from our property to Lyons St. A further design tweak was necessary. We hope that by the time you are reading this the sewer will be a done deal. [UPDATE 8/20/07: THE CITY APPROVED OUR REQUESTED SEWER EXTENSION LINE.]
Building Progress – The garage flooring has been poured and upper level cement flooring should soon be completely poured. The walkway from the garage level to the narthex (interior garden area) is being built as of this writing. Exterior siding should be going up shortly and we should be getting ready to work with the green roof by the time you are reading this newsletter. Secure storage in the garage is being readied for our West Winona contents. If you haven't had the opportunity to drive or walk by the building site, please do.
Finishing – Sanctuary seating will soon be decided, is wonderfully comfortable, and we think most of you will be pleased. We have selected a neutral color palette for the restrooms so we can splash the rooms with vivid color accessories that can be easily changed over time. Conduit has been placed to allow for current and future security, audio-visual, and technology needs including theatrical sound and lighting in the sanctuary. Our commercial kitchen design has been finalized and may or may not be fully or partially installed for our earliest occupancy. Finishing elements of the building depends on budget considerations with our first priority being Sunday services, programming.
Timeline – Never has it been this difficult to schedule things. Use of the building is entirely dependent on what is called a Certificate of Occupancy which cannot be applied for until we show we have a building ready for the health, safety and welfare of its occupants. In other words, we must have functional restrooms and fire sprinkling and exit doors operational among other things. Hence, understanding and flexibility is key.
Volunteer Opportunities – There will be opportunities coming up to use your skills and heart to help with this project and save some money to go for further finishing items. Some of the areas that we can use volunteer labor down the road include spreading the soil for our green roof, sanding beams (you'd get to ride on a motorized lift), painting, and so much more. Please make yourself available when you hear the call!
Finance – We are working with the architect and others to nail down bids and pricing for determining how much we can do in finishing the building without going further into debt than what was presented to the congregation in December. A big thank you to everyone for paying on your pledges.