Archived Buildings Reports
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Summer 2023 Updates
We are looking forward to the students returning to school in just a few short weeks and for everyone to have a chance to see the improvements made at the school. We have had four major projects happening this summer. The renovation of 14 student restrooms, new ceilings and led lighting installed in 3 of the stairwells at school with new led lighting installed in the main hallway and cafeteria kitchen, 11 unit ventilators with UV light in each unit installed in the west wing classrooms, and an unexpected new main boiler. Here is a sneak preview of all of the work that has been done over the summer. We appreciate Matt Rocca and the Building Committee for all of their hard work over the last year to make this possible in such a short period of time. Thank you!!!
Main Boiler
It was an exciting day today to see the old boiler removed. Some drainage and concrete work will happen prior to the new boiler being installed.
The old boiler had to be taken out in sections with a large crane.
The old rusty door has been removed and a new door will be installed.
West Wing HVAC
New hot water boiler has been installed for the west wing.
New unit ventilators are being installed for the west wing identical to the east wing that were installed last year. These will also contain the UV light providing cleaner air to our classrooms and more efficient temperature control.
Stairwell Ceilings and Lighting
It is amazing what a little lighting can do for a room. The school is so much brighter and more welcoming. New led lights adorn our main hallway, stairwells and cafeteria kitchen. There is also new wall wash lights for our murals of Mary and Jesus. New ceilings replaced the old in the stairwells.
Student Restrooms
Fourteen student restrooms have been renovated with new fixtures, partitions, paint, sinks, tile, mirrors, and dispensers. New exhaust fans were installed so the bad smell is gone too!!! So much has been done behind the walls, as well, and we are amazed at the transformation.
Summer 2022 Updates
Matt Rocca, Director of Facilities, and his crew have been hard at work making updates.
HVAC Systems- Coils in the hallways and the old unit ventilators have been removed.
- New HVAC ventilators have arrived and have been installed successfully.
- The new louver system allows for removable and regular cleaning
- The more efficient systems utilize UV light.
- The units will be able to switch from heat and cold automatically while also bringing in fresh air from the outside.
- This will provide better air quality and a more comfortable learning environment.
On a light hearted note the crew found some interesting items in the old units including but not limited to:- yardsticks “probably from the nuns”
- 1975 baseball cards that is worth about $.60
- a $20 check from 1984
- a demerit card for a boy named Pat, who never gave it to his parents (if you know Pat, he owes us a detention)
- Halloween decorations
- photos of a family from the 90s
- numerous crayons and pencils
Cafeteria and Kitchen- All of the abatement of the asbestos floor tiles from when the school was built in 1961 has been removed from the cafeteria and kitchen.
- The new epoxy floor and the freshly painted walls in the kitchen and cafeteria have transformed the look of the area.
- New appliances will be installed for the kitchen.
Safety and Security- New security cameras were installed
- New door fobs, with alarms if propped open, will be installed on numerous doors
- GoGuardian was purchased for technology safety and monitoring
- We continue working with Kenton Brothers Security on a safety review
Other items around campus- We will be sealing and re-striping the parking lot at the end of July.
- Matt has completed all painting so that every room in and out of the building has been repainted since 2020!
- The PAC gym floor is being refinished to a brilliant shine
September 29, 2019
Faith, Hope and Charity Campaign Progress can be viewed at www.cureofars.com/faith-hope-charity-campaign
December 10, 2017As noted this fall, the announcement of an Archdiocesan capital campaign affected the progress of the Master Plan. The Building Committee adjusted its approach to prepare for impacts to our timeline and fundraising.
SFS, our architectural consultant, will revisit initial concepts to determine how the needs of Curé of Ars can be addressed through a more phased approach. In the short term, we expect this to entail more stabilization and renewal of our existing structures.
The goal of the Master Plan remains the same: resolve the facilities needs identified by all stakeholders. The design process will pick up again in 2018. We look forward to sharing the results as the Master Plan concludes and we prepare for improvements.
We are fortunately able to continue with the rectory project. The CLC is being emptied and permit plans are underway. These will be posted in the church vestibule and online this month.
August 13 - September 10, 2017
Work will be continuing on the projects we hope to have completed in the fall, which include a new hot water heater in the cafeteria, and a new handrail on the stairs at the west entrance to the school.
Sincerely,
The Building Committee
Please direct questions to
[email protected]
August 6, 2017
We appreciate your patience during the summer projects. The work on installing the new HVAC system for the back chapel and the main sanctuary has been completed. The parking lot resealing and restriping has made a dramatic improvement to our campus and the concrete along the northwest and northeast sides of the gym has been replaced to improve the drainage in those areas. Several projects we hope to have completed in the fall include a new hot water heater in the cafeteria, and a new handrail on the stairs at the west entrance to the school.
Sincerely,
The Building Committee
Please direct questions to
[email protected]
July 30, 2017
Maintenance on Parking Lot.Reseal and Restriping of the parking lot will begin August 2nd and be finished by August 5th. The parking lot will be divided in approximately two equal sections, North and South. Work will begin on the north side of the parking lot. The exit on the north side of the property will be blocked and there will be two-way traffic on the south side entrance. Please observe all barricades and we appreciate your patience.
Please direct questions to
[email protected]
Sincerely,
The Building Committee
July 23, 2017
Maintenance on Parking Lot.
The asphalt patching is scheduled for Thursday, July 27, and once complete the sealcoat/striping portion will begin within 7-10 days. Barriers will be set up blocking off sections of the parking lot. Please note that this may change how you exit and enter the parking lot.
***Please do not park within these barriers as it is very costly to repair any damage done to a newly sealed lot***
Please direct questions to
[email protected]
Sincerely,
The Building Committee
July 16, 2017
Maintenance on Parking Lot. The concrete work is scheduled to begin Monday, July 17. The asphalt patching is scheduled for Thursday, July 27, and once complete the sealcoat/striping portion will begin within 7-10 days. Barriers will be set up blocking off sections of the parking lot. Please note that this may change how you exit and enter the parking lot.
***Please do not park within these barriers as it is very costly to repair any damage done to a newly sealed lot***
Please direct questions to
[email protected]
Sincerely,
The Building Committee
June 11 and June 18, 2017
Buildings & Facilities Update – Phase II of the HVAC installation in the church is scheduled for June 19 – 23. The work will be completed during daytime hours and will not interfere with the daily and weekend Mass schedule. All other areas of the church, i.e., Burak Room, Sacristy, Cry Room, Choir area, Candle Chapel, etc., will remain accessible during the installation process; however, please exercise caution and care when visiting the church.
Thank you for your support and patience while U.S. Engineers completes this much needed improvement for our church!
Please direct questions to [email protected].
Sincerely, The Building Committee
June 25 - July 9, 2017
Maintenance on the parking lot will start between the last week of June and the first part of July. Repairs to the asphalt, concrete, and curbing will begin first followed by resealing and restriping of the entire lot. Barriers will be set up blocking off sections of the parking lot. Please note that this may change how you exit and enter into the parking lot.
***Please do not park within these barriers as it is very costly to repair any damage done to a newly sealed lot***
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Buildings & Facilities area - May 21, 2017
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Curé Master Plan Update
April 30 and May 7, 2017
The design team presented several Concept Designs to the Building Committee in mid-April. These creative and exciting concepts reflected the feedback cultivated from the online surveys, meetings with the Curé community, and consultation with the City of Leawood.
As anticipated, the City of Leawood has rigorous building standards. These require a certain amount of open space, in addition to codes and parking requirements. The standards have a tangible impact on how the design would meet the needs of the parish. The Building Committee has elected to study these alternatives more closely to ensure the best possible solution, before proceeding with refinement of the final Concept Design.
Therefore, the anticipated June deadline for final completion of the Master Plan will be extended. The Building Committee will continue to work on the project into the summer, with final presentation to the parish in the fall.
As the final presentation dates are scheduled, they will be published in this space. Updates and information on other Building Committee initiatives will be found here as well. Please feel free to submit questions to [email protected].
Thank you for your support and patience. Together we can make great things happen.
Sincerely,
The Building Committee
April 23, 2017
Buildings & Facilities Update – The HVAC installation work begins Monday, April 24 and will unfold in two phases. Phase I will begin in the North Sanctuary (back Chapel), and baring no delays, the estimated completion is 2 weeks. The installation work is scheduled during daytime hours and will not interfere with the daily and weekend Mass schedule. All other areas of the church, i.e., Burak Room, Sacristy, Cry Room, Choir area, Candle Chapel, etc., will remain accessible during the installation process; however, please exercise caution and care when visiting the church.
We will provide more details of Phase II once the delivery date is confirmed for the equipment. Thank you for your support and patience while U.S. Engineers completes this much needed improvement for our church!
Sincerely,
The Building Committee
April 9 and 16, 2017
Progress with the Master Plan continues to move forward as the architects refine the Concept Design.
Please look for the next update after Easter.
Have a happy Easter!
The Building Committee
March 26 and April 2, 2017
Progress with the Master Plan continues to move forward as the architects continue to refine the Concept Design based on the input gathered from the parish-wide meetings and parish survey feedback.
Building & Facilities Update:
The current HVAC system in the church is original to when the building was constructed in 1961. We knew the need to replace the system was inevitable and proper timing was necessary. As part of the Capital Campaign, a new HVAC system will be installed in the church. After a thorough due diligence review, we selected U.S. Engineers to complete the installation of our new system. The projected date for the installation to begin is Easter Monday, April 17, and baring no delays, the estimated completion is 3 weeks. The new system will improve the airflow in both the Main and North Sanctuary.
The installation work is scheduled during daytime hours and will not interfere with the daily and weekend Mass schedule. All other areas of the church, i.e., Burak Room, Sacristy, Cry Room, Choir area, Candle Chapel, etc., will remain accessible during the installation process; however, please exercise caution and care when visiting the church.
We look forward to the benefit the new HVAC system will provide to our church and we thank you in advance for your patience during the installation process.
Sincerely,
Building Committee
March 12 and 19, 2017
The Building Committee would like to thank everyone that turned in a parish survey or attended one of the onsite meetings in which data was collected in reference to the Master Plan. We had 500+ participants providing feedback and general comments about our campus.
Some high level comments showed that Curé of Ars has a strong sense of community, involvement in parish activities and ministries and Cure’s mission statement is well-served.
Consensus reflected concerns with safety, accessibility and the lack of space to serve our parishioners.
Next steps:
Early March – summary of information collected from parish-wide program meetings
March/ April – Concept Design and refinement
Your feedback is appreciated and instrumental in establishing the priorities of our future parish campus.
Together we can make great things happen.
Tom Coulter, Justin Duff, Andy Ernsting, Greg Fendler, Bob Kolich, Lisa Meyers, John Schwaller,
Cathleen Strabala, Marc Whimore, David Young and Paul Goehausen
March 5, 2017
THANK YOU FOR YOUR PARTICIPATION IN THE PARISH SURVEY AND PARISH MEETINGS
SFS Architects will compile feedback received and construct a preliminary plan for review.
Timeline of Events
Initial Program meetings have been completed. Thank you to all that attended.
1. Late February-Building envelope and mechanical systems report will be completed
2. Early March-Summary of information collected from Program Meetings
3. March/April-Concept Design and refinement
4. Early May-Parish Presentation
5. Late May/Early June-Final Report
Contact Information
For questions or comments
[email protected]
Together we can make great things happen.
Sincerely,
The Building Committee
Tom Coulter, Justin Duff, Andy Ernsting, Greg Fendler, Bob Kolich, Lisa Meyers, John Schwaller, Cathleen Strabala, Marc Whitmore and David Young
February 26, 2017
DEADLINE FOR SURVEYS MARCH 1
1. Hard-copies are available in the parish office or in the Vestibule located near the Survey Drop-Box containers
2. Via Parish Survey link on the home page of the church website; includes a QR Code for mobile devices
3. Curé of Ars Facebook page
Timeline of Events
Initial Program meetings have been completed. Thank you to all that attended.
1. Late February-Building envelope and mechanical systems report will be completed
2. Early March-Summary of information collected from Program Meetings
3. March/April-Concept Design and refinement
4. Early May-Parish Presentation
5. Late May/Early June-Final Report
Contact Information
For questions or comments [email protected]
Together we can make great things happen.
Sincerely,
The Building Committee
February 12, 2017
Our PARISH SURVEY was launched last weekend and we are pleased several have already responded. If you have not had the opportunity to respond, there is still time to do so. We offer several convenient ways to access the survey:
1. Hard-copies are available in the parish office or in the Vestibule located near the Survey Drop-Box containers
2. Via Parish Survey link on the home page of the church website; includes a QR Code for mobile devices
3. Curé of Ars Facebook page
Deadline for Surveys March 1
PARISH MEETINGS to discuss the Master Plan start this month. Below is an outline of the meeting schedule for each designated group. You can anticipate each meeting to last one hour, and to accommodate larger group meetings, we will offer two different time options.
February 20, Fr. Burak Room
2:30PM Parish-wide Meeting I
4:00PM Curé 5K, Curé School Auction Committee and Gift Gallery Committee
5:30PM Curé Ministry Groups & Organizations
7:00PM Parish-wide Meeting II
February 23, Fr. Burak Room
2:30PM School Parent Meeting I
7:00PM School Parent Meeting II
CURRENT INFORMATION Email address: [email protected] for ideas, feedback and questions.
Website: www.cureofars.com for detailed information about the Master Plan. Go to About Curé and select Buildings and Facilities Report; information can also be found under the Event tab.
We look forward to the upcoming meetings with our parish community and engaging in an active dialogue!
Together we can make great things happen.
Sincerely,
The Building Committee
February 5, 2017
Our PARISH SURVEY was launched last weekend and we are pleased several have already responded. If you have not had the opportunity to respond, there is still time to do so. We offer several convenient ways to access the survey:
1. Hard-copies are available in the parish office or in the Vestibule located near the Survey Drop-Box containers
2. Via Parish Survey link on the home page of the church website; includes a QR Code for mobile devices
3. Curé of Ars Facebook page
PARISH MEETINGS to discuss the Master Plan start this month. Below is an outline of the meeting schedule for each designated group. You can anticipate each meeting to last one hour, and to accommodate larger group meetings, we will offer two different time options.February 6, School/ Parish Administration
February 20, Fr. Burak Room
2:30PM Parish-wide Meeting I
4:00PM Curé 5K, Curé School Auction Committee and Gift Gallery Committee
5:30PM Curé Ministry Groups & Organizations
7:00PM Parish-wide Meeting II
February 23, Fr. Burak Room
2:30PM School Parent Meeting I
7:00PM School Parent Meeting II
CURRENT INFORMATION Email address: [email protected] for ideas, feedback and questions.
Website: www.cureofars.com for detailed information about the Master Plan. Go to About Curé and select Buildings and Facilities Report; information can also be found under the Event tab.
We look forward to the upcoming meetings with our parish community and engaging in an active dialogue!
Together we can make great things happen.
Sincerely,
The Building Committee
Janurary 29, 2017
As we move forward in the Master Plan process, the Building Committee wants to ensure each parish family has the opportunity to be heard. Multiple meetings will occur during February to gather feedback and input from the parish community. Some meetings will be geared toward the parish in general, while others will focus on designated groups within the parish. A complete listing of meeting dates and times will be available on the parish website, in the bulletin and posted throughout the parish campus.
A parish survey will be provided in advance of the meetings in February and offered online or in hard-copy. We will provide numerous ways for you to access the survey through our church website and church bulletin. Survey responses will be kept anonymous unless specifically noted by the respondent and the survey results will be distributed at the beginning of each meeting in order to facilitate meaningful dialogue.
We look forward to your participation in the survey and attendance at the meetings hosted in February.
COMMUNICATION:
Email address: [email protected] for ideas, feedback and questions.
Website: www.cureofars.com for detailed information about the Master Plan. Go to About Curé and select Buildings and Facilities Report; information can also be found under the Event tab.
Together we can make great things happen!
Sincerely,
The Building Committee
Janurary 22, 2017
We, as a parish, have determined that we need to make some changes here at Curé of Ars. These changes will address both immediate needs and long-term, future needs that will assure the vitality of our parish. In Pastor’s Notes published on Jan. 8, 2017, Father Storey outlined a process by which we as a parish community, in cooperation with a design team of consultants from two architectural and design firms, can develop a Master Plan to fulfill these needs. Together we will create a 5 to 10 year plan that includes a capital expense budget.
Timely communication is essential for the success of our project. We want and need your input. We have established an email address for your ideas, feedback and questions: [email protected]
Beginning with today’s article, we will be providing weekly updates and general information in this dedicated space in the bulletin. Detailed information can be found on our website www.cureofars.com Go to the “About Curé” tab, then the Buildings and Facilities Report. Some information can also be found under the “Event” tab.
As announced previously, meetings will be held to solicit input from the entire Curé community over the next few months. Scheduled times and locations will be posted in this space.
Together we can make great things happen.
A New Year's Resolution
Janurary 8, 2017
Have you ever made a New Year’s Resolution? Many people do; they want to change something in their lives. They want to make things better. Unfortunately many of these resolutions are broken or totally forgotten by Jan. 15 or shortly thereafter. For 2017, I invite all parishioners to join with me in a community based resolution – one that will not be broken. We want to make some changes at Curé of Ars Parish; we want to make things better.
We resolve that we, as a parish, will do our utmost to develop and document a Master Plan that will be our guide and directive over the next 5 – 10 years to address concerns and make improvements for the betterment of our parish.
Does this sound like a lofty improbable ideal? It really is not. In late November in a cover letter for the Annual Parish Financial Report, I noted that we had completed a Facilities Assessment in May 2016. This study, approved by the Finance Council, showed the need for a Master Plan. I also noted that we, as a parish community, would determine the priorities of the Master Plan.
A Master Plan will help to anticipate facility needs in order to continue serving our parish over the long term. The effort will include:
1) Identifying areas of concern and areas for improvement, e.g. handicap accessibility, traffic flow and parking space.
2) Addressing growth needs of our parish to improve functionality of existing buildings and evaluate effective utilization of campus space.
3) Evaluating status of technology throughout our parish complex and plan for upgrade.
A design team consisting of consultants from SFS Architecture and Confluence will lead the effort. These firms were selected by a committee of parish leaders. SFS Architecture has worked with Curé of Ars in the past, and both firms have extensive experience serving Catholic parishes in the Kansas City area.
Now this is where your participation in the New Year’s resolution is needed. In the coming weeks, we will post notices of parish-wide meetings that will provide a forum for the design team to gather your ideas and feedback. You will be asked to help identify and prioritize the needs of our parish. The design team will also conduct meetings with various groups within the parish community. I encourage all to respond and take part in this creative process. Ongoing communications and transparency in our efforts are essential to the success of the Master Plan. We have targeted May 2017 for completion of the Master Plan.
We have established an email address: [email protected] for your questions and feedback. Watch the bulletin and our parish website for more information as our project develops.
Thank you for your continued support. As we have stated before, together we can make great things happen.Father Storey