| Disaster Restoration -
Fire Kelmann Construction Gold Award Fire and water damaged the historic Friedens Evangelical Church in 2002. The pastor and congregation were eager to restore the building constructed in 1889 to its original splendor. A recent increase in the size of the congregation provided an additional challenge to the reconstruction: holding true to the historical design of the structure while meeting the growing needs of the church community. The church's hilltop, corner location made expansion of the building impossible so challenges now became three fold. The congregation's wish list and current building code requirements were met in a variety of ways. By turning the sanctuary layout 180 degrees, a welcoming space was created that allows for easy access to the parking lot. The former altar area became a storage area for audio-visual equipment. Flexible seating was installed to allow for reconfiguration depending upon the needs and use of the space. This was achieved by using both pews and chairs in the renovated space. Choir loft code requirements would have significantly reduced the seating capacity of the choir balcony. Therefore, the choir was relocated to the chancel area (near the altar). Now choir members gather here to sing, and return to the general congregation seating area to worship with their families. As much as possible, original millwork was cleaned and reused. Pieces were fabricated and painted or stained to match when necessary. Original stained glass windows were re-leaded, repainted, and reinstalled, a detail that was extremely important to the congregation. A new altar was made using pieces from the former, damaged altar, and an art restoration specialist repaired the water and smoke damaged painting depicting the Ascension of Jesus into Heaven. Bronze light fixtures were removed, cleaned, and re-hung. Demolition of this site was a huge challenge. Each piece had to be carefully assessed for damage and reusability. Approximately two-thirds of the building was stripped to its 1889 framing. Reinstallation of plaster and millwork was an extensive process to match the historical pieces that were preserved. Special tools and molds were used to recreate the damaged plaster and millwork. |