Description of Berry United Methodist Church Capital Campaign Projects
Stained Glass Windows (Cost Estimate: $96,000)
What/where?
Stained glass windows in sanctuary of church and in Pastor’s study.
Why needed?
Due to their nature of many glass pieces being held together by lead, stained glass windows do require maintenance after 50 to 100 years. Over the course a century the individual glass pieces and lead mullions settle, causing the windows to change shape. At times individual stained glass pieces can fall out, and gaps appear between the glass and the next surface. Accelerating this aging are the once clear Plexiglas panels that were installed in the 1970s to protect the stained glass windows. Years of sunlight have yellowed the Plexiglas to where they are no longer transparent. The panels also trap in excess moisture causing the wood to rot. Replacing with clear glass panels that are integrated into the stained glass structure would create fantastic views of the stained glass both inside and outside, and preserve the windows for the century to come.
How will it be improved for our next century?
Several steps will be done:
1. The outer layer of Plexiglas will be replaced with clear glass.
2. Sills, jambs, mullions, and other damaged wood trim will be replaced
3. Stained glass windows will be removed and re-leaded, and then re-installed.
For an example of what is possible, take a close look at the windows that have been restored through the gift of a parishioner a few years back. Compare the visibility, color, and craftsmanship with the large window on the south wall of the sanctuary from both inside and outside the church..
Church Doors on Giddings St (Cost Estimate: $21,000)
What/where?
Doors on either end of church on Giddings
Why needed?
Doors are falling apart due to weather, age, and lack of quality. Above door lights and side door lights are falling apart as well.
How will it be improved for our next century?
The doors and doorway will be restored similar to the restoration that took place on the main door on Leavitt. Custom, solid, exterior doors and door lights will be ordered, built, and installed.
For an idea of what can be done, compare the main door on Leavitt with the doors on Giddings. Imagine every door to Berry being open, inviting, and working!
Bell Tower Structure and Masonry Repairs (Cost Estimate: $18,000)
What/where?
Bell tower on corner of Leavitt and Giddings
Why needed?
Masonry and overall structure has severely deteriorated.
How will it be improved for our next century?
Roof and tower structure, masonry repair, and tuck pointing will be performed. From an exterior perspective, nothing will change. From an aging perspective, we’re restoring the structure to its original strength.
For an idea of the impact of this item, walk around the corner of Giddings and Leavitt and try to imagine Berry without this corner tower.
Church Exterior Accessibility and Sidewalk Repair (Cost Estimate: $22,000)
What/where?
Sidewalks on Leavitt Avenue.
Why needed?
To make the church exterior accessible, the sidewalk on Leavitt needs to meet the main church door on Leavitt with no need for stairs. At the same time we can repair the current sidewalk challenges. For example the sidewalk has settled over time to the point where it is lower than portions of the curb. During rain, large puddles accumulate (aka “Lake Leavitt”). Other portions of the sidewalk have been lifted up.
How will it be improved for our next century?
We will work with a landscape architect on plans to eliminate the front steps through grading and new sidewalk. We will utilize the City of Chicago as much as possible to remove the old sidewalk, change the grade, and install new sidewalks. We will also look for and work with any accessibility grant money that can be found.
Imagine a landscaped walk on Leavitt that gradually rises to meet Berry’s main door. As the major improvements are made, now imagine knee walls with inlaid mosaic tiles set in place by Berry’s family members, enclosing beds of ground cover that thrive in shade.
Exteriors Signs of Berry Church (Cost Estimate: $11,000)
What/where?
The exterior of Berry Church and it’s connected Education Building.
Why needed?
The current signage is not prominent, not well lit, and in many cases is only temporary. We also have signs that need repair, such as the large sign at the top of the north wall that is visible from Lawrence. We want our signage to reflect both congregations, Berry Memorial United Methodist, and African Community Church. And we need a way to inform the community of the many other groups that share our space.
How will it be improved for our next century?
Temporary signs on Leavitt and Giddings will be removed and replaced with permanent and attractive signage that complements the architecture of the building. Lighting will be added to enhance the building, making it warm and inviting even in the darkest night.
Drive or walk by other churches and study what they have done both in signage and in lighting their buildings and signs at night. Imagine Berry being distinct and recognizable to the community at any time of day or night.
The Floor of the Wesley Room (Cost Estimate: $27,000)
What/where?
The floor of the large room directly underneath the church sanctuary. This space is used for Lincoln Square Theater, occasional potlucks, and during the hot summer months we sometimes hold services here in the air conditioning.
Why needed?
While it wasn’t a good practice 100 years ago, it was still allowed to build basement floors with joists placed directly on the soil. Over the years, the constant contact has caused wood to rot, the floor to sink, and areas of the floor are now unusable.
How will it be improved for our next century?
The floor and joists will be removed. Depending on the flooring system to be installed some soil will need to be removed and or a new base will be built up. A new flooring system will be installed.
For an idea of what changes are being proposed here, ask a Trustee or Capital Campaign member to show you the Wesley Room. Note the where you can see the wear of the years, and imagine the large room with a solid and stable floor.
Basement Bathrooms (Cost Estimate: $37,000)
What/where?
Basement bathrooms in hallway outside the Wesley Room.
Why needed?
While updates probably have occurred in the last 100 years, the last cosmetic renovation was a couple of decades ago, and the last major renovation is unknown. Visitors should expect bright, clean, smell-free, functional bathrooms, with baby changing facilities. And it should work functionally as well. Waste flow out of the bathrooms is very slow, and the plumbing needs updating.
How will it be improved for our next century?
New vanities, partitions, finishes, flooring, and fixtures will be installed. The largest part of the funds will be used for plumbing infrastructure. Water supply lines will be replaced. Outgoing waste lines will be re-engineered for faster waste flow.
Picture modern bathrooms that are easy to maintain. If you want to see examples within Berry, request seeing the bathrooms that Hull House built out several years ago and compare to what we can make happen outside the Wesley Room.
Energy Efficiency and the “Greening” of Berry (Cost Estimate: $43,000)
What/where?
Incorporate green technologies throughout the building where practical and proven. For example, address heat loss via windows and elsewhere.
Why needed?
While Berry was built well for its time, energy efficiency has come a long way in 100 years. And while we’ve made improvements like significantly increasing the amount of individual zones that reduce and automating the heating of those zones, there are areas of heat loss that require significant investment. Most noted is that all the windows on all 3 floors of the Education Building are single pane glass. During winter it is not uncommon to see ice forming on the windows’ interior. Dual pane windows significantly reduce heating costs by addressing heating loss.
How will it be improved for our next century?
Replace windows with double pane windows, identify other heat loss areas, identify other areas where we can use less energy, perhaps even create energy.
Using less energy is a gift that benefits the next century of Berry worshippers, and it is a gift that benefits the world.
Stained Glass Windows (Cost Estimate: $96,000)
What/where?
Stained glass windows in sanctuary of church and in Pastor’s study.
Why needed?
Due to their nature of many glass pieces being held together by lead, stained glass windows do require maintenance after 50 to 100 years. Over the course a century the individual glass pieces and lead mullions settle, causing the windows to change shape. At times individual stained glass pieces can fall out, and gaps appear between the glass and the next surface. Accelerating this aging are the once clear Plexiglas panels that were installed in the 1970s to protect the stained glass windows. Years of sunlight have yellowed the Plexiglas to where they are no longer transparent. The panels also trap in excess moisture causing the wood to rot. Replacing with clear glass panels that are integrated into the stained glass structure would create fantastic views of the stained glass both inside and outside, and preserve the windows for the century to come.
How will it be improved for our next century?
Several steps will be done:
1. The outer layer of Plexiglas will be replaced with clear glass.
2. Sills, jambs, mullions, and other damaged wood trim will be replaced
3. Stained glass windows will be removed and re-leaded, and then re-installed.
For an example of what is possible, take a close look at the windows that have been restored through the gift of a parishioner a few years back. Compare the visibility, color, and craftsmanship with the large window on the south wall of the sanctuary from both inside and outside the church..
Church Doors on Giddings St (Cost Estimate: $21,000)
What/where?
Doors on either end of church on Giddings
Why needed?
Doors are falling apart due to weather, age, and lack of quality. Above door lights and side door lights are falling apart as well.
How will it be improved for our next century?
The doors and doorway will be restored similar to the restoration that took place on the main door on Leavitt. Custom, solid, exterior doors and door lights will be ordered, built, and installed.
For an idea of what can be done, compare the main door on Leavitt with the doors on Giddings. Imagine every door to Berry being open, inviting, and working!
Bell Tower Structure and Masonry Repairs (Cost Estimate: $18,000)
What/where?
Bell tower on corner of Leavitt and Giddings
Why needed?
Masonry and overall structure has severely deteriorated.
How will it be improved for our next century?
Roof and tower structure, masonry repair, and tuck pointing will be performed. From an exterior perspective, nothing will change. From an aging perspective, we’re restoring the structure to its original strength.
For an idea of the impact of this item, walk around the corner of Giddings and Leavitt and try to imagine Berry without this corner tower.
Church Exterior Accessibility and Sidewalk Repair (Cost Estimate: $22,000)
What/where?
Sidewalks on Leavitt Avenue.
Why needed?
To make the church exterior accessible, the sidewalk on Leavitt needs to meet the main church door on Leavitt with no need for stairs. At the same time we can repair the current sidewalk challenges. For example the sidewalk has settled over time to the point where it is lower than portions of the curb. During rain, large puddles accumulate (aka “Lake Leavitt”). Other portions of the sidewalk have been lifted up.
How will it be improved for our next century?
We will work with a landscape architect on plans to eliminate the front steps through grading and new sidewalk. We will utilize the City of Chicago as much as possible to remove the old sidewalk, change the grade, and install new sidewalks. We will also look for and work with any accessibility grant money that can be found.
Imagine a landscaped walk on Leavitt that gradually rises to meet Berry’s main door. As the major improvements are made, now imagine knee walls with inlaid mosaic tiles set in place by Berry’s family members, enclosing beds of ground cover that thrive in shade.
Exteriors Signs of Berry Church (Cost Estimate: $11,000)
What/where?
The exterior of Berry Church and it’s connected Education Building.
Why needed?
The current signage is not prominent, not well lit, and in many cases is only temporary. We also have signs that need repair, such as the large sign at the top of the north wall that is visible from Lawrence. We want our signage to reflect both congregations, Berry Memorial United Methodist, and African Community Church. And we need a way to inform the community of the many other groups that share our space.
How will it be improved for our next century?
Temporary signs on Leavitt and Giddings will be removed and replaced with permanent and attractive signage that complements the architecture of the building. Lighting will be added to enhance the building, making it warm and inviting even in the darkest night.
Drive or walk by other churches and study what they have done both in signage and in lighting their buildings and signs at night. Imagine Berry being distinct and recognizable to the community at any time of day or night.
The Floor of the Wesley Room (Cost Estimate: $27,000)
What/where?
The floor of the large room directly underneath the church sanctuary. This space is used for Lincoln Square Theater, occasional potlucks, and during the hot summer months we sometimes hold services here in the air conditioning.
Why needed?
While it wasn’t a good practice 100 years ago, it was still allowed to build basement floors with joists placed directly on the soil. Over the years, the constant contact has caused wood to rot, the floor to sink, and areas of the floor are now unusable.
How will it be improved for our next century?
The floor and joists will be removed. Depending on the flooring system to be installed some soil will need to be removed and or a new base will be built up. A new flooring system will be installed.
For an idea of what changes are being proposed here, ask a Trustee or Capital Campaign member to show you the Wesley Room. Note the where you can see the wear of the years, and imagine the large room with a solid and stable floor.
Basement Bathrooms (Cost Estimate: $37,000)
What/where?
Basement bathrooms in hallway outside the Wesley Room.
Why needed?
While updates probably have occurred in the last 100 years, the last cosmetic renovation was a couple of decades ago, and the last major renovation is unknown. Visitors should expect bright, clean, smell-free, functional bathrooms, with baby changing facilities. And it should work functionally as well. Waste flow out of the bathrooms is very slow, and the plumbing needs updating.
How will it be improved for our next century?
New vanities, partitions, finishes, flooring, and fixtures will be installed. The largest part of the funds will be used for plumbing infrastructure. Water supply lines will be replaced. Outgoing waste lines will be re-engineered for faster waste flow.
Picture modern bathrooms that are easy to maintain. If you want to see examples within Berry, request seeing the bathrooms that Hull House built out several years ago and compare to what we can make happen outside the Wesley Room.
Energy Efficiency and the “Greening” of Berry (Cost Estimate: $43,000)
What/where?
Incorporate green technologies throughout the building where practical and proven. For example, address heat loss via windows and elsewhere.
Why needed?
While Berry was built well for its time, energy efficiency has come a long way in 100 years. And while we’ve made improvements like significantly increasing the amount of individual zones that reduce and automating the heating of those zones, there are areas of heat loss that require significant investment. Most noted is that all the windows on all 3 floors of the Education Building are single pane glass. During winter it is not uncommon to see ice forming on the windows’ interior. Dual pane windows significantly reduce heating costs by addressing heating loss.
How will it be improved for our next century?
Replace windows with double pane windows, identify other heat loss areas, identify other areas where we can use less energy, perhaps even create energy.
Using less energy is a gift that benefits the next century of Berry worshippers, and it is a gift that benefits the world.
