Note from Karen Dunk-Green, chair of the Renovation Task Force, on March 27, 2024.

A meeting after the service on Sunday, March 27 included some Frequently asked Questions and Answers.

See the first video in our series People at 473.

Architect’s Detailed Floor Plans

Second Floor

Ground Floor

Basement

What’s Happening?

On the First Floor

• Rooms for RE classes, including nursery
• Open lobby for gathering, waiting, meeting
• Stroller storage under stairs
• Security system at entrance; intercom and remote unlock capability
• Automated sliding door entrance
• Upgraded exterior ramp
• Elevator (mirrored; braille indicators)
• New accessible washroom (required by City; in place of kids’ washroom)
• New staircase
• New double pane windows on Oakwood façade
• New electric-powered VRF (variable refrigerant flow) system will provide heating and cooling by cycling refrigerant between an outdoor unit and zoned indoor units

Out of scope until Phase 2:

• Re-install kid-sized toilet in RE-area washroom
• Consider mural, green wall, other decorative features

With the Addition at the Back of the First Floor

• New large hall, enclosing former loading dock
• Accessible from parking lot
• Entry ramp
• Double pane windows
• Window blinds
• New electric-powered VRF (variable refrigerant flow) system will provide heating and cooling by cycling refrigerant between an outdoor unit and zoned indoor units

Out of scope in Phase 1:

• Plumbing for eventual kitchen and washroom in the addition will be roughed-in, ready for a phase 2 investment

In the Sanctuary

• Control booth for Audio Visual engineering
• Raised stage, wood slat ceiling feature over stage
• Movable pulpit (to either end of steps)
• Pendant lights
• Acoustic panel treatment throughout
• Automated window blinds
• Copper chalice and dossal
• Accessible pulpit (adjustable height)
• Ramp to stage; low-rise steps
• Hearing assistance loop
• new gas-fired unit (existing one over capacity which will trigger short cycling; electric powered unit outside of budget capability)

In the Meeting Hall on the Second Floor

• Floor-to-ceiling double pane windows
• Stained glass panels
• Storage closets
• Hearing assistance loop
• New gas-fired HVAC unit (existing one over capacity which will trigger short cycling; electric powered unit outside of budget capability)

In the Small Meeting Room on the Second Floor

• Stained glass panels
• Storage for music program (printed music, instruments)

In the Second Floor Kitchen

• Lots of upper and lower cupboards and storage
• Multi-level island for accessibility
• Electric stove, microwaves, sanitizer, fridge/freezer unit, stove hood
• VRF system

In the Basement

• Open space useable by First and renters for activities and/or storage
• Music Studio (east side) will continue to be dedicated to a renter.
• Elevator access
• automated door openers (some)
• new air-source heat pump replaces gas-fired unit
• Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) air exchanger, connected to HVAC system to pull fresh, clean air inside and remove unclean, cycled

Out of scope until Phase 2:

• There will be no offices built in Phase 1

With the Exterior

• Basic landscaping
• Enclosed garbage bin shelter
• 1 accessibility van sized parking space; additional spots can be signed as reserved for users with mobility challenges
• Bike rack
• Extensive insulation work
• Signage

Out of scope in Phase 1:

• More extensive landscaping features, including natural incline up to entrances, without the need for a ramp

With the Financials

• Tendered prices for the construction work came in within our planned budget but only by using up some of our planned contingency
• We need to monitor the project closely to see how much more of the contingency budget is actually used up … if we encounter too many new issues with costs, we will need to consider scope reductions again
• First’s members and friends exceeded the $1.5MM goal of the capital campaign!
• We have multiple new grant applications pending … outcomes are impossible to predict
• We are working with the City of Toronto to obtain an Energy Retrofit Loan … if this is approved, we will require a Congregational vote to accept it

Architect’s Renderings