We are excited to announce that we are in the process of converting the residence into a non-denominational chapel and records area!
The project as a whole will be a slow process; we will be completing areas of the residence in phases. Much of the labor will be completed by volunteers, and ultimately, the progress will be dictated by the ability to raise funds towards this project. We are hopeful to complete most of the interior and façade work by the end of the 2023 calendar year.
So far, our volunteers, board members, and student workers have completed a great deal of prep-work, such as demolition of the main floor walls and flooring, the master bathroom, and some supplies have been donated already!
We will be raising funds in an official drive over the coming months, and intend on memorializing donors and those whom they are making donations in memory of, if applicable. We are currently working on the format of how these names will be memorialized inside the new chapel space, and will make further announcements in the following weeks as ideas evolve and solidify.
Our overall plans are as follows:
Phase 1A
The finished basement had been gutted earlier this year by professional mold specialists due to extreme water damage during the time the house sat unoccupied. Upon their completion, all that remained were cinderblock and red brick walls, an exposed ceiling, and a concrete floor, but they declared us to be mold-free! We are currently in the process of cleaning, painting the walls with water-resistant paint, and sealing/painting the concrete floor. We will be removing many unnecessary wires and outlets with the help of Board Member and certified electrician, Tom Imhoff, and installing new basic overhead lighting. The ceiling will remain unfinished for now. Previously donated glass block windows will be installed to allow for better ventilation and natural lighting. This space will be used as a break room for the student workers and a general meeting space for the Board and Volunteers. Our tentative completion date of this project is set for the end of the 2022 year. The projected cost for this project is $370.00.
Phase 1B
The current break room and restroom, located on the ground level next to the garage, is going to be converted into a sales office as we are readying to sell property! We hope to create a more inviting space by installing new walls and vinyl flooring, painting, and installing a new exterior door, window, and lighting. This office will be handicapped accessible to allow all to inquire about the cemetery in a comfortable atmosphere. We will be updating the ground floor restroom by installing a vanity and sink, lighting, painting, repairing the existing drop ceiling, and continuing the vinyl flooring throughout the ground level hallways. Our tentative completion date of this project is set for the end of the 2022 year. The projected cost for this project is $2,200.00.
Phase 2A
The 3 of the 4 bedrooms are going to be converted into a general office, meeting space, and storage space. The office and meeting spaces will only require paint and previously donated carpet squares, as well as new overhead lighting fixtures, general seating, and desks. The storage space will remain as it currently is. Our tentative dates for this project are set to begin in early 2023. The projected cost for this project is $1,500.00.
Phase 2B
The fourth bedroom, the former master bedroom and bathroom, are to be converted into a dedicated records room and community workspace. The records will be relocated from the Carnegie Library of Homestead in accordance with the initial re-homing agreement set by the previous board, and will remain accessible to the public. There will be work space available for anyone who wishes to use the records for genealogical research. We will be painting and re-carpeting with the previously donated carpet squares, installing new overhead lighting fixtures, and generally furnishing the work spaces. Our tentative completion date of this project is set for early spring of 2023. The projected cost for this project is $2,500.00.
Phase 2C
The remaining upstairs full bath is going to be turned into a smaller powder room, and the extra space converted into unfinished storage space. The powder room will have a new sink, toilet, lighting, paint, and flooring. Our tentative completion date of this project is set for late spring of 2023. The projected cost for this project is $3,000.00.
Phase 3A
The main floor previously housed a kitchen, living room, and dining room. We plan to open the floor plan to create one large space; a structural beam will be placed to support the roof when the load-bearing kitchen wall is removed. The area will be rewired and receive new walls, windows, flooring, lighting, paint, seating, and trim. Our tentative completion date of this project is set for summer of 2023. The projected cost for this project is $3,500.00.
Phase 3B
To allow access to funeral congregations, French style doors, a ramp, and new lighting will be installed in the wall of the main floor that faces the cemetery grounds. A new exterior door and lighting will replace the existing front door to make the façade coherent in design. New landscaping will help to beautify the entrance area. Our tentative completion date of this project is set for early fall of 2023. The projected cost for this project is $2,200.00.
Phase 4A
A new roof will be placed over the entire residential structure, and a new structure will be built over the ramp into the chapel to provide shelter during inclement weather. Our tentative completion date of this project is being added to our overall 5-10 year plan, as this will be a significant investment. The projected cost for this project is $10,000.00.
Phase 4B
A new driveway and walkway will be re-paved to enter the garage and ground floor office space. Our tentative completion date of this project is being added to our overall 5-10 year plan, as this will be a significant investment. The projected cost for this project is $10,000.00.
It is our sincerest hope that this project will further instill confidence in our community that we are dedicated in restoring the Cemetery. We do this to honor the legacy of those who have gone before us; to celebrate our communal history and heritage; and to envision a beautiful space of reflection for generations to come. We hope you will join us in this continued effort!
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