In this season of transformation, the world is awakening all around us. Birds rediscover their dormant voices, the ground is blanketed with a mane of green. Trees bud and blossom in an array of colors and temperatures begin to rise with reliable ease.   

As if in synch with its surroundings, our building has embraced this spirit of change. On June 6, we will be returning to worship in the sanctuary and are excited to begin holding services again in this space.
The sanctuary, however, is like a world of safety and serenity unto itself. Beyond its walls construction workers are a steady presence and while much of their work is out of view, we want to offer you a sneak peek into some of the large projects that are in progress. As Bud Starker, the Capital Campaign Construction Committee Chair describes, "The project is up and running at full steam with work underway on numerous items in various locations around the campus."

If you were to step into the sanctuary today, you could not do so by walking through the Narthex, where selective demo is taking place. 
Scaffolding has been installed in the choir loft and the Westminster Commons roof and the Commons is not accessible at this time. Its ceiling has been removed, as has the stained glass in the skylights which will be reinstalled in new skylights. Ultimately, a walkway will be built as part of the Commons that will extend from the stair landing by the second floor kitchen to the choir loft. The Commons roof will be raised to two stories and will
be a glass structure illuminated from the inside, also known as the Lantern.  

As Pastor Ian says, "The building itself has truly become a construction site. Many of the hallways and rooms are blocked off and can't be entered. It's a wonder to see change as it's happening. Although it will take some time, we're eager to share the finished product with everyone."

Beyond the Commons, in Eudora Lane, concrete has been saw cut and removed. This lane will be completely renovated to resemble a European residential street, with a new walking surface and planters that will also serve as a handicapped accessible alternative entrance to the Lantern.
Demolition on the 2nd floor hallway is underway, uncovering the beautiful Miller Center windows and rhyolite. In the Miller Center and the Robinson room, old plaster and paint have been removed from the walls so that new plaster can be applied.

Careful consideration is being taken at every step. According to Bud, "The design team is working diligently with the contractors to verify the exact details of the intended work as it is incorporated into our existing historic structure. I believe the results will be truly rewarding."

Less visible is the essential work that’s being done within the basement. Asbestos abatement has been completed in the hallways surrounding the Choir Room and under the Narthex in the Reception Room, a project that included the removal of ceiling material and pipe insulation in preparation for new electrical and mechanical work. Currently, mainframe electrical routing from the basement electrical room is underway and installation of a new power distribution has been completed. These infrastructure upgrades impact most corridors and nearly every room in the building. 
Thanks to a generous grant received by the Colorado State Historic Fund, every historic window in the Education Wing and Miller Center will undergo restoration and renovation. We will also be installing life safety and fire improvements to interior spaces in the Education Wing. This means every classroom and meeting space in the Education Wing will undergo construction during the summer months.


"In the bountiful transitions of this season, Pastor Ian, the Montview staff and I look forward to welcoming you into the sanctuary again," says Pastor Clover. "While the remainder of the building remains closed, the transformation that’s taking place now will result in a renewed space that will feed our spirits for generations to come. We hope to see you in worship in the sanctuary on June 6!"

To learn more about the plans go to https://www.montview.org/campaign.