Watch that first step ...

Current building code requires us to add another stairwell from our lower level, leading directly outside the building. This new stairwell is being carved from existing space at the end of the office corridor, just before the Chapel.

The doorway in the photo to the right will lead to new stairs that connect the lower level Sunday School corridor with the main level office corridor. The door also opens into a hallway that will pass directly outside, just west of the chapel porch.









The new parking lot expansion on the west side of Redeemer, closest to the music wing and sanctuary front doors is taking shape. The concrete curbs have been poured making ready for two layers of asphalt.

The electrical service throughout Redeemer is being upgraded. This has necessitated DTE installing new poles to our east, one behind the pharmacy and one next to the dry cleaners. This expanded service enters the building by the side of the chapel. All this electrical gear will be landscaped later in the year, when planting conditions are more favorable.

Site Improvements Continue

Work on various site improvements continues around Redeemer.

Most of the new fire suppression system is in place, with just the placement of sprinkler heads awaiting the final lay-in ceiling tiles. The expanded electrical service (located on the east side of the chapel) is nearly ready for DTE to provide expanded service.

The new water service which will power the fire suppression system as well as the rest of Redeemer is now in place. Note the new fire hydrant which is maize colored, and not scarlet, as one pastor requested.
Work is proceeding on the new parking lot extension. All the underground work is complete and the area has been leveled, awaiting the addition of curbs, gravel and the final asphalt top coats. The sprinkling system has been disrupted at many points around the Redeemer grounds. Don't blame the garden club if some of the landscaping looks a little tired in the July heat. Rest assured that everything is being put back in its original condition.
Finally, a new sidewalk around the north side of the gymnasium is being readied for pour next week. The parking lot asphalt will be repaired as well to match the new contours along the north side of the building.

Work Proceeds on Schedule

Westmaple - Tremendous progress is visible in the Westmaple wing as two new classrooms are now entirely blocked, with poured concrete floors and steel beams.

The new teacher's work room has been roughed out and is ready for finish work.
Exterior brick and insulation is being added to the Westmaple walls, along with roof trim to match the existing classrooms.

Site Improvements - Work continues in the west parking lot as we expand our parking space between the sanctuary front doors and the new main entrance.

New sidewalks are being poured to facilitate safe passage to and from the parking lot. Crosswalks will be painted at the end of the project. Also, new accessibility ramps are being added at strategic locations around the parking lot.

Town Square - More block is being laid to form the exterior walls of the new main entrance and town square. A new lion's den ...

Gym and Worship Stage - Significant progress is being made in the renovated gymnasium as the sheet rock around the soffits and gables is complete. The necessary trusses to support speakers and lights have been hung as have two large projection screens on either side of the stage itself. The electrical work proceeds to enable both new lighting and audio/video, as well as three large fans. Painting will begin shortly.

Holier than Thou ...

Wow, what a flurry of activity on site this week. There are holes all over the Redeemer lawn as we upgrade our electrical, gas and water main all at the same time! Rest assured there is landscape budget to put it all back in place. Below are pictures and updates from the activity this week.

Work is proceeding on the worship and performance stage on the north wall of the gymnasium (three photos below.) The first steel beams have been erected this week. The brick will be removed for the stage opening at week's end. The cinder block to finish the exterior walls is now on site.

If you look closely you can see the line that has been cut in the exterior brick to make way for the new stage opening.

Meanwhile, inside the gym, the ceiling and north soffit has been removed in anticipation of the new stage with new lighting and a new ceiling. This photo shows preparation along the new (north) stage wall.

The foundations for the lower level walls are being prepped (below.) Issues with ground water have been resolved. You can almost see the outline of the new classrooms taking shape.

Is that Fred's office underneath that pile of dirt? Where is the choir? All that "good dirt" from the excavation is saved on site, and then used to back fill the lower level walls after they are poured and sealed.

I didn't know we were putting a swimming pool on the front lawn ...

Actually this temporary excavation is required for both the storm sewers and the new water main that runs across Maple Road, up the front lawn, and into the church. I think our neighbors have noticed the construction this week.

New, upgraded electrical service is being routed from the east lot line across the driveway and into the building at the Chapel.

Design Update: Site Improvements

In order to support the first phase of Sacred Space, as well as accommodate the future growth outlined in our master facility plan, several improvements are being made to the Redeemer site. Highlights include:

• West parking lot expansion close to sanctuary and main entrance


• Fire protection in all new areas and existing hallways


• Water upgrade to accommodate new fire suppression sprinklers


• Electrical upgrade to accommodate current and future growth


• Phone and wireless upgrade in all new areas


• Fire exit from children’s lower level classrooms to outside


• Air conditioning in the gymnasium