Aloha St. James’ ‘ohana,

There has been significant progress on The Gathering Place site over the past week.

The plumbing contractor has completed installation of a temporary construction water line that will continue to serve the church and cottages while also providing water for construction needs and dust control.

The pavilion structure and its foundation have now been fully removed, and construction fencing has been completed around the site.

Today’s Owner-Architect-Contractor meeting was productive, and the work schedule for the next two weeks has been clearly mapped out. By the end of this week, the building footprint will be laid out on site. Excavation work will begin, along with the import and compaction of structural fill beneath the future foundation.

Over the next two weeks, crews will begin installing foundation form boards, preparing plumbing and electrical trenches, and laying the initial supply, waste, and electrical conduit lines within the foundation area.

We also continue to patiently await news regarding our request for a variance related to grass-paving requirements for portions of the parking lot.

In addition, the parish will soon purchase the walk-in refrigerator and freezer components of the kitchen package in order to meet requirements connected to our food security grant funding.

Architect Paul Donoho and Owner’s Representative Alex Woodbury are also reviewing additional alternatives for the large bifold doors in hopes of identifying further cost savings for the parish without compromising the integrity of the project.

And finally, yesterday’s Groundbreaking Ceremony was a joyful and meaningful moment for all involved. Mahalo to everyone who gathered in prayer, blessing, and hope as we marked this important milestone together.

Please feel free to reach out with any questions.

Mahalo,

Alex Woodbury

Owner’s Representative

The Gathering Place Project