Renovations going as planned for downtown mission

 

By: Allanah Wills

Downtown Mission renovations

Oct. 24 2014

The $1 million construction project to upgrade the Downtown Mission is underway and going smoothly, according to mission executive director Chandra Dass.

“So far no bumps, nothing that I would say is huge enough we can’t overcome it,” said Dass.

The 14-week project that began in September will bring multiple improvements to the Victoria Street building that was formerly a church. The target date for completion is December 2014 and Dass said that goal will be reached.

“We still have a goal to finish it by Christmas. We’re working very hard to meet that goal because if we don’t it’s going to present some hardships to those members who have immobility difficulties and would like to take part in different types of Christmas offerings we have here,” said Dass.

Dass said construction is going smoothly with minimal difficulties.

“Any hurdles we have met have been overcome by weekly site meetings with the mission, Archon Architects and TCI Titan Construction. Both of these contractors and all of the sub-trade folks appreciate what we do here and have been very accommodating,” said Ron Dunn, the Mission’s director of development and community relations.

The only issue that has arisen is the age of the building, according to a member of the contracting team.

“One of the largest hurdles to date has been the completing of the underground work,” said Setimo Vilardi, an architect for Archon, one of the companies overseeing the project. “Because the existing building is a heritage structure and close to 90 years old, we had to be very careful when excavating the footing and foundations, which ultimately caused some delays.”

Built in 1924, the mission will be getting repairs to the brick, a new heating and ventilation system and its first elevator.

“The physical component that I look most forward to the most is our new elevator. This reliable elevator keeps us a viable option for all who visit us,” said Dunn,

According to Dass the accessibility the elevator will bring is a huge accomplishment for the mission.

“That’s the whole intent behind the construction, to make it more handicap accessible,” Dass said. “I’m looking forward to the ability to accommodate a number of our members who use wheelchairs or have to use walking aids. For those people who are in wheelchairs the best we can do right now, because the building has a large number of stairs to navigate, is to provide them with a take away meal. That also means not allowing them to enjoy the type of companionship that’s a necessary part of human interaction.”

Anyone who would like to donate to the Downtown Mission can go to www.downtownmission.com.