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The Renovation of the Marion Street Building |
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Structural Phase Because the existing second floor of the building was not designed for assembly purposes, structural modifications and enhancements were necessary. This involved reinforcing existing columns and beams and installing new columns. All these modifications and additions were according to the research performed by structural engineers.
The concrete slab surrounding many of the existing support columns in the interior of the building was removed so stronger footings could be poured. In the process of cutting away the existing floor, the old theater floor was exposed in several places.
Blocks in the interior at the front of the building indicate where the interior stairwell is located.(9/30/98)
Steel was erected for the stairs and structure of the new rear entrance.
Another view of the entrance area at the front of the building.(9/30/98)
New classrooms were framed up and readied for drywall.
At last the front of the building took shape!
This area became the entrance foyer on the second floor. Visible are the original laths supporting the coved ceiling.
First glimpse of the new front facade with the new window. All that remained for front renovation was completion of bricking and sidewalk.
Since Marion Street is blessed with several talented craftsmen, we elected to add some refinements to the decor beyond what was included in the building contract. The entire assembly area was enhanced by installation of custom wainscoating.
Several Saturdays and evenings were spent completing the trim in the new assembly area.
The new assembly area taking shape. It no longer looked like the attic of a furniture store.
In the course of repairing the plaster on the exterior columns, the old antebellum brick was uncovered. The bricks are curved so they follow the contours of the column.
Here is the new auditorium! Seating capacity is about 220. The acoustics have proven to be of very good quality since the proportions of the space are ideal and the cove ceiling was retained.
One of the nicest features of the renovation is the entrance foyer. The arched ceiling repeats the lines of the window and previews the shape of the main ceiling. Indirect lighting gives an almost "skylight" quality to the lighting.
A painted baptistery is not seen very often anymore; However, in keeping with the nineteenth century flavor of the building, a local artist provided the painted walls for the baptistery.
One of the church members painted the children's nursery. The trees actually have bird's nests!
Only final details remain on the exterior of the building in this photo of early 1999. The congregation moved back into the building in April, 1999.
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