I have previously spoken about the condition of the “colonnade” that is on two sides of the courtyard. Clearly its age is showing in the cracks, flaking, and discoloration of the material. Many folks have said, “It just needs a good power washing.” We have tried that; the areas that are black are permanently discolored. I have also heard that we should just slap a coat of paint on it and it will look as good as new. That may buy us a few years, but it does not address the cracking, chipping and disintegration of the material on all the corners. It needs to be addressed in a bigger way. We have had estimates from three companies to refinish and restore the columns. The estimates range from $32,000 to $59,000. This cost seems excessive, and I would not be comfortable spending parish money on this project. If you think you know a more cost effective way to properly address this issue, I would love to hear from you.
When the building was first constructed in 1995 the eastern row of columns were the defined “border” between the courtyard and the path leading through the woods to the parking lot. Since then, several significant improvements have been made. One was the creation of the Children’s Memorial Garden in 2013. In addition, the outdoor Stations of the Cross were gradually built and enhanced through the years through various Eagle Scout projects. Both of these efforts have included landscaping, which greatly beautifies that side of the courtyard. Much of that landscaping is hidden by the columns and the trees in the courtyard. Recently four of the pear trees in the courtyard were removed as several of them were dying. I never felt as though those trees encumbered the courtyard, but since they were removed, it feels much more spacious.
I believe we need to consider removing the colonnade. I appreciate this would be a drastic step and would alter the original design of the building. But I believe it would open the space to fully appreciate all the beautiful landscaping that is already there. I have not investigated the cost of that, but we do have a parishioner whose business is demolition, and he offered his assistance if we choose to move in that direction.
Don’t worry, I don’t have a bulldozer warmed up and ready to go, but we do need to address this in some way. As any homeowner knows, if you don’t look at the ole homestead with a critical eye, it can deteriorate and no longer hold the beauty and purpose it once had. No decisions have been made, but I want to share with you what I am thinking. I would welcome any suggestions or ideas regarding this. More to come...
