Restoration and Renewal Construction Updates
We understand that the changing nature of the construction project can lead to confusion and frustration. Please be patient and flexible with each other, as our church community experiences a time of renewal. We cannot wait to celebrate the new space together. As always, our staff and steering committee are happy to answer your questions and address your concerns. Please find construction updates below on key spaces across Rayne’s campus — check back for continued updates!
Grace and peace,
Rayne Memorial United Methodist Church Staff
| SPACE | WHAT'S HAPPENING NOW? | WHAT'S NEXT? |
|---|---|---|
| Sanctuary | On 8/14, permanent power was restored after two weeks on generator power. Thanks for your patience! Temperatures may remain a bit higher than normal while one of the HVAC units serving the Sanctuary is repaired. | As soon as HVAC repairs are complete, the Sanctuary will be back to normal. |
| Fellowship Hall | As of 9/1, the space is off-limits for construction. | This space will be refreshed with new carpet, restored windows, repaired brickwork at the wall facing General Taylor Street, and new furniture. |
| Bathrooms | This project will provide new bathrooms that comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), so they will be safe and accessible for users of all abilities. During construction, the only bathrooms available are in the Bynum Building (where the Rayne Early Childhood Program is) - just follow the signs! | The new bathrooms will be available when construction ends. |
| Choir Loft | The choir loft is available for use, but it is adjacent to the construction zone so please be careful. | Thank you to the choir for your patience! |
| Kitchen | The kitchen is temporarily off limits while new mechanical equipment is replaced and a new ceiling is installed. Thank you for your patience! | The kitchen should be returned to normal use after a good cleaning by the end of September. Stay tuned for more details. |
| Pitt Street Entrance | This project will rework the sidewalk on Pitt Street so that visitors of all abilities can enter Rayne safely and seamlessly, without stairs. During construction, the Pitt Street door is off-limits on weekdays. On Sundays, you are free to enter from Pitt Street, but please be aware that there are construction materials on both sides of the hallway leading to the sanctuary. | Beginning on 8/27, the Pitt Street entry will be off limits for work at the sidewalk and door. The Pitt Street door is expected to be available for use by 9/14. During this time, the RECP entry just a few steps away on Pitt Street will be open for anyone who prefers to use a ramp to enter the church. Just follow the signs. |
| Rayne Early Childhood Program (RECP) | On 8/14, permanent power was restored after two weeks on generator power. Thanks for your patience! | |
| Playgrounds | The Large Playground is currently closed so that exterior repairs to the Westerfield Building can take place safely. These repairs include restoring the brick walls, repairing cast stone details, and restoring windows. The smaller Toddler-1 Playground is open. | Once exterior repairs are complete on the facades of the Westerfield Building facing the Large Playground, the Contractor will conduct a thorough cleaning of the playground before turning it back over to RECP and the Rayne community. The contractor's work is on track to be complete by 8/21. Stay tuned for the playground reopening date. |
| Chapel | Off limits during construction. This is an area where the Contractor's work is fairly limited, so this space served as a temporary "swing space" during the early months of construction and it is expected to be finished before the renovations to the Westerfield Building. | The Contractor's work is expected to be complete by 8/21, with some minor touchups to follow. Furniture will take a little longer to be installed - stay tuned. The restored Chapel will include new carpet featuring a labyrinth for meditative walks, fresh paint, and new flexible seating instead of fixed pews. |
| Bridal Suite (at Chapel) | Off limits during construction. | The Contractor's work is expected to be complete by 8/21, with some minor touchups to follow. |
| Food Pantry & Parsonage | On 8/14, permanent power was restored after two weeks on generator power. Thanks for your patience! | |
| Audubon Yoga Class | Classes meet Monday evenings, Tuesday mornings/evenings, Wednesday mornings/evenings, and Saturday mornings. Prior to the renovation, classes were held upstairs in the Westerfield Building. Currently, classes are being held temporarily in the Sanctuary while construction in the Chapel is underway. | When the contractor has completed all work in the Chapel, classes will move permanently to the Chapel. Estimated completion for work at the Chapel is 8/21. |
