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 | We're on backup power from a generator until 8/14 so the Contractor can safely complete work near the power lines on Pitt Street. During this time, temperatures may be warmer than usual, lights may flicker occasionally, the organ will be off, our Facebook Live feed will be off, and a temporary sound system will be used. This is the same temporary power schedule as RECP, the Food Pantry, and the Parsonage. | On 8/14, permanent power will be switched back on. Thanks for your patience! |
| Fellowship Hall | A temporary wall is in place so that this space can be used for worship by the First Unitarian Universalist Church of New Orleans (FUUNO). Otherwise, this space is off-limits during 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) | We're on backup power from a generator until 8/14 so the Contractor can safely complete work near the power lines on Pitt Street. During this time, RECP staff are taking measures to reduce power consumption, including adjusting thermostats while still keeping a comfortable environment for students and staff. This is the same temporary power schedule as the Sanctuary, Food Pantry, and Parsonage. | On 8/14, temporary power will be shut off and permanent power will be turned on. All power must be off to do this work safely, so RECP will close at 12:30 pm on Friday 8/14 for the switchover from temporary to permanent power. Thank you to all RECP families for your patience and understanding! |
| 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. | Work is expected to be complete by 8/21. 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. | Expected to be complete and available for weddings by 8/21. |
| Food Pantry & Parsonage | The Food Pantry and Parsonage are on backup power from a generator until 8/14 so the Contractor can safely complete work near the power lines on Pitt Street. This is the same temporary power schedule as the Sanctuary and RECP. | On 8/14, permanent power will be switched back on. Thanks for your patience! |
