Proposed Scope of Work for Site Plan Development

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church

1819 Heights Blvd, Houston

 

Background

St. Andrew’s has recently completed a capital fund raising program to well position the church facility grounds now and into the future.  There are three specific focus areas for improvement.  This scope of work details desired improvements for the external appearance to the community and functional utility of the grounds.

 Objective

Provide an integrated site plan for the entire campus that incorporates the focus areas of improvement listed below.  Include in the proposal an estimated number of professional billable hours, fee schedule, and not to exceed top line budget, with the ability to have additional scope not currently estimated billed at an additional hourly rate.  It is expected that the process to develop the Site Master Plan will require grounding meetings and several iterations between the architect selected and St. Andrew’s.

The site plan should include sufficient 3D renderings (isometrics, CAD not specifically required), plot plans, elevations, cross sections, and details of each focus area so that the church approval authorities can envision the proposed design.  The plan can then be used to develop construction quality drawings as needed.  Details to include, but not limited to:

Site wide plot plan and elevations

Site side 3D rendering

­Detail drawings of each focus area – 3D sketches, plot plans, elevation views, etc.

Other commercial terms such an insurance carrier, types of insurance, and levels as well as indemnification to be included and normal terms of payment.  St. Andrews campus is located within the Heights Historic district and as such we will have to abide by the architectural rules governing that area.

 

Focus Areas of Improvement

 

1)      Renovate and Update Memorial Garden and Outdoor Chapel

  • ­   Area is located between the Church Building and St. Andrew’s House (church offices).  

  • ­   Retain & improve Outdoor Chapel.  In addition to outdoor services, idea is to make this an area of beauty, contemplation, and reflection.    Seating areas are then required. 

  • ­   Outdoor pergola or other shade may be necessary to be able to use more months of the year.

  • ­   Outdoor HVAC condensing units (planned for replacement) need concealment and can be reoriented to be less visible from the street. 

  • ­   Existing statuette to be retained and incorporated into overall site plan.  Flower bed against Church long wall can go away. 

  • ­   Garden area is the preferred location for the columbarium, but decision is open. 

  • ­   Also interested in how we can better integrate the House with the Church to indicate a single campus (can we move the wrought iron fence towards Heights Bvld?).

 

2)       Columbarium

  • ­   Location TBD, although most obvious spot would be the Memorial Garden area.

  • ­   Incorporate at least 50 initial niches with ability to add up to 300 additional niches as needed in the future.  

  • ­   The design should be that of a basic framework that can be built out and added as parishioners purchase niches in a “pay as you go” arrangement.  

  • ­   Brass Plaques on wall of church and other existing memorial elements should be incorporated into the overall design. 

 

3)      Southeast Courtyard

  • ­   Located between the Church and the House. 

  • ­   Currently used as a playground by the School.

  • ­   School would like to incorporate some sand and water features, perhaps misting stations. 

  • ­   Existing Little Cottage is either to be renovated, relocated, or demolished.  If demolished, a new (pre-fabricated) storage solution for the School needs to be created.  Climate control is not necessary.   

  • ­   Re-imagine this courtyard into multi-use space for Church Youth and School.

  • ­   Current artificial turf needs to be replaced.

  • ­   Area must have the ability to be controlled access during School hours.

 

4)      Lawn Space

  • ­   Replace or substantially improve the visual attractiveness at the corner of 19th Street and Heights Blvd.

  • ­   St. Andrew’s sign and planter boxes on the corner and Heights and 19th needs to be lowered so as not to block the eye view of the Church. 

  • ­   Design the lawns to be inviting to the neighborhood and to the parish.

  • ­   Create an outdoor space that can be used for parish and community events.

  • ­   Incorporate metal brazier into overall design.

  • ­   We want to better utilize this space.  Some ideas include multi-level, hardscaping and / or other to provide space for the Blessing of the Animals, Easter Egg Hunt or other Church events.

  • ­   The idea is to draw the neighborhood into our space, provide spiritual experience for a wide variety of people.

  • ­   Area around the olive trees adjacent to the Parish Hall needs to be brought into the overall plan. 

  • ­   Replace the sidewalk along 19th Street that is broken up due to roots of the live oaks there.  Need either a root barrier and new sidewalk, crushed granite pavement, or some steel over structure. (City of Houston has been contacted wrt replacing this sidewalk).

  • ­   Potential to extend the iron fence for the School playground on the northeast corner, and extend north and east to the corner of the Church.  

 

5)      Existing Garden Beds and Existing Irrigation system

  • ­   Refresh and relandscape existing garden beds around the church building with easy care plants, and possibly xeriscaping so less water is required. 

  • ­   Evaluate the existing irrigation system and make recommendations to improve and accommodate new proposed landscape beds and lawns. 

  • ­   Integrate into overall site plan.

 

6)      Integrate the Campus

  • ­   Desire to re-imagine the space where the community garden is, and provide better connectivity to the rest of the campus

  • ­   The BBQ Smoker needs to be relocated to open up the visual space (put on wheels or move)

  • ­   The small garden shed is to be demolished. 

  • ­   Existing garden beds may be relocated, if necessary, even into the easement area (not a permanent structure), to allow for improved space usage.

  • ­   Idea is to make this space multi-use - Church Youth, Men of St Andrew’s, School.  Ideas include a Pavilion, perhaps covered or partially covered, with a fire pit, seating space and maybe a gaga ball pit. 

  • ­   Addition of seating and shade will allow parishioners to enjoy the garden and as a gathering spot.  

  • ­   Addition of outdoor restroom space would allow for better use of this space – incorporated into the garage or separate structure.

  • ­   New Wash and Prep station for vegetables to be retained but can be moved.   

  • ­   Existing Garage needs to be retained, but externally refurbished (roof and exterior paint)

 

A budget price is to be included for each of the above line-item scopes.