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November 23, 2009 There is much to be done and a decision is a long way off but it is possible that the Archdiocesan Chancery Office may eventually move into the now empty John Paul II Centre. “We’ve hired a consulting architect to examine what could be done and, more importantly, examine the cost of converting the building into useable office space,” said Archbishop Daniel Bohan. He emphasized cost is a big factor and the Archdiocese will not take on an expense it cannot afford. The Regina Architectural firm, Stantec, has drawn a preliminary concept that would include taking down some of the structure that once housed the sisters of the Precious Blood and preserving others. Stantec Principal Architect Bronislaus Nurkowski briefed archdiocesan staff September 16 over lunch and asked for their input. He too emphasized that cost is a big factor and trying to bring the 50-year-old building up to code could cost 3 to 4 million. “The structure is sound,” he said at the briefing, “It’s a nice solid building but it would cost too much to update it.” Instead, his firm’s preliminary proposal would add what would become an office and meeting area as well as a location for the Marriage Tribunal. It has not been determined what if any part of the structure needs to be demolished. Nurkowski distributed preliminary plans and asked staff if what is being proposed matched their needs. “What do you need to do your job,” he asked. The architect’s proposal calls for a modern, open concept with cubicles as offices but spaces set aside where confidential meetings and telephone calls could take place. The Archbishop, Chancellor, Vicar General, Director of Pastoral Services and Financial Officer would be the only ones with private offices. The Chancery now rents a former school on the city’s north side from the Regina Roman Catholic School Board and ministry coordinators each have enclosed offices. Financial Officer Barry Wood said the current Chancery is still an old school with lots of wasted space so a smaller space could work. Staff expressed some concerns about storage, shelf space and noise in the proposal but Nurkowski assured staff that the modern concept does work well and invited staff to visit Stantec offices. He also said that storage space is very expensive to build. John Paul II was originally constructed in 1959 as the Monastery for the Sister of the Precious Blood. It was sold to the Archdiocese in 1985, renamed and converted into an education centre for the archdiocese. It was officially closed, June 30, 2008 because of a combination of diminished attendance at the programs offered and financial considerations resulting from that. Some of the programs offered were transferred to St. Michael’s Retreat House in Lumsden. If the project goes ahead Archbishop Bohan expressed hope that perhaps corporate and other donors might be found to help pay for the new offices. Frank Flegel  Enlarge |
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