Now that we have completed the installation of the heating and cooling units, we are working on some additional upgrades that were recommended such as ADA access to our building.  In this POST-CONSTRUCTION Phase - our greatest needs are YOUR PRAYERS and YOUR SUPPORT.   

DONATE NOW

This major project goes beyond our annual fundraising efforts such as our Annual Our Lady's Tea and Family BBQ.  While we have received tremendous support from these fundraising events - WE NEED YOUR HELP.  Please pray for us and if you can make a donation - we would be so grateful.  Thank you!
 

SUPPORT THE SISTERS

WE WERE ALERTED TO A PROBLEM...
Last fall we heard from many of our retreatants that their retreat rooms were TOO HOT.  After close investigation, Don Rolison our Maintenance Manager discovered that after 70 years of keeping the retreat house heated, the steam pipes that feed the radiators to the retreat rooms had rusted to the point of failure.  Of course, the solution is not a simple one - and unfortunately not inexpensive. These problematic pipes are embedded in the concrete floor – so, how to repair such a problem?  Initial repair options included: removal of the concrete floor to replace the pipes – or replace the system with a heat pump in each hall.  After seeking professional advice from outside consultants and spending time evaluating the various solutions, Don and the Sisters, have determined the best way to proceed. 

WE BEGAN WORKING TOWARD A SOLUTION...

HOW CAN I HELP?

On August 1^st work began on the HVAC project at the Retreat house, with the ultimate goal being to install a new heating and cooling system to serve all 40 retreat rooms.  Phase one of a three phase project began under the direction of project manager Don Rolison serving as liaison to the architect, general contractor, HVAC contractor, plumber, electrical, fire alarm and other entities involved with the project.

During Phase One of the HVAC Project all retreat rooms and retreat house hallways beyond the gift shop were closed in order for the work to begin.
 

WHAT HAPPENED AS THE PROJECT UNFOLDED...

Phase One:

• Remove: WiFi cables and access point antenna’s, old thermostat cables, all Fire Exit Signs, page system speaker and wire, all ceiling lights and all ceilings in main hall and all side halls
• Build: a new wall for electrical panel, two-hour fire wall between lobby and main hall, access doors in room hall ceilings for future equipment installation, concrete forms outside each hall to support heat pump installation
• Install: electrical conduit for all new lighting and heat pumps outside
• Mount: electrical panel and install feed cable from boiler room

Phase Two:

• Complete: all electrical rough in and get inspection
• Install: new hall lighting, new exits signs, new refrigerant lines to each room and to heat pumps on exterior of building, sheet rock ceiling
• Build: new soffits in main hall to cover all electrical and plumbing
• Paint ceiling & Clear out all construction material & Prep main hall for upcoming retreat

Phase Three:

• Install: heat exchange units in Hall Attic space, room units and thermostats, VRF (variable refrigerant flow) units & Schedule final inspection