February 6, 2013
For further information contact:
Dr. Warren Simonds, Ph. D. LEED AP
Vice President and CMO – Willis A. Smith Construction, Inc.
941-366-3116 / wsimonds@willissmith.com
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
ST. THOMAS MORE WRAPS UP NEW CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION
Find out what's happening in Sarasotafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Sarasota, FL – Willis A. Smith Construction Inc. is pleased to announce the completion of St. Thomas More Catholic Church and parish located at 2506 Gulf Gate Drive this week. The bishop’s dedication ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, February 9th, 2013 at 4:00pm. Patrons, clergy and staff alike can look forward to enjoying the new 10,000 square foot expansion of the music room and worship space. In addition to more seating room, the entire church received a full interior renovation totaling 30,000 square feet. It included roofing, flooring, HVAC, new bathrooms, and interior and exterior lighting. Willis A. Smith Construction enjoyed working with Bo Nepip at the Diocese of Venice in making this a successful project.
The major renovation started in May of 2012. Expanding the building presented a challenge. Using shoring towers to hold up the existing building, the team installed a 65 foot steel beam weighing approximately 18,330 pounds to adjoin the new and old structures. Modification to the existing building foundation was also required to handle the increased weight of the building addition. The result is an open Sanctuary with increased capacity and rows of radius pews. Other additions include an expanded narthex, music minister offices, restrooms and both working and vesting sacristy offices. Final elements include a new Bema and Altar, choir pit, and pipe organ. The Sanctuary now also enjoys enhanced acoustics with sound panels on the walls and coffers in the ceiling to reduce echo. Outside, visitors walking up will also take notice of the new 69 foot bell tower that features 3 new bells and a refurbished existing bell situated inside a uniquely hidden architectural cross.
While many of the features are new, Patrons will recognize other key elements from the old church incorporated into its updates. The preexisting stained glass art was removed, preserved, and reinstalled over hurricane safe windows. The existing baptismal font that now rests at the start of the center aisle was also relocated. In addition, the existing Trinity Icon was relocated inside a new wall to the left of the baptismal font. As you continue up the center aisle, your eye is immediately drawn to St. Thomas More’s own crucifix. This crucifix, now serving as the focal point of the Sanctuary, is suspended from the ceiling above the altar in front of a distinctive window. The window was designed with a hidden cross within the architecture similar to the bell tower.
Willis A. Smith Construction, Inc. is a Sarasota based Construction Management firm primarily serving Southwest Florida since 1972. As one of the oldest construction firms in Sarasota and Manatee counties, the company enjoys a reputation in southwest Florida for quality construction. They offer clients a solid background in commercial, industrial, educational, healthcare, museum specialty work and sustainable construction. Willis A. Smith has headed construction for over 30 religious institutions locally in their 41 year history. The firm has extensive renovation experience; most notable being the restoration of the Sarasota Opera House in 2008.
www.willissmith.com
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