When you build a signature building on the highest hill in Seattle it means that building will automatically get more attention than most. But that attention is welcome to the people and leaders of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church (OLG). They are not only are building a Parish Life Center/Gymnasium but are going about it in a way that makes them an example for all those who will inevitably look up to them.

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The church is located at 35th s.w. and s.w. Myrtle in West Seattle near the highest elevation in the city (510 feet above sea level).

The $3.5 million project, which broke ground July 18, is the latest part in the church's master plan. That plan, developed a few years ago consisted of, "A new pastoral center, and a hall/gym," said Mr. Frank Handler Parish Administrator,"We're building a parish hall that will function like a gym. Even the interior colors we want to be inviting for people that want to have family celebrations, anniversaries, weddings as opposed to, 'You can have it in our gym,' we want to have a very beautiful hall, but it will still have all the functions of a gym."

Meeting that design aesthetic led to a long discussion about the floor. Gymnasiums have basketball hoops and markings for that sport, as well as volleyball. The OLG project will too but the floors are maple, which plays more to sports than a synthetic floor would meaning it will truly be "multi-use."

There will only be two hoops at the beginning but four more will be added over time for half court style games. The new gym will mean that the school will no longer have to rent the gym at Highpoint Community Center too.

The complete facility will feature a small amphitheater where small performances and church functions like BBQ's can be staged, a 'Big Toy' play area and a parking lot below with an easier drive through area where children can be dropped off and picked up with greater safety. That parking lot will also function as an outdoor play area during the day and the basketball backboards and hoops were retained to be re-installed there.

The entire project from the parking lot to the roof is being built, "as green as we can build it. If we can get the funding the goal would be to be LEED certified." LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, and is an internationally-recognized green building certification system. Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) in March 2000 . "Fortunately we have two parishioners who are architects who have offered their services in helping us accomplish this. With LEED there are two costs. The hard costs in buying energy efficient materials and equipment and the other cost is the documentation, certifying the building. That's more than 30% of the cost.

Initially the kitchen will be a functional commercial style though more toward a "catering kitchen to begin with since functions these days are more catered." It will have ranges, commercial microwave, stainless steel counters and a dishwasher but no high end gear. It's built with an eye toward the future however with all the gas and other elements in place when budgets make it possible to expand and improve it. "Kitchens in all churches are important."

The facility will have a stage on the eastern side (with a modest bit of stage lighting) that has also uniquely been designed as a meeting space with the ability to partition that space with curtains, "so for a small reception of 50 to 100 people we could hold it here or open up the entire space."

The master plan also called for adding reception space to the primary church building (which was built in 1960) but the new building plan was modified to meet that need. There are still some plans, "that if we were to win the Lotto we'd immediately do something to the front of the church to tie it in architecturally with the existing pastoral center and the new building." The church built the current Pastoral Center in 2009 and it serves as offices, and meeting rooms for the church.

The first step in the project is to complete the site work. The former upper parking lot/playground asphalt has been ground up and is being recycled into the new lower area. They hope to have the first segment of work done by September 6 when school starts. That means the parking lot, the amphitheater, and the Big Toy will all be finished by then. The foundation will be built in September and hopefully the building will be complete by "sometime in March, but everything is subject to change."

The church raised $2.4 million in 2007 toward their master plan goal of $6.2 million and are still seeking support. For individuals, the church is planning a 'pavers campaign' allowing people to buy a paving brick in the plaza are outside the east entry. For larger contributions they are soliciting grants from foundations, and having private receptions for individual donors but Handler noted that they have received significant support from bequests by loyal parishioners. One substantial bequest from Michael Hession will be honored with a garden on the grounds.

"We're building the hardware, that's what the building is. The software will be programs for the faith community of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and outreach programs into other areas of West Seattle," Handler said. The sustainability of the project for the church is central to the purpose in building it.
"It's how we live," said Handler, "How do we live and work on this site and more importantly how can we touch people so that they take that into their own lives."

If you'd like to learn more about the project or make your own contribution you can visit www.olgfuture.org and contact Sue Wilkes at campaign@olgfuture.org.