From top to bottom, St. Andrew by the Bay’s recently restored parish center is a significantly different place from what it had been.
The Annapolis building’s dark exterior was completely resurfaced to match the brighter exterior of the nearby church. A new roof was installed, and the interior was gutted and renovated. Heating and air conditioning systems were also improved.
“We ended up with a brand-new building,” said Father Jeffery S. Dauses, pastor of the Anne Arundel County faith community. “It’s cosmetically much more appealing and much more hospitable. It also has a new a state-of-the-art sound system and a video projection system. People love it.”
Bishop Mitchell T. Rozanski blessed and dedicated the building following a Nov. 6 Mass and procession. The refurbished structure features classrooms, an adult learning center, upper- and lower halls, parish office space, storage areas and more.
The 20-year-old building was in need of significant improvements, according to Father Dauses.
“It has served the parish well, but it started to show its age,” Father Dauses said. “We had significant struggles with the HVAC system and there was a lot of normal wear and tear. It gets extensive use from morning ‘til night.”
The restoration of the two-story structure cost $1.1 million – about $100,000 over the budget. Parishioners supported the effort in a capital campaign that also encompassed an earlier restoration of the church.
The restored parish center has been in use since the end of the summer. Baltimore-based Hord Coplan Macht was the architecture firm for the project, with Maryland-based Select Contractors serving as the builders.
“I’m thrilled with the finished product,” said Kristen Walsh, parish business manager.