Parishioners and visitors will experience a new courtyard plaza, increased parking, improved lighting, new landscaping and better pedestrian traffic flow. Additional space is being created for the library expansion and for a new cultural center that will display Greek history and artifacts, profile founders, and highlight the Greek presence and influence in the Portland community. The fifty-year old facility, located at NE 31st and Glisan, was not originally designed to support the needs of the aging or physically challenged population. RGPI will upgrade the facility with ramps, ADA compliant restrooms, and elevators to make it more accessible to all.

This project will pose a few construction challenges. The work must be done with minimal impact to the multiple ongoing Church programs, and in tight quarters. Significant and intricate demolition will occur within the next week, setting the stage for creating a 3-story building. The festival, to occur early October 2003, puts a time crunch on the project. RGPI will need to complete the addition and remodel work by September to allow for organizers to prepare for the 51st annual festival, which draws thousands of people.

Bob Gray will serve as RGPI’s project manager. Gray states, “We like the complexity of this project. We like a challenge. This is not just about enhancing the Church’s facility, but developing our communities. We are proud to be a member of the team.”

July