by Joe Cross, Facilities Manager
Last spring, we focused on the Sanctuary interior; this year, we are focusing on the Sanctuary and Gathering Spaces exterior, last painted in 2011. We received proposals from several local painting companies and learned two things: painters were expensive and painters working high up were more expensive because of the lift needed to reach places even ladders cannot.
The CIT Committee saw an opportunity to save money and perhaps obtain a better job by using WUU members who enjoy painting. We were surprised at the contractor’s price for a lift. So, we sought out our own through SunBelt Construction Rentals. Plus, there is a bonus: the lift has allowed us access to the parking light standards to retrofit them for LED bulbs that save money and last longer. The lift will allow us to trim up some trees to safely remove low-hanging branches. We expect the result to cost about one-quarter of the quoted price. A few of our adults are enjoying WUU’s carnival ride—for a limited time only.
The WUU exterior will shine as brightly outside as it does inside by the end of May. Please thank Kirk Starr, Jim Hall and others for their effort and attention to painting details.