Brief Summary of Sanctuary Enhancements and Technology Upgrades Project and the C-PACE (Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy) Project

The Sanctuary Enhancements and Technology Upgrades Project was the most
recent beautification infrastructure project that was undertaken at Zion Baptist
Church. It began in the year 2013 as a desire by the Church to provide additional
spacing between the choir loft rows and the installation of technology upgrades
(improved sound system and video screen capability). The congregation
approved the Sanctuary Enhancements and Technology Upgrades Project based
on the commitment that all required funds be raised by the members of the
congregation and not having the Church take out a loan for the project. The
Sanctuary Enhancements and Technology Upgrades Project included:

  • Building a New and Improved Multi-Media Room in the Balcony;
  • Installing an Upgraded Audio-Visual System in the Sanctuary;
  • Installing an New and Improved Sound System in the Sanctuary;
  • Installing an LED Screen over the Baptismal Pool area;
  • Installing Video Cameras in the Sanctuary and Baptismal Pool;
  • Installing a Solar Screen Shade over the Great Stained Glass Window in the
    Balcony;
  • Installing two Television Monitors on the Rear Walls over the Balcony;
    Purchasing new Pulpit Furniture;
  • Expanding the spacing of the Choir Loft and Pulpit Area to include
    installing a Removable Modesty Railing;
  • Installing a new Floor Covering over the Pulpit and Choir Loft areas;
  • Replacing the Baptismal Curtain with a Stained Glass Panel; and
    Installing a Safety Railing across the Balcony Ledge.

While in the beginning the primary purpose for the Sanctuary Enhancements
and Technology Upgrades was to upgrade the pulpit and choir loft area (i.e. –
increase space in the choir loft, new pulpit furniture and improve quality of
sound) it eventually evolved to creating a multi-media capacity that enhanced
the worship experience as well as expanded our social media presence.

Strategic Partners involved in the Sanctuary Enhancements and Technology
Upgrades Project included: Technology Consultant (Ivan Burketh), Hann and
Hann (Ricardo Brown), and ThinkBox Group (Chris Stennett and Paul
Orentas).

The C-PACE (Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy) Project can
provide 100% financing for energy and water saving upgrades in commercial
real estate and multi-family housing in Washington, DC. C-PACE financing is
secured by a voluntary property tax assessment. The assessment is simply
repaid on your property tax bill, much like other tax assessments routinely used
to finance infrastructure upgrades. This C-PACE Project was the Church’s most
comprehensive infrastructure project since the addition of the education wing.

Zion Baptist Church subsequently hired the ThinkBox Group as our energy
consultant for the C-PACE Project. The ThinkBox Group was subsequently
engaged as the Program Manager of the PACE Project. Strategic Partners for
the PACE Project included: ThinkBox Group (Chris Stennett, Paul Orentas
and Daren Coates), DC Department of Energy and Environment (Kenley
Farmer and Bracken Hicks), Urban Ingenuity (Niki Molina), Nuveen Green
Capital (Elliott Cole, Karen Coquillon and Nancy Montour), and DC Solar
(Mark Davis).

The C-PACE Project at Zion Baptist Church included:

Installing new Energy Efficient Windows throughout the building;
Installing LED Lighting throughout the building;
Installing Water Efficient Urinals and Toilets throughout the building;
Installing Energy Efficient Boilers and an upgraded Hot Water Heating
System;
Installing an upgraded Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning System;
Installing individual Heating and Air Conditioning Units in each of the
administrative offices to provide as needed heat and air conditioning;
Installing a Computer Monitoring System for improved energy efficiencies
and cost savings of the HVAC system;
Installing a new Sump Pump System with a back-up power system in the
instance of prolonged loss of electrical power;
Installing Solar Panels on the Educational Wing Roof; and
Installing an Electrical Upgrade System to provide added electrical power.

The combined cost for both the Sanctuary Enhancements and Technology
Upgrades along with the C-PACE Projects was approximately $1.75M.

To God be the Glory for the Benefits of These Two ZBC Legacy Projects!