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| March 2005 |
Chapel Conversion
Renovations have been underway in the southwest wing of the Motherhouse building - which will be renamed Village Park Place - to create the new retirement residence for approx 90 Sisters. So far, the work has focused on removing existing walls, wiring and fixtures with very little change to the exterior architecture.
Creation of the Sisters' residence and congregational administration space are the first priorities for United Gulf Developments Limited, in redeveloping the building.
The Design Committee has been meeting regularly, and on March 10 invited all Sisters in the Halifax area to a "Chapel Conversation". Most of the Design Committee members joined almost 100 Sisters for a conversation about the chapel in the new residence.
After introductions and the Prayer for the Project, architect Darrell Campbell (with DSRA Architects Ltd) spoke about the design and plans for the chapel. Sketches were available, to illustrate how the structure will relate to the residence, and what the inside layout will be.
The chapel will have space for 150 people, with an adjoining parlor allowing for additional capacity when needed. It will be accessed from the main entrance of the residence and visitors from the community will be welcome.
Campbell shared with the Sisters the desire to "pay homage to your heritage". Some of the existing stained glass sections, lighting fixtures and doors from the current chapel will be incorporated. The new chapel's height and acoustics will be accented by wood trusses, and natural light will be an important feature. The altar and furnishings will be moveable, to allow greatest flexibility. "It will be a warm and beautiful space," he said. " I hope it will give you joy."
The Design Committee members are:
David Rickard, Architect, DSRA Architects Ltd
Darrell Campbell, Architect, DSRA Architects Ltd
S. Joan O'Keefe, Congregational Leadership Team, Sisters of Charity
Greg Walsh, Director of Finance, Sisters of CharityTed Mitchell, Design Manager, United Gulf Developments Limited
Tarun Biju, Project Manager, United Gulf Developments Limited
Mark VanZeumeren, Engineer/Consultant, EDM
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| May 2004 |
Status of the Project
The Sisters of Charity continue negotiations with United Gulf Developments Ltd. for redevelopment of the current Motherhouse building and surrounding lands. Schedules and sections to be finalized include relocation responsibilities and construction timelines, for instance.
Specifics for the Sisters of Charity space in the new complex -- for a retirement residence and Congregational Administration -- are still under discussion. The Congregational Administration space will house offices for the Leadership Team and administrative functions, and will provide for the long-term presence of the Sisters in the region.
It is hoped that a date will be set within the next few weeks, for signing an agreement.
A tentative relocation plan has been developed for those residence rooms and offices affected by construction. Temporary locations will be within the current Motherhouse building.
The Motherhouse Project Co-ordinating Committee, comprised of Sisters and community volunteers, and the project management company EDM have played a significant role in advising and assisting the Congregation throughout the process.
Project To Date
January 2001: Sisters of Charity announced that the Mount Saint Vincent Motherhouse no longer serves the Congregation's needs in Halifax and that they intend to sell the building within a few years
Fall 2002/Winter 2003: EDM, a project management company, conducted a comprehensive needs assessment with broad consultation across the Congregation
May 2003: an open invitation was issued for Expressions of Interest on either or both of the redevelopment of the Motherhouse building and surrounding lands; and the development of a retirement residence for approx 100 Sisters. In addition, space was required for Congregational Administration
November 2003: Sisters of Charity announced their intention to pursue negotiations with United Gulf Developments Limited for redevelopment of the current building and surrounding lands
United Gulf's concept includes the Sisters' retirement residence and Congregational Administration space within a reconstructed building. The vision for the area includes creative reuse of the current building, respect for the environment and for the neighbourhood.
Throughout the process, there is concern that both short-term and long-term needs of the Congregation be met; and that the solutions reflect the values of the Congregation.
Background
Mount Saint Vincent Motherhouse is owned by the Sisters of Charity, an international organization of more than 600 members, based in Halifax. Sisters are currently serving in locations across Canada, the Eastern US, Peru, Dominican Republic and Bermuda.
The "head office" of the organization -- the Congregational Administration -- has been located in this building since 1959. At times through the years, the Motherhouse also housed Sisters in training, one of the Congregation's two retirement centres, a health care facility, and an elementary and high school for girls (Mount Saint Vincent Academy). It was designed to accommodate 900 Sisters and students, complete with an auditorium, gymnasium and a chapel the size of a parish church.
The Academy closed in 1972 and with changing needs, space in the building was renovated and reassigned to many projects over the years. Most uses of the space were subsidized by the Congregation.
In January 2001, the Sisters of Charity announced that Mount Saint Vincent Motherhouse no longer serves the Congregation's current needs in Halifax, and that they intended to sell the building within a few years.
The Sisters of Charity see this decision as part of an ongoing response to changing needs. It's a commitment to the future of the Congregation, which is self-funded; exercising responsible stewardship to ensure a lasting focus on mission and ministries.
Mount Saint Vincent Motherhouse currently houses:
- a Retirement Centre for approx 80 Sisters
- the Vincent Hall Meeting Centre, used by a variety of religious and civic groups (includes meeting rooms, a gymnasium, the 650-seat Cardinal Cushing Auditorium and accommodations for 170+ people)
- the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception, which seats close to 800
- Elizabeth Seton Apartments for seniors
- the Sisters of Charity Heritage Room and Archives
- Congregational Administration
Interesting Facts About Mount Saint Vincent Motherhouse
This is the third building housing "headquarters" for the Sisters of Charity in Halifax. When four Sisters arrived from New York in 1849, they opened Saint Mary's Convent, Orphanage and Girls' School on Barrington Street near Blowers. A plaque marks the site where the building once stood.
By 1872, there was need for increased classroom and living space and new property was purchased in Rockingham. The first Mount Saint Vincent was opened in 1873, and numerous additions were made over the years. Sadly, after serving the community well for almost 80 years, the building was completely destroyed by fire on the night of January 31, 1951. Mount Saint Vincent University's E. Margaret Fulton Communications Centre now stands very near the original site.
- the sod-turning for the current Motherhouse was on May 8, 1956
- the cornerstone was laid by Most Reverend J. Gerald Berry, then Archbishop of Halifax, on December 8, 1957.
- the official opening was in October 1959
- Mount Saint Vincent Motherhouse is a 350,000 square foot building
- the building covers a ground area of two and one-third acres; at the time of its construction, it was built on one of the largest foundations in Canada
- the building contains 1.7 miles of corridor
- the road around the Motherhouse measures 2,800 feet (more than half a mile)
- built into the slope, the building is four stories at the front, two at the back
- 400,000 bricks were used on the courtyard walls; all exterior walls were finished with Indiana limestone
- there are 2,000 windows in the building
- at the time of construction, 7,000 light fixtures and 12,000 electrical outlets were installed
- the building was designed to accommodate 900 Sisters and students; current residents number just over 100.
Co-ordinating Committee
The Motherhouse Project Co-ordinating Committee continues to meet regularly -- most recently on June 18, 2003. The next meeting is scheduled for October. Members are:
S. Donna Geernaert, Chair
Michael Burke
S. Joan Butler
Harold Crowell
S. Marguerite Haggarty
S. Kati Hamm
Frank Hughes
Ruth Jeppesen
S. Patricia Kelly
John MacRae
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S. Margaret Molloy
S. Mary Beth Moore
S. Sheila Moore
S. Joan O'Keefe
S. Evelyn Pollard
S. Maria Sutherland
S. Joan Verner
Greg Walsh
Lee Weatherby
Patricia Whitman
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November
2003 |
Sisters of Charity Hopeful that United Gulf Concept Will Be a Reality
HALIFAX, NS -- The Sisters of Charity have announced today that they intend to pursue negotiations with United Gulf Developments Limited for development of their Rockingham property. The decision comes after a six-month process that included a public invitation for expressions of interest and review of full proposals from a short list of potential partners.
The proposals included redevelopment of the Mount Saint Vincent Motherhouse and surrounding lands; as well as development of a retirement residence for approximately 100 Sisters and space for Congregational Administration offices.
"United Gulf's concept for the property is the one that most closely matches our vision for the area," says Sister Donna Geernaert, Congregational Leader for the Sisters of Charity. "It's the proposal that best embraces our values including the creative reuse of the current building as well as respect for the environment and for those living in the surrounding area. The plan also allows for the Sisters of Charity to be very much part of a diverse and dynamic neighbourhood, giving us the base we need to continue to work in the community."
The concept includes the Sisters' retirement residence and Congregational Administration space within the central building; a mixed residential community; and preservation of considerable green space.
Sister Donna added that negotiations over the next few months will determine if United Gulf's proposal can become a reality.
In January 2001, the Sisters of Charity announced that Mount Saint Vincent Motherhouse no longer serves the Congregation's current needs in Halifax, and that they intended to sell the building within a few years.
"The building is far too big for our needs and in many respects has become a financial burden," says Sister Donna. "While providing a suitable home for a number of our Sisters is our first priority, we are also mindful of the fact that many people in the community have an emotional attachment to our Motherhouse." The Motherhouse was once home to Mount Saint Vincent Academy and many have participated in retreats and workshops in the building over the years. The property is also well known as a coasting hill in winter.
Negotiations are expected to be completed early in the new year.
The Sisters of Charity is an international organization of more than 600 members. Based in Halifax, Sisters of Charity currently live and serve across Canada, the eastern US, Bermuda, Dominican Republic and Peru.
View Backgrounder - Sisters of Charity, Motherhouse Project
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June
2003 |
Project To Date
The Leadership Team continues to work with EDM as project manager, and with the Motherhouse Project Co-ordinating Committee comprised of Sisters, staff and community volunteers.
In May 2003, an invitation was issued for Expressions of Interest on either or both:
- the redevelopment of the Motherhouse building and surrounding lands; and
- the development of a retirement residence for 90-100 Sisters
The Leadership Team was pleased with the response and the quality of ideas presented in the Expressions of Interest. A number of interested parties were invited to elaborate on their ideas in presentations to Leadership.
A short list of potential partners has been created and they have now been asked to prepare full proposals, to be submitted by September 30, 2003. Decisions and timelines will be finalized as quickly as possible after that date.
It is now assumed that the retirement residence and the Congregational Administration space will remain on the Rockingham property.
Throughout the process, there is concern that both short-term and long-term needs of the Congregation be met, and that solutions reflect the values of the Congregation.
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March
2003 |
Overview
Mount Saint Vincent Motherhouse is owned by the Sisters of Charity, an international organization of more than 600 members which is based in Halifax. Sisters are currently serving in locations across Canada, the Eastern US, Peru, Dominican Republic and Bermuda.
The "head office" of the organization -- the Congregational Administration -- has been located in the Motherhouse since its completion in 1959. At times through the years, this building also housed Sisters in training, one of the Congregation's two retirement centres, a health care facility, and an elementary and high school for girls (Mount Saint Vincent Academy). It was designed to accommodate 900 Sisters and students, complete with an auditorium, gymnasium and a chapel the size of a parish church.
The Academy closed in 1972 and with changing needs, space in the building was renovated and reassigned to many projects over the years. Most uses of the space were subsidized by the Congregation.
In January 2001, the Sisters of Charity announced that Mount Saint Vincent Motherhouse no longer serves the Congregation's current needs in Halifax, and that they intended to sell the building within a few years.
Rather than an ending, the Sisters of Charity see this decision as part of an ongoing response to changing needs. It's a commitment to the future of the Congregation, which is self-funded -- exercising responsible stewardship to ensure a lasting focus on mission and ministries.
A co-ordinating committee of Sisters and community volunteers, and a project management company, have been assisting the Congregation in the process now known as the Motherhouse Project.
Motherhouse Project To Date
During 2001-02, various options were explored and evaluated. In early 2002, attention was focused on long-term care. The decision was made to close the Mother Berchmans Centre at the Motherhouse in the Spring of 2002 and 65 Sisters moved to a long-term care facility at nearby Parkstone Enhanced Care.
Through the Fall of 2002, a project management company conducted a comprehensive needs assessment, with broad consultation across the Congregation.
In December 2002, it was decided that Parkstone would also be the best option for local Sisters requiring assisted living. The Sisters of Charity will lease one wing at Parkstone, adjacent to Mount Lane and Seton Way where Sisters are now living. The assisted living wing is still under construction, and three Sisters worked with the design team to customize the space for Sisters' needs. It is hoped that work will be completed by the end of May.
New Building Assumptions
At its February 2003 meeting, the Motherhouse Project Co-ordinating Committee reviewed building assumptions. Pending decisions by the Leadership Team, it is now assumed that there will be two separate buildings. The residential building will be for independent living, housing approx 70-80 Sisters. The Congregational Administration building will house offices for the Leadership Team and administrative functions, and will provide for the long-term presence of the Sisters in the community.
Next Steps
Next steps include finalizing space requirements, prioritizing design elements and choosing locations for the residence building and for Congregational Administration space. Concurrent with these deliberations, the Motherhouse Project is moving to the next phase.
Phase Two will include exploration of potential partnerships and management options (for example, build to own or build to lease back). A preliminary timeline for completion of these steps should be confirmed in the coming weeks.
Throughout the process, there is concern that both short-term and long-term needs of the Congregation be met; and that the solutions reflect the values of the Congregation while ensuring that anything that is built be flexible in use and marketable as needs change further.
It is expected that the Congregational Administration offices will remain in the Motherhouse until the Retirement Centre is moved to the new building. The Vincent Hall Meeting Centre will also continue to offer services to the broader community until that time.
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| May 2002 |
At the end of April, approximately 65 Sisters from Mother Berchmans Centre (at MSV Motherhouse) moved to "Parkstone, Enhanced Care," a privately-owned and operated long-term care facility in Halifax, Nova Scotia. During the month of April, Sisters and staff helped the MBC residents prepare for the move. The actual move days for residents--April 29, 30, May 1 and 2--went smoothly. Although the Sisters requiring long-term care will now live at Parkstone rather than the Motherhouse, they will continue to have daily contact with Sister volunteers and visitors. Mother Berchmans Centre ceased operations as a long-term care facility in early May. The status of the Retirement Centre at the Motherhouse is unchanged by the closure of MBC. It is still home to about 115 Sisters.
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February
2002 |
On February 19, 2002, the Department of Health and the Sisters of Charity announced that the Sisters living at Mother Berchmans Centre will move to the new Shannex long-term care facility in Clayton Park West. The move to Parkstone Place Enhanced Care is planned for April, with the exact date dependent upon the completion of construction. See full news release.
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January
2002 |
In late January 2002 the Sisters of Charity were the focus of much media attention surrounding long-term care for our members. After the application to license all the beds at Mother Berchmans Centre was denied by the Dept. of Health in December 2001, the Congregation decided it was time to apply to the public system. Names of 68 Sisters were submitted to the "Single Entry System" with the Dept. of Health on January 17, 2002. The applications have been received but we do not have a definitive date on when the first Sisters will be placed. We are hopeful it will begin this Spring. More information on this matter can be found in the "Joint News Release" from the Dept. of Health and the Sisters of Charity.
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January
2001 |
In January 2001, the Sisters of Charity announced their intention to assess options and eventually move from Mount Saint Vincent Motherhouse to a new space(s) in the Halifax area better suited to the needs of the Congregation and its members. See full news release.
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For details on the Motherhouse Project, please contact the Communications Office.
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