Resolution EC18to22FIN 053

Resolved, That the Executive Council authorizes the construction of meeting space and a production studio at 815 Second Avenue at an estimated cost of $750,000; and be it further

Resolved, That the project be managed by the Chief Operating Officer; and be it further

Resolved, That the Treasurer is authorized to fund the construction with operating cash.

The Need

As a consequence of leasing the ground floor space (formerly the bookstore, and commonly called “the hospitality space” adjacent to the Chapel) and the mezzanine large conference room and kitchen to Midtown Hardware, and the vacant portion of the 7th floor to H&D Physical Therapy PLLC, the DFMS has immediate need for new large (>15 seat) conference spaces. 

Video and audio (podcasts) are rapidly becoming the primary communications channels for both the Church and for interested media consumers outside the Church.  By building our own studio, we will be able to expand the content, both in type and quantity, we produce while reducing overhead expense for 1-2 person interviews and direct-to-camera style shoots, as well as podcast productions.  Additional significant opportunities arise from having a studio on-site.

•  It will provide a more appropriate environment for taping interviews requested by external media, Episcopal entities, and individuals bringing their own crew and equipment.   Presently, Public Affairs books the chapel for these interviews which otherwise would not have been possible, given the PB’s time-constrained schedule. 
• Ability to take advantage of short-lived opportunities.  If the Presiding Bishop or another DFMS leader is hosting a guest at 815, we can quickly set up to capture a conversation or interview with very short notice.  Each opportunity to capture this type of content expands the library of material we can access for future videos, podcasts, written pieces, etc. 
• Ability to livestream or host / participate in webinars at any time, with minimal prep or setup needed, and operational with a single control operator.
• The space would enable us to capture audio content for the Presiding Bishop’s podcasts, other future podcasts, voiceovers for film pieces, etc., at any time.  Equipment would remain in place, and various DFMS staff could be trained to use the gear for content creation.
• As part of our vision for digital evangelism, we envision a studio space becoming a classroom for diocesan and parish communicators, as well as ecumenical partners.  ChurchNext, a video subsidiary of the Forward Movement, has expressed interest in renting the space from us for potentially 20-30 video shoots a year.

Executive Leadership has identified construction of a production studio as an appropriate long-term investment for the DFMS. 

These needs were anticipated when the spaces above were leased, and Executive Leadership determined there is enough space on the 5th floor for the new conference space and studio to be constructed without negatively impacting staff.

Cost Estimates

Conference and Pantry Space

The project entails i) converting roughly 20% of the 5th floor (the northeast corner of the floor facing 2nd Avenue, from the existing conference room to the north exterior wall) into a large conference room equipped with advanced A/V equipment that can be subdivided into two smaller rooms by using a retractable folding wall, and ii) expanding the 5th floor pantry to handle larger crowds.  When the retractable wall is opened, the room will be capable of seating 48 at a large rectangular table configuration, 55-60 at round tables, and approximately 70 in theater-style seating with no chairs (this is the maximum allowable under our current use permits).  With the folding wall in place, the rooms would provide seating on one side for 18, and 36 on the other side at round tables; and 14 and 30 respectively at rectangular tables.  Each side will be equipped with state-of-the-art audio-visual capability. 

The cost associated with this portion of the project is estimated at $622,000, including $25,000 for the re-work of the pantry.  These figures also include a $78,000 contingency reserve that, if not needed, will reduce the construction costs to $544,000.  The construction estimates were developed by an outside architect in consultation with the Building Manager.  The audio-visual equipment estimates were provided by the Director, Information Technology.

Studio Space

The Communications staff is seeking to create permanent studio space at 815 for recurring video  shoots that already take place at or near 815.  The optimal location for this studio is in the northwest corner of the 5th floor.   

The Communications staff produces roughly 40 videos per year with the Presiding Bishop, the Office of Government Relations, Canon Spellers and other DFMS offices and departments.  This number is increasing.  Currently, Communications must rent crew and equipment for these shoots, at a cost of roughly $47,200 a year.  An on-site studio would eliminate much of the additional crew and equipment needed for  these shoots, making it possible for our staff to complete most of these requests with DFMS-owned equipment. When not being used for production purposes, this space can be easily configured with existing furniture for use as a conference room and broken down rapidly when needed.

The cost associated with this portion of the project is budgeted at $129,000.  Costs were provided by the architect, and Communications staff for personnel and equipment.