Preserving Our Heritage
WHO WE ARE
The Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration are a contemporary monastic community with a distinctive dedication to the Eucharist. We serve the Church through our contemplative prayer, and witness to God’s presence in the world through community life, hospitality and a ministry of the Word, in ways uniquely appropriate to each of our three monasteries. The Tucson monastery is where our twenty-three members both live and minister, a ministry made possible because of where we are –
WHERE WE ARE IN TUCSON
Our nearly 70 year-old monastery, often referred to locally as the “Pink Rose of the Desert,” is in the heart of the city at 800 N. Country Club Road.
A Roof Over Our Heads
The Case:
This 87,000 square foot building, an architectural gem designed by noted architect Roy Place, whose Spanish style Pima County Courthouse, V.A. Hospital, and most of the original buildings of the University of Arizona are well known and loved, urgently needs attention. Our building has been well maintained in many respects yet there are three major areas for which we need funding.
“They don’t make them like that any more” could apply to our roof. Hand-formed Spanish tiles of several hues are the main roofing element and have become damaged, particularly near corners or at level changes, resulting in leaks.
Repair, restoration and replacement of some sections are needed and must comply with our designation as a historical landmark.
Cost for roof repairs – approximately $300,000
Heating and Cooling
Six air handlers were placed in attic spaces, with the building constructed around them. A chiller and air conditioning were added to these same units in the 1960s. By 2004 the system was barely functioning, and its energy efficiency very poor. The community began to use its resources to replace the chiller and the two air handlers in the chapel wing [see before and after photos]. Lack of funds required us to stop there. The four remaining air handlers need to be replaced, and because of their location in the attic, need to have ductwork around them insulated to stop leaks and increase energy efficiency. With upgraded HVAC equipment we hope to use far less electricity generated by precious natural resources, and should realize substantial savings in utility costs.
Cost of finishing heating and cooling repairs – approximately $350,000
General Maintenance and Life Safety
In a building 70 years old many things were not designed with the awareness we have today of what is required for life safety from fire and other hazards.
Some fire exits need to be improved. Smoke and fire alarms are battery operated and not coordinated.
In the chapel wing, the original 1940 electrical boxes need to be cleaned up according to safety codes.
Our tiny elevator is 70 years old, the oldest continuously operating elevator in the state of Arizona.
General restoration needs include painting and plumbing repairs, replacing light fixtures with energy-efficient ones, etc. In the coming years each of these items will need be addressed.
Cost for these upgrades – approximately $350,000
Brochure
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