Lake City church plans major renovations

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LAKE CITY — Asbestos removal was finished last week, clearing the way for extensive renovations to St. Mary’s Catholic Church at 404 W. Lyon Ave.

Ground breaking last Sunday marked the beginning of a process that will transform what used to be the McCahill School into a parish center. A two-story addition will be built between the existing center and the church.

“This project is long over due,” Father James Russell said. “The expansion is needed to accommodate the growing parish. It will also provide a greater opportunity for us to share our faith with the community.”

Renovation will include additional seating for 125-150 people, a new kitchen, bathrooms, a bridal room and a “fireside room,” which will serve as a library, meeting and compute room. Offices will be built behind the altar.

The addition’s second floor will include a gathering space to accommodate overflow from funerals and weddings by providing a comfortable and spacious area for people, Russell said.

The parking lot will also be redone and a rain garden, which will contain run-off water, will be added.

Rain gardens are an attractive way for homeowners and businesses to protect lakes and streams by reducing non-point source pollution caused by runoff. Water is captured in the garden and is slowly filter into the ground rather than running into the storm sewer, project organizers said.

Renovations are expected to take up to 12 months and cost close to $3 million.

“This is a great moment of reviving our faith,” Russell said. “Projects like this motivate and excite our members and promote a renewing of the spirit.”

Russell leaves just as the project begins. He retires at the end of this month. Father Richard Dernek will replace him. Dernek previously serves Hayfield and Blooming Prairie parishes.

Tags: community, st, marys, lake, city