The parish and school have been working on a rebuild project for the past three years that would demolish everything on the site except for the existing sanctuary. In place of the previous structures, six new buildings and a bell tower would be added to the Saratoga Avenue location.

The new structures would address the current physical limitations of the 40-year-old facilities and include a new gymnasium/theater, a two-story classroom unit, a three-story administration building and a three-story clergy structure. The three-story structures were described by project manager Scott Sheldon as more like two-story structures with basements. This layout was designed to take advantage of a 12-foot sloping area that faces the creek side of the site. "From Saratoga Avenue, the buildings would appear to only be two stories," Sheldon said.

The project was heard by the planning commission on Oct. 23, due to the item being held over from the Oct. 9 meeting. The item was presented to the commission as a working session to discuss architectural plans with commissioners and to hear public opinion. A deciding vote on the plans is expected in December.

"The input received from the neighbors was helpful," said Harry McKay, head of St. Andrew's School. "The comments were very honest and helpful, and the commissioners made several thoughtful comments as well."

McKay's only concern was the commissioners' referral to the project as for only the school. "I believe they were visualizing it as just a school, but it is much more complex than that," McKay said. "We are a parish and school with 65 different outreach programs. The school is only one of those programs."

Prior to commission comment, Christine Oosterhous of the community development staff presented the findings and recommendations for the site.

The staff had multiple recommendations for the site, including the elimination of any three-story structures, as they would violate a General Plan zoning ordinance that prohibits three-story structures except for in the Village. The general sizing of the structures was also a main concern, particularly in regard to building height. Rooflines were suggested to follow the surrounding hillside and the building color to be earthier in tone.

The proposed 54-foot bell tower, which would hold a set of eight bells, was an area of prolonged discussion. The commission voiced concerns regarding the frequency of bell ringing and the range of sound emitted from the bells. Commissioner Rutshi Zutshi questioned the need for a bell tower, to which St. Andrew's responded that it was "a matter of tradition and not need," and that everything in the plan was practical "except the bell tower, which would be glory to God and a gift to the community."

The commission suggested that a testing of the bells' volume should be done if at all possible.

Commissioners Lisa Kurasch and Erna Jackman, were both supportive of the analysis and would like to reduce building size and "have a less intensive use of the property." Commissioner Jill Hunter, however, said she felt "great compassion for St. Andrew's. They have to expand to update—this would be wonderful for the community."

Three neighboring residents approached the commission to relay concerns involving noise and privacy should the additions be built. Two residents who are involved with the church supported the proposal.

St. Andrew's and its architectural team are now set to take this information and rework plans for future approval.

"I feel we have met the planning requirements, but obviously we have a difference of opinion," said project architect Jorge Rico of Corlett, Skaer & DeVoto Architects Inc. "But we are committed to working with the community and going through a process of reconciliation. A project like this always takes a long time."