When the church was first built on Clark Way in 1947, it was constructed with Carmel stone, because during the time just after World War II, materials were rationed and wood was scarce.

While the church's members want to keep as much of its exterior as intact as possible, the congregation has raised $1.2 million to make sure that this Presbyterian church building meets San Jose city code and that it's made more "family friendly."

To inform neighbors on Clark Way and other nearby streets of planned changes to the Stone Church, the design firm for the renovation project, Bill Gould Design Art and Architecture, met at the church with members of the surrounding community on Feb. 26.

About 20 nearby homeowners came to listen to managing principal Martin Hochroth explain the planned building renovations and to get answers to their questions. Hochroth said that if the San Jose Planning Commission approves the renovation, construction will start in April and conclude by December. At press time, the date of the planning commission meeting had not been set.

But before the issue is addressed by the planning commission, Hochroth wanted to hear the community's concerns, including a rumor brought up by some residents that a nearby home would be torn down to supply the church with more parking space. Hochroth told neighbors that this option wasn't being considered. Other residents said they wanted double-paned windows added to alleviate the noise, while still others wanted to know if the building would increase in square footage.

Hochroth said some additions, including that of commercial windows at the Clark Way church entrance, would add about 600 square feet to the building, but he said the square-footage increase wouldn't make a noticeable difference.

Some changes, however, that residents will notice are new steps and ramps for wheelchair accessibility. And a trash and electrical service enclosure will be built where the outdoor trash receptacle is now located.

Most of the renovations taking place will include reshuffling the interior of Stone Church and the adjacent Lincoln House, where the church's Sunday school is housed. The proposed design relocates the church offices from the main building to the Lincoln House. The empty office space in the church will then be replaced with rooms for educational classes. The library will also be move into the Lincoln House, with its current location replaced by a nursery. No work will be done to the sanctuary.

Stone Church pastor Art Mills says that the more-than-400-member congregation provided full funding for the planned renovation.

"We've done this all internally with the congregation, so some people have made sacrifices to make this happen," he said, referring to those who made significant financial contributions to the project. "We will now have a better space to meet the needs of the families that worship here."

Mills said that it has been the work of church members such as Fred Oliver who have made the overhaul possible. Oliver has been working with a group of congregation members for four years to research necessary church improvements.

"The remodel is within compliance of the city," Oliver said, who is co-moderator of the church's facilities task force. "This is about space efficiency and increasing safety."

Hochroth said if the planning commission approves the project, another meeting will be held with residents prior to construction, this time with Blach Construction Company, the developer awarded the contract by the church.

At that meeting, residents will be supplied with construction workers' cell phone numbers that they could call if they had any problems. Blach Project Manager Steve Dunne said handing out cell phone numbers isn't normal procedure, but he wants to make sure everyone in the neighborhood is happy.

For more information about Stone Church renovations, contact the church office at 408.269.1593.