Acella Renovates Historic Hingham Congregational Church

HINGHAM, Mass. - June 28, 2016 - PRLog -- Acella Construction Corporation (www.acellaconstruction.com), a leader in construction management for greater Boston and the South Shore, announced today that it will provide construction management services for the historic circa-1847 Hingham Congregational Church, an open and affirming church of the United Church of Christ.

The $3 million renovation will carefully balance the need to repair the building's aging infrastructure, while respecting and preserving the house of worship, located at 378 Main Street in Hingham.

Historical artifacts may be unearthed at the groundbreaking ceremony to be held on July 8, 2016, at 5:30 p.m.  The original corner stone of the building was laid on July 19, 1848, and a zinc box containing historical Church documents was also buried on the site at the same time. Unsuccessful attempts to find the time capsule were made in 1947 for the Church's centennial celebration, and again in 1997 for its 150-year celebrations.  The project's extensive site work at the front entrance may increase the likelihood that the time capsule will be discovered. A new time capsule, highlighting important themes of HCC's 2016 church life will be presented at the groundbreaking ceremony and later buried.

Hingham Congregational Church is a landmark on Hingham's Main Street, prominently located at the turn at the intersection of Pleasant Street, and affectionately known as the "Church with a Heart in the Heart of Hingham." Plans to restore the building and beautify church grounds not only will preserve this historic New England scene for the town of Hingham, but will glorify the spiritual experience for the congregation and enrich HCC's service to the community.

The Reverend Peter Allen said, "We are excited to be upgrading our church home to make it more welcoming and to better reflect the healthy, hopeful, vibrant spirit of our congregation."

The project began with a simple goal to make the building more accessible and welcoming. "The addition of a handicap ramp was the catalyst for the project," said Roger Hoit, prominent Hingham architect, and member of the Building and Grounds Team. "We wanted to create dignified access to the Church sanctuary."  Handicapped, elderly and other physically challenged people currently enter the sanctuary behind the pulpit to access the church elevator. "We are grateful for the support of the Hingham Community Preservation Committee for funding $20,000 toward the addition of a ramp which will provide equal access to the sanctuary through the Church's front door. The old and outdated elevator will also be replaced," said Hoit.

As additional plans were made to update old, outdated spaces, the Church discovered failing infrastructure and safety issues, and realized more work would be needed to bring the building up to code and up to date.

Kathi Blair, chair of the building committee, said, "After extensive research and listening to the congregation it was clear that we could not continue our mission and calling without investing in our property. We held a 'Believe' Campaign to raise much of the money needed to complete this important and historic project."

Interior renovations will include a more spacious and welcoming fellowship hall for social events; updates to the kitchen, restrooms, vestry, classrooms, meeting and outreach spaces; and a new patio and children's play area off the vestry to maximize and facilitate use of outdoor space.

Acella Construction Corporation was selected for the project in part based on its extensive experience with historic buildings and ecclesiastical clients.  The construction management firm is presently completing renovation of the Hingham Historical Society's Old Derby Academy / Hingham Heritage Museum.  Acella has completed ecclesiastical projects for St. Luke's Church in Scituate, Espirito Santo Catholic Church in Fall River and St. Gerard Majella Church in Canton.

Acella Project Manager Ryan Klebes and Superintendent Tom DePalma will oversee the Church renovation with RDA Associates as the Architect of Record. Estimated completion date of the project is April of 2017.

"We are proud to bring our professionalism and historic renovation expertise to 'Build Better' for the Hingham Community. This worthwhile and enriching project will benefit Hingham Congregational Church, and help preserve a piece of Hingham's heritage," said Dave Dirubbo, president of Acella.

Donation and additional information on the Believe Campaign for Hingham Congregational can be found on the HCC website at http://hccucc.wpengine.com. Donations may be mailed to 366 Main Street, Hingham MA 02043, memo line "Believe Campaign."

About Acella Construction Corporation

Founded in 2003, Acella delivers a premium suite of construction management services, including design-build and pre-construction solutions for business owners, commercial real estate developers, and discerning institutional and retail clients. From ground-up construction and new additions to complex interior renovations and tenant build-outs, Acella's mission is to Build Better buildings, relationships and communities…one project at a time. Acella is located at 62 Accord Park Drive, Norwell, MA 02061. For more information, please visit www.acellaconstruction.com or call 781.681.9240.

Recent clients include:

• Northeastern University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston University, Boston College
• Thayer Academy, Sacred Heart High School, Cardinal Spellman High School, Riverview School
• South Shore YMCA, Center for Coastal Studies, Hingham Historical Society/Heritage Museum, Boy Scouts of America, NVNA Hospice Home, New England Village, St. Luke's Church, Zoo New England
• South Boston Animal Hospital, Village Pediatrics, Doctors Express Urgent Care, Outer Cape Health, Oral Surgery South, Island Terrace Nursing Home
• edX, Lakeside Commons, Boston Properties, Morgan Stanley, Rockland Trust, Pier 1 Imports, Moe's Southwest Grill, Not Your Average Joe's, Panera Bread, The Urban Grape
• Cummaquid Golf Club, Wollaston Golf Club, Hyannis Yacht Club