Construction of the Ramp Accessibility and Beautification Project will be divided into four parts: Phases 1, 2, 3a, and 3b:

• During Phase 2, construction fencing will be erected in front of the church (and towards the playground) for the ramp itself. Phase 2 will last approximately 14 weeks and involve (among other things) sidewalk demolition and new curbs. Entry to the sanctuary will be through the lefthand and center doors.

‚Ä¢¬†During Phase 3a, additional work (approximately three weeks) will occur along Birch Street for cross-walk and paving construction — meaning that Birch Street will be closed again to traffic and parking.

• Finally, during Phase 3b, sidewalk construction will occur in the area in front of the Parish House for approximately three weeks. Entry to the sanctuary (by this time) should be back to normal.

Please note that there will be signage confirming entrance paths to the sanctuary ( and other areas of the church) during construction, which will last overall approximately six months (i.e., until late April 2025). We anticipate putting construction plans and updates on the bulletin board outside of Valentine Hall in the Michaux House.

Please recognize that we want to minimize any potential (and temporary) inconvenience that this Project will have on our families and guests. Our architects and construction contractors are aware of the importance of keeping the construction area (and all surrounding areas) safe at all times. Exciting times lie ahead — and we appreciate your continued support of this Project. Should you have any questions, please contact Billy Baxter, Junior Warden, at wbaxterii@yahoo.com

5-week duration

Install the Birch St. storm sewer structure and piping. Close off Birch St. to all traffic only when required. The City of Richmond requires that the neighborhood be advised of the Birch St. closure. The estimated duration of storm sewer work is 10 – 15 days. When underground work is completed, Birch St. will be patched, temporarily paved, and reopened.

Additional Work to be completed:

Portico Marble paver rework. Salvage of existing brick pavers in front of the Michaux House. Demolition of pavement, curb, and gutter. Install new curb and gutter. Pour concrete sub-slabs. Set brick pavers along the eastern sidewalk of Birch Street. The existing handrails will be removed, repaired, and reinstalled during this time.

Important Notes: Access to and from the sanctuary will be limited to the west pair of doors Рdoors closest to the memorial garden. The existing handrail will remain until Phase 2. Provide barricaded walkway around the construction fence into the W. Franklin St. parking lane. The Additional Work will allow safe access to the sanctuary from Birch during Phase 3a.

14 week duration

After completing the Birch St. storm sewer, set up construction fencing in front of the sanctuary. The construction fencing will extend north from the front of the sanctuary to the parking lane and extend from the corner of Birch & Franklin west towards the playground. Taylor & Parrish (who has a long time working relationship with St. James’s) will maintain a temporary pedestrian walkway/pathway to access the sanctuary from Franklin St. as long as feasible. At some point during the Phase 1 work, sanctuary access from Franklin will have to be shut down. At such time, access to the sanctuary access will be from Birch St.

Weeks 4 – 6:

Demolition of sidewalks, existing granite steps, and curbs.

Weeks 7 – 14:

Install Franklin St. storm sewer structure and piping. Install drainage piping for the planter box and ramp trench drain. Install conduit for the new sign, existing streetlamp, and site lighting. Construct ramp foundations and masonry walls.

Pour concrete sub-slabs for brick and granite pavers. Prep doors for operable closer.

Weeks 15 – 17:

Pour ramp concrete. Set granite pavers. Set portico marble pavers. Set brick pavers. Set railings. Install new door operator. Set precast wall caps. Have all the planting completed and the portico and ramp ready for use.

3 week duration

After completion of Phase 2 work, the construction fencing will be removed and the church will have sanctuary access from Franklin St., Birch St. and its sidewalks will be closed off for the elevated walkway and sidewalk construction.

Weeks 18 – 20:

Set up construction fencing to cordon off the Birch St. area of construction. Provide a temporary pedestrian walkway through the construction zone for Wednesday nights and weekends. Salvage of existing brick pavers in front of the Michaux House. Demolition of pavement, curb, and gutter. Install new curb and gutter. Pour concrete sub-slabs. Set brick pavers. Mill and overlay along W. Franklin. Pave at the elevated crosswalk.

3 week duration

After completion of Phase 3a work, construction fencing will be removed from Birch St. Construction fencing to extend north from the new Memorial Garden entrance to the parking lane and extend from the Parish House entrance towards the playground entrance as shown. Taylor & Parrish will maintain temporary access to the front steps of the Parish House as needed. Parish House front stair access will be restricted towards the end of Phase 3b.

Weeks 21 – 23:

Set up construction fencing to cordon off the sidewalk area in front of the Parish House for new brick paver work. Demolition of existing sidewalk, install new concrete sub-slab, and set brick pavers. Remove fencing and demobilize.

There’s a one-page chart that chronicles the construction process.

Click here to see it and if you want, to print it.