Pembroke, Somerville, MA: Acella Construction Corporation, a leader in construction management throughout greater Boston, recently announced it has begun a $5.3-million-renovation project at Dormition of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church at 29 Central Street in Somerville.  The ground-breaking took place on May 22.

The scope of the work provided by the Acella team will include removal of the front façade of the function hall, installation of a new façade and new arched windows. The interior of the function hall will be refinished with engineered hardwood floors, trim, paint, and ceilings, and the entire church area will be modernized with new icons, marble flooring, and all updated finishes.

Additionally, Acella Construction will facilitate a new water service at the church and install a new fire protection system. A new elevator tower by TK Elevators with a large domed cupola atop by Campbellsville Industries will also be installed.  A new entry vestibule and bathrooms will round out the large-scope project.

The Acella team will also complete repairs on the church basement kitchen, necessitated as a result of a fire last September.

In compliance with the city of Somerville’s “Green” regulations, more than 40 new trees and other plantings will grace the property once completed.

Andrew Cannata and Gerald Sullivan from SSV Architects in Charlestown, Massachusetts, serve as project architects, with engineering provided by CSI Engineering of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. The Acella team includes Todd Gainey, George Lloyd, Jessica Reichert, and Frank Kuzia.

“Despite ongoing challenges including material cost escalations, we’ve created a plan to complete the project within budget and without interrupting weekly church services,” said Ryan LaVangie, vice president of sales and marketing for Acella Construction. “We take great pride in the work we perform and look forward to current and future congregations of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church enjoying the new space for many years to come.”