Groundbreaking

Somerville Church Breaks Ground

(l-r): Andrew Cannata, Gerry Sullivan, Andrew Galbadis, Kostas Tomadakis, Evangelos Kechris, Fr. Anthony Tandilyan, Peter Tsourianis, Diane Karavitis, George Lloyd, and Frank Kuzia

Somerville, MA – Acella Construction Corporation recently announced it has begun a $5.3 million renovation project at Dormition of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church at 29 Central St. in Somerville. The groundbreaking took place on May 22.

Dormition of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church

The scope of the work being provided by the Acella team will include removal of the front facade of the function hall, installation of a new facade, 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 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.

Social hall

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 serve as project architects, with engineering provided by CSI Engineering of Portsmouth, N.H. 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.”