Seamen’s Church Institute
This project was recognized by the
American Institute of Architects,
New York City Chapter — Design for Not-For-Profit
Phase 1 of the Renovation, Alteration, and Addition to The Seamen’s Church Institute is now complete. The new addition serves as a beacon in the port.
Before
The new entry and lobby are welcoming. Both employees and guests of the Mission find the new facility to be “Dignified and comforting.”
After
❖ ❖ ❖
The new Reception Desk not only welcomes visitors and works as a central command post for the Mission, it also allow staff to monitor ships in the port as they come and go.
❖ ❖ ❖
Before
The Multipurpose Area offers a Chapel, cable TV, an internet café, pool table, vending machines and A.T.M. as well as access to the services the mission provides.
After
❖ ❖ ❖
Before
After
Newly renovated restrooms – both men’s and ladies’ – provide a dignified place to freshen up.
❖ ❖ ❖
Before
After
The “Christmas At Sea” program offers hand-knitted articles of clothing to each seafarer who enters the port between October and February. Volunteers gather and knit, pick up supplies and drop off finished scarves, hats, mittens, and sweaters for delivery.
❖ ❖ ❖
In early December, SCI Board member Jim Lawrence visited the Institute's newly reopened Port Newark International Seafarers' Center. Jim told SCI's Douglas Stevenson that even though he had seen pictures of the renovation, "until you actually see it, until you actually walk around … see the seafarers sitting downstairs reading magazines or working on the Internet, you have no idea of what a real place this is. And, of course, it's beautiful."
Please visit The Seamen’s Church Institute website for information about both the Port Newark Seafarer’s Center and their broader mission.
❖ ❖ ❖
Click here to view the design process and to see the initial photo-realistic computer renderings by Clawson Architects of the Seamen’s Church Institute project.