Renovation work has begun as the former Grace United Methodist Church readies for its new life as Hopkins' Bunting-Meyerhoff Interfaith and Community Service Center, which will serve as the home of the university's student religious organizations and some student community- and service-oriented clubs.

To clear the way for demolition work, Homewood chaplain Sharon Kugler and a group of students recently packed up pews, kitchen cabinetry and dishes left by the building's former tenants for storage at a separate location.

Renovations will include installing new heating and air-conditioning units and electrical systems and converting the former church's lower level to offices for Campus Ministries. Following the renovation, the interfaith center will get new signage and a paint job, including changing the building's trademark red doors to a yet-to-be-decided color.

Work is expected to be completed by the first of the new year, but no date has been set for the center's official opening.