Questions about the Renovation

What are we building?
We are constructing new space and renovating existing space to accommodate our current and future needs.
Why are we building it?
Our ministries are outgrowing our current space and the facility is in need of several major repairs. With the ministry expansion project we will have:
• Improved classrooms and technology for Bible study
• The ability to better service our growing and expanding ministries
• Increased support for mission work
• Better areas for congregating and promoting fellowship
• A more welcoming and hospitable environment for everyone
How much will it cost?
The total cost of the project, including the site, building, and furniture and fixtures cost is $2,976,000 – $3,750,000
How will we pay for it?
We ask the congregation to prayerfully consider what they can contribute to the Grounded in Faith. Growing to Serve. capital campaign above and beyond their current annual contribution. If we do not raise all of the funds needed to fund the project the session will determine if a mortgage is in the best interests if the congregation. If the funds raised in the capital campaign, the funds available on reserve (around $400,00) and a reasonable mortgage do not add up to the amount needed for the plan as is then we will make decisions about scaling back the plan.
What is the timeline of the project?
This will largely depend on the budget which we will determine by the end of 2015 or early 2016 when the capital campaign is completed. The budget will determine the scope of the project and therefore the timeline. Once a plan is approved the architect has told us to expect the permit and site evaluation process to take 12-16 months and the actual renovation and construction to take 8-10 months.
Will we wait to start the project until all of the capital campaign pledges are paid (at the end of the three years)?
No. We are eager to get underway as soon as we finalize the plan and are willing to take a bridge loan in order to do so.
Will the project be completed in phases or all at once?
Once the budget and scope are determined the congregation will have to make some decisions about this based on the advantages and disadvantages (cost, time, and displacement of services) of phasing construction.
Will worship and other programs be displaced during construction?
It is too early to tell. We will know better once we have chosen a contracting firm and had conversations with them about the limitations of the project. We will all need to be flexible and creative as we navigate the renovation/construction phase. It will be a time to create new and exciting memories.
Will the front of the building really look like what we see in the drawing? Will the washroom really be that big? Is that what we will do with the courtyard? And so on.
The answer is likely no. The plans we have now are simply concept designs and will undergo significant changes in the next phase of design. A building committee will be formed to work alongside the architect to make those final decisions and it is likely there will be subcommittees focused on specific aspects of the plan (i.e.—the kitchen, the nursery, the furniture and finishings, etc.) We expect there to be many differences between the current concept design and the final blueprints.