Update on Expansion

On August 7, the Church Building Committee met with Ron Boomers and Blake Graham of Barber Camry Architects to review revised plans for the proposed additions to the church. The revisions were based on consultations with the Church Staff, including representatives of the Child Development Center.

The new features of the revised plans include:

• an enlargement of office space and the Music Suite;
• a bridges--room combined with a multi-purpose room on W. Fisher Street;
• an enlarged reception area in the wing on W. Fisher street;
• handicapped accessible restrooms nearer the Narthex than in the original plans;
• an enlarged Sacristy;
• a nursery area nearer the Sanctuary; and
• handicapped accessible restrooms adjacent to the Fellowship Hall with shower facilities.

The Committee, as well as the Church Staff, will study these plans and formulate a response for the architects to these revisions.

The Committee also heard a report from the architects on the possible uses of the roof area of the Fellowship Hall as well as obstacles to using that space.

Dave Collins announced that the Church has received a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic Commission for the proposed additions to the church properties.

Steve Sherriff reported on the status of the filling of positions on the Campaign Executive Committee which will direct fund-raising efforts for the proposed building and indicated that the campaign will kick off in early September.

Many members of the congregation are involved in this project, and many more of you will be enlisted in the new few weeks as the fund-raising campaign begins. Meanwhile, all church members are encouraged to continue to pray for this effort to expand our ministry to all generations.

On June 8, the Building Committee made a presentation to the Historic Commission regarding our plans for expansion. The Commission decided it needed some time to review the plans and render its decision at the July 13 meeting. The meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month in the City Council Chambers at 5:15. Our plan has been praised by persons advising the Commission and they contain features that are complimentary to the existing church but also contain some features that will make the church more accessible and much more attractive on the West Fisher Street side.

The preliminary cost of the proposed expansion will be approximately $6,000,000.

The preliminary financial plan for funding the project is listed below:

The Building Committee voted to hire Church Funding Associates to guide the Building Fund Pledge Drive. Mr. Ernie Porter will be the individual working with the Church. The pledge payout period will be three years.

Our goal is to raise the entire $6,000,000.

Our initial pledge drive will culminate in November 2006.

We will obtain a construction loan if necessary based on the success of the pledge drive.

A mortgage might be advisable depending on the success of the pledge drive.

If a mortgage becomes necessary, a second pledge drive will be initiated after 3 to 4 years.

Floor Plans

First Floor Plans

Basement Floor Plans

Second Floor Plans

South Elevation

West Elevation

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