The plans are finally finishing city approval! It has been a much longer process than we had hoped, and has delayed contractors being able to start their work. But with steely determination we are just about to kick the rebuilding phase in full motion. Check with the weekly communicator (sign-up here) for upcoming workday plans.

We've been able to use our office area for small meetings and our outdoor space for Trunk or Treat, but work instead has been a major concern. The central issue is a structural beam that will allow us to remove a large column which would obscure the center front of the sanctuary.  With the help of our new contractor, 5 Star, we have finally found a place in Texas that can manufacture and send the beam this month!  Other estimates had put us closer to Spring 2022. 

The reality of shipping delays and huge increases in supply costs have had a big impact on our vision for this moving process.  Our congregation will need to have some serious conversations about increasing the renovation budget; and meanwhile, because of the extended timeframe, we've decided to begin meeting again in person at a new temporary location. However, we are still full of hope for what the future holds in store when we are able to have a grand opening of our new facility!

New drawings are now available to view!! 

Here are the latest architectural plans: Sanctuary and rafters, outlets, lighting 1, lighting 2, old plumbing, new plumbing, and plumbing detail. These plans are complete except for a few incorporating some minor last-minute changes. Our new sign was put in place and wired, and we've already begun making use of it!  

A next step is to start getting bids from the contractors. This will include Structural Steel, Sprinkler System, Fire Alarm System, Framers, Electricians, Plumbers, Sheet Rockers, Wood Finishers, Painters, Floor and Carpet Layers, and Drop Ceiling Installers.

Demo was mostly completed (a huge job!) and city approvals are pending but may take about a month.  The building and design teams worked hard to keep expenses down, as our rough draft budget was higher than our building sales proceeds. Some renovation may be delayed to a "Phase 2."  We’ve had some members volunteer to pay for a new lectern, new chairs (already arrived, see photo), and backlighting for the cross. Contributions toward the new building are always welcome! We do have some very specific needs besides walls, ceilings, and flooring.

The architect worked with the city and we agreed to limit the capacity to 285 with signage until we expand our parking lot which can be put off for a future phase. When we do expand the parking, the building capacity can be increased up to around 600 people. This provides a lot of potential in the facility.  

We updated the architectural plan for the building as the architects and engineers work out the details. Demolition work continues every weekend as we prepare for the next steps in the project.  The walls in the hall to the sanctuary were taken out and another load went to the dump.  Restroom layouts that include ADA complaint stalls were put together by the architect, and they met with the city to go over plans.  Since we’re putting in a sprinkler system, our limiting factor for occupancy will be determined by parking spaces, currently at 298 people.  Thank you to all the volunteers who have helped with our Saturday work days!