Building Project

Inasmuch as we have observed the first anniversary of the launching of the building ministry I thought it might be a good time to review what we are doing, why we are doing it, and to answer some questions we have received from the congregation.

Exactly what do we plan to do?

First, we will tear down and remove the Main Street Auditorium. This is the one-story portion (the North end) of the building immediately adjacent to the worship center. Then we will replace it with a new, two-story structure of approximately 38,000 square feet. This will be the first new construction on our campus in 25 years. When this is complete we will demolish and remove the present Children’s Building, re-landscape and pave the new portion of the parking lot, realizing a net gain of about 30 parking spaces in the process.

Why are we doing this at this time?

The elders have been concerned over our aging, limited facilities for almost 10 years. With the retirement of Pastor Laue in 1999 and the inevitable years of transition and readjustment it was deemed best to wait until this was completed before proceeding. The reestablishment of stable pastoral leadership as well as a notice to seismically retrofit the Children’s Building convinced the board it was time to proceed with this long-overdue project. But expansion was being considered before either of those events took place.

What is the cost?

The total cost is projected to be $3.4 million. We began the process with $400,000 in the building fund. We are presently raising an additional $1million before beginning construction. As soon as construction begins we will raise another $2 million.

If we are being told to make upgrades does that mean the Children’s Building is presently unsafe?

No. The city recognizes several categories needing retrofitting. Ours is not deemed presently unsafe but is more intended to reflect the increasingly stringent code requirements. This is why the city is granting us time to rebuild rather than immediately refit. As of this writing we are over 85% of the way to our goal of raising $1 million dollars to begin construction. The first goal is in sight! Let us continue to be faithful to give to this very important work!