St. Andrew United Methodist Church - Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors

Home » Building Phase II

Construction Pictures

 

 

 Jan 21, 2010

 

                                            

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jan 27, 2010  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    More Pictures in the Photo Gallery

Construction Update

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE:

The following represents construction progress for the week ending February 28, 2010:

• Completed removing forms from the sanctuary north foundation wall.
• Set forms for the four remaining pier caps in the sanctuary and placed concrete for these on Tuesday. Removed the pier cap forms on Wednesday.
• Removed the earth ramp to the bottom of the excavation so the sanctuary closure foundation wall can be constructed.
• Started setting forms, placing reinforcing steel and installing embedded metal for the sanctuary closure foundation wall. This will be the last foundation wall constructed.
• Peak started moving forms and form material off the site.
• Installed underground electrical facilities in the link building and the sanctuary.
• Backfilled the trenches for both the underground plumbing and electric facilities.
• Backfilled the areas around the four pier caps and completed installation of the gravel bed in the link building, music offices (beneath the Narthex) and sanctuary. The radon system will be installed in the gravel bed, a waterproof membrane will go over the radon system and the floor slabs will be placed on top of the waterproof membrane.
• Continued installation of the perimeter drain on the north side of the sanctuary.
• Started removing the temporary retention pond at the northwest corner of the property.
• Completed erection of the structural steel up to the top floor of the link building and the Narthex area. Also erected the four structural steel columns on the pier caps that were poured this week.
• Completed installation of the metal decking for the upper floor of the link building and the Narthex.
• Started installing Nelson studs on the metal decking for the link building and the Narthex.
• The link building is completely enclosed with the metal decking now in place. Started heating the enclosed area to remove the frost in the ground. The frost must be removed prior to placing the concrete floor for the lower level of the link building and the music area.
• Mobilized a truck crane and installed the boom to place the heavier and longer reach structural steel.

Meetings held over the last week included:

-  The weekly owner/architect/contractor meeting.
-  A meeting with Cator Ruma to discuss the bid returns for the low voltage wiring contract.
-  A meeting with the landscape contractor to discuss phasing of the irrigation systems
-  A meeting with SAUMC staff and Fransen Pittman to formulate plans for expansion of the trash castle.

Thank you,
Keith Winkel 
   For your Building Committee

The following represents construction progress for the week ending February 21, 2010:

• Completed setting forms, placing reinforcing steel and installing embedded metal for the sanctuary north foundation wall. Placed the concrete for this wall on Friday, Feb 19.  Removed the inside forms on Saturday and placed insulating curing blankets.
• Started attaching steel brackets to the embedded plates in the foundation walls in preparation for erecting structural steel. Structural steel for the link building and the sanctuary was delivered on Thursday.
• Backfilled around the pier caps in the sanctuary area.
• Continued installation of the perimeter drains around the east side of the link building and the sanctuary.
• Installed the underground plumbing in both the link building and the sanctuary.
• Installed the gravel bed on top of the subgrade in the link building. The radon system will be placed on top of the gravel. A waterproof barrier will be installed over the radon system and the concrete floor slab will be placed on top of the barrier.
• We received the building permit for the expansion project. The permits were received in stages. Previously we had received permits allowing us to construct through the installation of the structural steel.
• Received proposals from vendors for the audio/visual system and the low voltage wiring installation. These two contracts will be directly with SAUMC rather than through Fransen Pittman.

The latest schedule from Fransen Pittman shows completion of the project on October 7, 2010.

Meetings held over the last week included:

-  The weekly owner/architect/contractor meeting.
-  A site visit to Rocky Mountain Prestress to inspect the precast columns.
-  Interior Design Subcommittee meeting to discuss the pews for the sanctuary.
-  A site visit and meeting with FirstBank to discuss the monthly pay draw.
-  Columbarium Task Force organizational meeting.
-  Cator Ruma to discuss the security system request for proposal.
-  SlaterPaull and SMW to discuss the vendors proposals for the audio/visual system.

Thank you.
Keith Winkel 
   For your Building Committee

The following represents construction progress for the week ending February 14, 2010.

• Continued setting forms, placing reinforcing steel and installing embedded metal for the sanctuary north foundation wall. Concrete will be placed for this wall on Feb 16, 2010.
• Completed setting forms and placing reinforcing steel for the pier caps in the sanctuary. Placed concrete for the pier caps on Feb 9, 2010 and removed the forms the next day.
• Continued installation of the perimeter drain along the east side of the link building and the sanctuary.
• Completed grading the floor area in the link building and started grading the floor area in the office section between the link building and the sanctuary.
• Started trenching the link building area in preparation for installing the underground plumbing for the bathrooms.
• Duro Electric continued installing conduit in the electrical room and lower level of the existing building.
• The project remains about four weeks behind schedule. Due to snow and cold weather, only one hour of work was accomplished on Monday. Saturday was a planned work day, but only two people agreed to work. We are discussing a potential work day of 10 hours, five days a week in lieu of the Saturday work.
• OSHA visited the site on Wednesday after receiving an anonymous phone call. OSHA did note several employees of Peak Concrete that were not properly tied off while setting forms. There was also one area where an excavation was just slightly over the allowed depth without protection. We will have a formal report from OSHA in about two weeks.

Meetings held over the last week included:

- The weekly owner/architect/contractor meeting.
- Meeting with Panasonic, the audio/visual designer, SlaterPaull and SAUMC for a demonstration of the projection system for the sanctuary.

Thank you.
Keith Winkel 
   For your Building Committee

The following represents construction progress for the week ending February 7, 2010:

• Completed setting forms, placing reinforcing steel and installing embedded metal for the sanctuary south foundation wall and the east and west closure foundation walls. Placed concrete for these three walls on Wednesday and removed the forms on Thursday and Friday.
• Continued setting forms, placing reinforcing steel and installing embedded metal for the sanctuary north foundation wall and the pier caps in the sanctuary area.
• Erected a plastic tent cover over the link building area and heated the area to remove the ground frost from the subgrade. Completed the thawing process and laid blankets over the subgrade to protect it from re-freezing.
• Started installing the perimeter drain on the east side of the link building and sanctuary.
• Continued installing electrical conduit in the existing electrical room and the existing building.
• Exported excess soil from the jobsite. The contractor removing the soil has all it needs for the present. Fransen Pittman continues to look for other contractors in need of soil.
• The project is about four weeks behind schedule.

Meetings held over the last week include:

-  The weekly owner/architect/contractor meeting.
-  Technology Subcommittee meeting to discuss IT requirements
-  A meeting between SlaterPaull, SAUMC and Church Organs of Colorado to review and discuss the final design of the organ façade.

Thank you.
   Keith Winkel
   For your Building Committee

The following represents construction progress for the week ending January 31, 2010.

• Completed removing forms from the sanctuary east foundation walls.
• Completed removing forms from the link building east, west and north foundation walls.
• Started setting forms, placing reinforcing steel and installing embedded metal for the sanctuary south foundation wall and the east and west foundation closure walls. We plan to place concrete for these walls on Wednesday, February 3.
• Completed the drainage system from the link building and tied it into the County storm sewer system. Also tied in the drainage system from the northeast section of the new car park to the County storm sewer system.
• Continued electrical rough-ins in the existing building.
• Graded the area around the new west sidewalk and reinstalled irrigation components disrupted by that construction.
• Installed a plastic cover over the link building. The enclosure formed will be heated the week of February 1 to thaw out the ground to prepare the subgrade for installation of underground utilities and the radon extraction system.

Thank you.
Keith Winkel 
      for your Building Committee

 January 24, 2010:

 - Completed setting forms, placing reinforcing steel and installing embedded metal for the sanctuary east foundation walls.
- Placed concrete for the sanctuary east foundation walls on Tuesday.
- Started removing forms from the sanctuary east foundation walls on Saturday.
- Completed setting forms, placing reinforcing steel and installing embedded metal for the link building west, east and north foundation walls.
- Placed concrete for the link building west, east and north foundation walls on Thursday.
- Completed setting forms and placing reinforcing steel for the pier caps in the sanctuary building.
- Laid out survey control points for the sanctuary south foundation wall.  Setting forms and placing reinforcing steel will start next week.
- Continued the installation of electrical conduit from the existing electrical room to the new buildings.
- Performed maintenance on the temporary erosion control facilities.
- Graded for the new sidewalk from the south entrance of the existing building to the southwest car park.  Placed concrete for this sidewalk on Friday.
- About 40 feet of curb and gutter at the north end of the new car park pulled away from the asphalt and partially collapsed due to ground water in the area.  Installed a minor drainage system and replaced the curb and gutter on Friday.
- Received the State of Colorado permit to discharge our ground water drainage system into the storm sewers.  We will make the connection from the two drainage systems to the storm sewer the week of January 25.

Meeting hold over the last week included:

- The weekly owner/architect/contractor meeting.
- Building Committee meeting.
- SAUMC/SlaterPaull/Fransen Pittman meeting to discuss the exclusions and clarifications to the revised GMP.
- Meeting with FirstBank to review the monthly draw sheet and conduct a tour of the site.
- Meeting with Cator Ruma to discuss the bid package for the low voltage wiring installation.
- Attended the Church Council meeting to discuss the design and construction of a potential columbarium.
- Conducted a site visit along with the Interior Design Subcommittee chairperson to review the progress and workmanship of the precast columns at Rocky Mountain Prestress.

Thank you.
   Keith Winkel
   For your Building Committee

January 10, 2010:

• Work continued to install the ground water drainage system from under the link building. By the end of the week, this work was completed except for a short run to the tie-in to the storm drainage system. The tie-in cannot be made until we receive a storm water permit from the State. We expect to receive the permit within a week.
• Work was completed for all of the foundation caissons under the link building and the sanctuary. The caissons are a minimum of 30’ deep and must penetrate at least 10’ into bedrock. After the caissons are drilled, a reinforcing steel cage is inserted in the drilled hole and the hole is filled with concrete. There are 84 caissons under the foundations. Only six caissons remain to be installed (these are non-building foundations), but they cannot be done for several months until after soil is backfilled against the outside of the foundation walls.
• Completed setting forms, placing reinforcing steel and installing embedded metal for the sanctuary west foundation walls. Concrete was placed for these walls on 05 January.
• Continued setting forms and placing reinforcing steel for the sanctuary east foundation walls.
• Started laying out control points for the foundation walls for the link building.
• Continued construction of the retaining walls along the north property line.
• Started some minor electrical work in the existing electrical room.

Meetings held over the last week included:

-  Commissioning meeting with Bradshaw Building Solutions to discuss the mechanical commissioning scope of work.
-  Meeting with Burton Technologies to discuss the installation of IT equipment in the new facility.
-  The owner/architect/contractor meeting held each Tuesday morning.
-  Meeting with SlaterPaull and Church Organs of Colorado to discuss installation details for the new organ.
-  Interior Design Subcommittee meeting to discuss the selection of pews and chairs for the sanctuary.
-  Meeting with Security Central to discuss the installation of security equipment in the new facility.
-  Prayer Subcommittee meeting to finalize plans for the first on-site prayer gathering on January 9.
-  Meeting with BT Communications to discuss the installation of telephone equipment in the new facility.
-  Prayer gathering on Saturday morning to place a prayer box in the building foundation under the chancel.

Thank you,
Keith Winkel 
     For your Building Committee

Building Committee Minutes

January 19, 2010 Meeting Notes BCMinutes011910

November 24, 2009 Meeting Notes BCMinutes112409

October 27, 2009 Meeting Notes BCMinutes102709

September 29, 2009  Meeting Notes  BCMinutes092909

September 22, 2009 Meeting Notes BCMinutes092209

September 15, 2009 Meeting Notes BCMinutes091509

September 1, 2009 Meeting Notes  BCMinutes090109

August 18, 2009 Meeting Notes BCMinutes081809 

August  4, 2009 Meeting Notes BCMinutes080409.pdf

July 4, 2009 Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle SAUMCReduceReuseRecycle070409.doc_.pdf

June 10, 2009 DD Energy Summary DDEnergySummary_06-09-09.pdf

May 12, 2009 Meeting Notes >BCMinutes5-12-09.pdf

May 5, 2009 Meeting Notes >BCMinutes5-05-09.pdf

April 28, 2009 Meeting Notes >BCMinutes4-28-09.pdf

April 14, 2009 Meeting Notes >BCMinutes4-14-09.pdf

April 7, 2009 Meeting Notes >BCMinutes4-7-09.pdf

March 17, 2009 Meeting Notes >BCNotes3-17-09a.pdf

January 28, 2009 Sustainability Principles >SustainabilityPrinciplesasof090128.pdf

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the current status of our Phase II facility expansion?

We have almost completed the Schematic Design Phase and will have a church-wide vote on February 22nd to approve beginning the Design Development stage.

What is the Design Development Stage?

Drawings produced during the Schematic Design Phase provided the site configuration and “look” of the exterior of the building which were both needed for the Site Improvement Plan (SIP) submitted to Douglas County. The Design Development stage will further develop the layout of the interior space and provide more detail to the schematic drawings. From the design drawings our general contractor will be able to obtain bids from subcontractors and give us a “guaranteed maximum price” (GMP) bid for construction. The design drawings also will allow us to negotiate a firm commitment from lenders to finance the project.

Is the design for Phase II still the same as presented at the end of the Study Phase?

For the most part, yes. We are still planning on:

• Approximately $12 million total cost

• 26,100 additional square feet of finished space on two levels - balanced between all of our needs for space, including, but not limited to: worship, children, youth, adult, outreach, music and the arts, fellowship, administration, storage, etc. This will include approximately 1,000 worship seats (including the choir) in a separate sanctuary while also keeping an eye on future phases to complete the Master Plan.

• Upgraded/expanded parking

• 12,400 square feet of unfinished space under the new sanctuary. Although it would be ideal to finish this space as soon as possible, the additional $800,000 + to do so is not within the $12 million budget. We may find, as we did with the build out of the “West Wing” shortly after moving to the current building, that this “mini-project” may occur before subsequent phases.

How has the church been kept informed and what steps are to be taken before we start construction?

We have made information and drawings from the Schematic Design Phase available to the congregation since early January. The architects made a presentation on Sunday, February 8th. The Building Committee has kept Leadership Council and staff up-to-date with the plans. Leadership Council has endorsed the Committee’s recommendation for a Church Conference on February 22nd at which time there will be discussion of the plans and a vote whether or not to proceed with Design Development. If the church approves proceeding: i) design drawings will be prepared, ii) a GMP (see A2 above) obtained, and iii) a financing proposal submitted – all for another Church Conference vote. If approved, construction drawings would be prepared, commitments would be made to contractors and lenders and construction would proceed.

With the economy the way it is, is it smart to move ahead with construction?

This becomes a three-part question. First, from a ministry perspective. The need for each of our ministry programs is greater than ever. Our worship attendance, Sunday School attendance and participation in adult education and congregational care classes all increased in 2008 over 2007. Our need to accommodate more people looking to the church for spiritual guidance and direction is as great as it has been.

Second, from a construction perspective. It is an opportune and advantageous time to move ahead with our project. Steel prices, fuel costs and material costs have fallen dramatically. Also, our general contractor’s subcontractors are anxious for work and indicating they will be very aggressive in their bids.

Third, from an overall economy perspective. Will the effects of the economic downturn on our members allow them to pay their capital budget pledges? We are concerned about this, but our active, committed congregation has shown time and again they come through in rough times. We do need to remain conscious of this, however, and remain sensitive to the challenges confronting our members. Discussions and votes in our church conferences will reflect what we, as a church family, should do from both project scope and schedule perspectives.

More specifically, we have been told by church leaders that the 2009 operating budget presents significant challenges and that staffing cuts and other expense reductions have been implemented. Given that scenario, why should we be pursuing a building project when limited funds are available for our ministries?

As members of the St. Andrew congregation, the Building Committee members have struggled with this issue. While we believe that expanding our building campus would present opportunities to reach more people and grow our ministries, we have to balance that with the needs of our existing ministry areas as well. Ultimately, the decision to build Phase II is the decision of the church as a whole – not the Building Committee nor Leadership Council. Thus far, the church members have voiced their approval for the project through their pledges and through their vote at previous church conferences.

The church conference on February 22nd is simply to decide whether to proceed with the Design Development stage – not to sign a contract to start construction. That decision will be for a later church conference – in May or early June. At that time we will have more information regarding pledge collections, construction costs, financing options, etc. Members will have an opportunity at that time to vote to go forward or “mothball” the project.

Could we redirect some of the capital funds to the 2009 operating budget?

The capital funds received from the Live Our Vision campaign were designated by the donors to be applied to Phase II. We are obligated to use those funds for the intended purpose. Consistent with those directions, architectural and other professional fees (approved by church vote) have been paid to complete the Study and Schematic Design Phases. If church donors decide to redirect future pledges toward the operating fund, that is their choice and not within the church’s discretion.

If we approve going forward at the February 22nd church conference but decide later to “mothball” the project, will we have wasted a lot of money?

If the church approves going forward with Design Development, up to $475,000 would be spent toward the completion of the design drawings. (These costs are included in the anticipated $12 million total project cost). If the church votes at a subsequent church conference not to proceed with construction in 2009, the design drawings can still be used at a later time to generate construction drawing when construction does begin. We believe the tissue is not if Phase II will occur but when.

What happened to the model that was in the entryway of the church? Are the pictures now there up-to-date?

Our master plan has changed somewhat from the model. The model was based on the Master Plan developed more than eight years ago. Much work and many considerations went into revising the Master Plan. The model did not reflect those changes, and we believed it caused too much confusion so we removed it. The pictures currently shown by the elevator and across from the Chapel accurately reflect our current plan.

Will we be LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified?

We are doing everything we can to make our new addition environmentally friendly and sustainable. The project has been designed to be certified; however, we do not envision paying the fees required to obtain LEED certification. From building processes, to using environmentally sensitive building materials, to using low-water xeriscape landscaping, to minimizing artificial lighting during daytime use, to putting in the most efficient HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) system, we’re following LEED criteria.

Will the new sanctuary have a sloped floor, center aisle, and pews instead of chairs?

Current plans call for a sloped floor, a center aisle and a combination of pews and chairs. There will probably be a significant level floor area in front of the chancel so we can accommodate various functions, including concerts. Therefore, the sloped floor won’t extend right up to the chancel area. Seating in that area will need to be flexible to accommodate various functions, so this seating will probably be moveable chairs.

What will the height of the new sanctuary ceiling be? What is the height of our current sanctuary ceiling?

The top of the current sanctuary is about thirty-three feet above the main floor. The top of the new sanctuary will be about forty-eight feet above the main floor.

Will sunlight be controllable in the new sanctuary so we can darken it during the day?

YES!!! This is one lesson we’ve learned from our current space. We will be able to control the amount of sunlight coming into the new sanctuary. The precise design details will be worked out in Design Development.

What spaces will be in the lower level of the new sanctuary?

Because of cost concerns for Phase II, the lower level of the sanctuary building will be totally unused and unfinished except for two mechanical areas. This may even mean a dirt floor until it is finished in future phases.

Will we have an expanded kitchen?

Yes. While a full kitchen is planned in the full Master Plan, Phase II will see the current upper-level kitchen expanded at its current location, and the county will allow us to have cook tops. The lower-level Children’s and Youth kitchens will likely be retained.

Will we get our Labyrinth and Memorial Walk in Phase II?

Phase II currently includes our labyrinth near the corner of White Bay and Viaggio Way and the beginnings of the Memorial Walk. However, because of costs, the final Memorial Walk and Columbarium will probably be completed in future phases.

Will we have a scent-free zone in the new sanctuary?

Yes. The ventilation system we’re planning for the sanctuary will make a scent-free zone very doable. The air flow will be markedly different from our current sanctuary because our current sanctuary was planned as a multi-use space with its associated ventilation system. The architects has allocated some space in the sanctuary that will be enclosed as “scent-free” and will be located in close proximity to an exit.

What will happen to our current sanctuary?

The Building Committee, architects, staff and ministry leaders have had many discussions concerning how the current sanctuary, as well as the current building, will be used. The current worship space was originally designed to be “multi-purpose” so once the “permanent” sanctuary was built in Phase II, this space could be used for various activities. How this space will be used upon the completion of Phase II will be determined during Design Development.

How will the general operating budget be affected when we complete and move into Phase II?

An estimated increase of $350,000 in annual costs would be associated with the additional physical space. Assuming attendance would increase, we would also need to address increased ministry costs. Presumably, more attendance would result in more revenue to offset those costs.

What is the schedule for completing and moving into Phase II?

If the church supports the project through its vote at the February 22nd church conference and at the conference vote anticipated in the spring, construction will probably start during the Fall of 2009, and we hope to move in during the Fall of 2010.

What is the current debt associated with our building and how is this related to Phase II?

Our current mortgage balance is about $2.3 million with a monthly payment of $33,771. To put this in perspective, we’ve only been in our building 4 years. It cost about $16.5 million so we’re making remarkable progress paying it off!! Additionally, we have a current cash balance of about $380,000 of Follow The Vision capital funds to further satisfy the existing debt service payments. And we have collected more than $1.2 million of Live Our Vision capital funds.

We will obtain a construction loan for Phase II and when Phase II is completed, we’ll obtain long-term financing that will include the Phase II construction balance and our current loan.

Where can we find more information?

Please go to our church’s web site, St-Andrew-umc.com for more information. Also, you may visit with Building Committee representatives located at the main entrance and across from the chapel on Sunday mornings. Drawings are on display at those locations throughout the week.

Who can we talk to for more information or to express our thoughts?

Please feel free to talk with the members of our Building Committee. They are:

Chairmen

• Allen Amis and Brad McNealy

Members

• Cindy Bates
• Woody Herring
• Jenny Ricklefs
• Christy Boyle
• Jerry Herships
• Melanie Rowlison
• Jill Burbach
• Cindy Klick
• Mark Rudnicki
• Herb Casner
• Linda Lautenbach
• Josh Van Manen
• David Cooper
• Terry Lowe
• Keith Winkel
• Chuck Curtis
• Harvey Martz
• Mark Zwilling
• Brant Dillon
• Rebecca O'Neal

Construction and Parking Update - August 2009

Our groundbreaking service was wonderful, and we're set to start construction. We'll see fences and large machines on site starting approximately Sep 15. Once work is underway, we will need to adjust our parking habits for approximately 5 to 6 weeks.  During this time our General Contractor, Fransen Pittman, will be building the new parking lot where the gravel lot is now—which will necessitate reducing our current upper parking to about half of what it is now. This will be short-term pain for long-term gain. When the new parking lot is done, there will be more paved parking available than ever before!!

In the interim, we suggest folks ride the shuttle buses from the two bank lots (US Bank and 1STBank) south of the church on University. We'll be increasing the shuttle frequencies during this time frame while continuing to serve the Hyatt Classic Residences and WindCrest. Please DO NOT park in the Urgent Care or medical lots near US Bank or by Marshall’s and Staples near 1STBank.

There will be a limited amount of parking in the church lots. Watch for our friendly parking attendants who will be on hand to assist you as well as new directional signs and fences.

The ‘youth’ parking lot by the playground will be reserved for handicapped parking, visitors and people with mobility needs including older adults, pregnant women and others with special needs. However, if that lot does not fill up before each service, parking attendants have the discretion of allowing other cars to park there.

There is to be NO PARKING on White Bay Drive between University and our entrance, going either direction. This facilitates overall traffic flow by allowing two lanes of traffic and emergency vehicle traffic if needed. If you park on the streets of Tresana, please be safe, legal and a good neighbor!!!

We ask for your patience during this process. It WILL get better before you know it. And, the excitement of our expanded facility will make it all worth while.

Please feel free to e-mail me at (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) with your comments or suggestions!!!

Thank you.
   Keith Winkel
    for your Building Committee

Building Committee Update - Dec, 2008

December 04, 2008

The Building Committee has been making great progress in the Design Phase of our facilities expansion program. The overall site plan has been finalized. The foot print of the new sanctuary and the connection building are almost set and work has begun on the interior configuration of the new building and the modifications that will be needed in our existing building. However, while a great deal of work has been completed there are still a lot of details to be worked out before the final design will be ready to be brought before a church conference for a vote of approval.

As a result of many meetings, discussions and continuous refinement, there have been some changes to the model we’ve all been looking at for the last seven years. The changes have evolved from intensive discussion about how to build a facility to service our ministry needs while remaining true to our call to be good stewards of our financial resources. And at the same time have as little environmental impact as possible, both in the initial construction of the new facilities and in the future operation of the building. In addition to addressing ministry needs, good stewardship and environmental impact, significant thought is also being given to how to provide for cost effective future expansions with minimal impact on the then existing operations of the church.

While charged with developing the design, the Building Committee is also giving significant consideration to the economic environment we currently find ourselves in. Balancing our ministry needs, both today and in the future, with our commitment as a congregation to remain financially sound is a primary objective. Our potential construction lenders remain optimistic and committed to St. Andrew and this project. While it is not possible at this time to know exactly where the financial markets will be at the time we will need to borrow funds, the Building Committee is working with the Finance Committee and a comprehensive financial plan will be part of the Design Phase recommendation when presented to the church conference for approval.

The current schedule has also changed a little from what has previously been communicated. The Building Committee is now anticipating that the Design Phase will be completed by mid-February, 2009 and the church conference held sometime shortly thereafter. If the church membership approves going forward with the expansion, we should be ready to break ground sometime in the summer of 2009. While the actual ground breaking is a few months later than originally anticipated, design changes have resulted in a shortened projected construction duration so it is still expected that the new facilities will be ready for occupancy in late 2010.

The new site plan, building foot print and preliminary exterior elevations are on display by the new monitor inside the front door and everyone is encouraged to stop by and take a look. Members of the Building Committee will be at the display between most worship services to answer questions and hear your feedback. In addition, as more details are developed they will be on display in Room 252. Please stop by to keep abreast of this important step in the continuing growth of St. Andrew.

 

 

 

Background

The Building Committee was commissioned by a Charge Conference on June 21, 2007.

The initial objective was to undertake a “Study Phase” to determine the scope of the next building phase.

The committee was comprised of clergy (2), staff (5) and laity (9).

The committee met over 20 times between August, 2007 and June, 2008.

Congregational Involvement

The Building Committee’s consultants interviewed staff and laity about worship, music and the arts, children’s, youth and adult education, fellowship, facilities, administration, outreach and congregational care.

Minutes from each committee meeting were forwarded to Leadership Council.

Members of the Building Committee were present at the model during worship service for 2 months to receive input/answer questions from the congregation.

Three congregational Q&A sessions were held to receive input and answer questions from the congregation.

Findings

The primary focus of any expansion is to provide for SAUMC’s future ministry needs.

Attendance at worship service is the most common way families / individuals are introduced to a new church.

If a church parking lot is full, newer worshippers will not expend the effort to find a parking place and attend.

A sanctuary that is 85% full appears to be at capacity to a new attendee.

46% of the families in SAUMC’s immediate area have no church affiliation.

Worship services at the most popular times are nearing capacity and at our current growth rates will exceed capacity before an expansion can be completed.

Sunday school at the most popular time (9:40) is at capacity.

We have reached capacity in most areas of SAUMC’s existing ministry due to space constraints.

Alternatives

The Building Committee considered expansion alternatives of $6, $9 and $12 million.

The $6 and $9 million options:

• Provided some increase in worship space, but did not provide for balanced growth in other ministry areas.
• Would need to be redone in the not too distant future to accommodate continued anticipated growth.

The $12 million option, while certainly the most ambitious:

• Provided balance between worship space, children, youth/adult education, music and the arts, outreach, fellowship, administration, storage, etc. with 30,000 additional finished square feet and 17,500 square feet of unfinished shell space in combination with the completion of the parking lot.
• Is still significantly less than the full build out of 90,000 additional square feet contemplated in the Master Plan.
• Provided best long term financial alternative, by eliminating the future remodeling costs that would be required with the $6 and $9 million options.

Live Our Vision Capital Campaign

The recent capital campaign received 580 pledges, totaling approximately $7,850,000. 580 pledges is 110 more than the prior capital campaign.

$7,850,000 is more than double what has been pledged in any previous capital campaign.

Our bankers consider the results of the capital campaign truly inspiring given the current economy.

Financial Considerations

The outstanding balance on the existing mortgage is projected to be $1,958,000 at the end of its term (May, 2010).

The proposed $12 million expansion will require $5,257,000 of new debt.

The total debt (existing + new) at the conclusion of construction is projected to be $7,215,000.

Lenders are willing to lend SAUMC almost double the $7,215,000 being contemplated, which would allow for an even larger expansion, but the Building Committee does not feel that would be fiscally responsible.

Given current capital market conditions, the payments on a 10 year term will be approximately $1 million annually.

A $1,000,000 annual payment is consistent with SAUMC’s average annual capital pledge for the last nine years.

All financial considerations are currently being evaluated by the Finance Committee, including a survey of other large churches.

Church Conference

A church conference will be held on July 27th at 12:15 to consider approving $400,000 of the Live Our Vision capital campaign pledges to fund the cost of continuing through the Schematic Design Phase. The $400,000 is included in the $12 million estimated cost.

In the Schematic Design Phase specific design details and more exact cost estimates will be developed.

A subsequent church conference late this year or early in 2009 will be held to approve the results of the Schematic Design Phase before commencing with any construction or securing any additional financing.

Members of the Building Committee will be present at the model between worship services on each of the next 4 Sundays to receive input/answer questions.

As expected with any undertaking of this scope, there are still some outstanding questions and reservations. The Building Committee will meet on July 22nd at 6:30 and encourages all those with questions and reservations to please plan to attend the meeting and make their thoughts and feelings known so that the ultimate committee recommendations reflect a true consensus of the congregation of St. Andrew. The Building Committee also wishes to sincerely thank the congregation for its overwhelming support as we continue on our mission to:

INVITE, RECEIVE, NURTURE, CHALLENGE AND SEND FORTH COMMITTED CHRISTIAN DISCIPLES.

Respectfully in Christ, The Building Committee Allen Amis & Brad McNealy ~ Building Committee Co-Chairs