These last few months have been about details.We are currently at about $1,000, 000 in hand and pledged for Phase 1.We hoped for $1,600,000 but were thrilled with our church family’s response in these tough economic times.The good news is that about $500,000 has been cut from the estimated costs.These savings have come from many areas: some from the lower costs of construction since the original estimates were received; some from working with the contractor and architect using value engineering to reduce the costs; some from Don Amaden finding a deposit that we have had with the county since the 1991 construction; some from asbestos free results form the asbestos survey; and the list goes on.Bill Hellman has spent hours with all type of engineers in the value engineering process.
We are working on flow chart of construction costs versus when the funds are expected to be received, looking at creative ways to decrease the interest on loans, and following up with members who have not pledged.Also we are doing careful estimates of the additional costs to the operating budget with the new building.There are many more details that we are tying down so that when we report back to the congregationwe will all have the best and most complete information to make the decision to move forward with construction.
Please continue to keep us in your prayers.
The Vision Team
Update as of May 28, 2010
Under Bill Hellman's leadership, using value engineering, we are cutting hundreds of thousands of dollars off the original cost of both the entire project and the phased project. Our Vision Team member and civil engineer, Don Amaden, is accomplishing substantial savings in the permitting process with Swiftmud and Hillsborough County. We continue to work on the details of the plans, such as which way a door opens or where the light switches are. Everett Nolte is exploring financing. John Nugent and his group are getting up and running on the follow-up to the Capital Campaign. We are ahead of where we thought we would be at this point and feel that after an intensely busy summer we will be on track to call a congregational meeting in the fall. Please continue to keep the church and our team in your prayers.
Building for the Future Campaign
A few years ago, we established a Vision Team, co-led by Marianne Evans and Bill Hellman, with the purpose of working with church members, an architect, and a contractor to create a master plan for the future expansion of our very active church. The focus of the program ihas been firmly rooted in fulfilling our active church's ministry needs. It is our ministries that drive the building plan and not the other way around. On May 31, 2009, our congregation overwhelmingly approved a new Master Plan, which can be viewed at this link:
The Following are Questions that have been asked as the Visioning Team met with Groups over the Summer of 2009.
1) How much has our membership and worship attendance changed since December 31, 2008?
On December 31, 2008, our active membership was 517. As of September of 2009, we have 530 active members. The average monthly attendance in 2008 varied according to the season with 335 in the summer months, up to 433 throughout the school year. and Easter recorded attendance as 635 and 625.Thus far in 2009, worship attendance has varied between 320 and 400.For the first time since we began the early service, attendance between the Praise and Traditional worship services matched on one Sunday in July with 174 at each. Be reminded that this first Phase of the building ministry will not be addressing our need for additional worship space. There is still some room for attendance growth at the two morning services.
2) What are the growth projections for this area?
According to the survey source, Clarita’s 2007, the greater Brandon area population is projected to grow by 15% from 304, 484 in 2007 to 350,437 in 2012.With over 300,000 people living in the Brandon area, there are plenty of un-churched people, of all ages, that need and may want a stronger spiritual relationship with Jesus. A third worship service is in the design phase, and hopes to get under way in the coming year. The purpose of this service is to reach out to the un-churched population, including the outside groups that meet in our facilities, and to the growing young adult population. Keep in mind that this Phase of the building program emphasizes the much-needed additional space for our congregation’s expanding need for education, discipleship, development and nurture. Campbell Hall, the Morgan street house, as well as the McLean Street Korean Mission House are deteriorating at a rapid pace and are inadequate for their current uses. These houses were designed for single-family homes, and not for broad-based church use. Our church home’s current lack of additional education and fellowship space is a hindrance to our growth (spiritually and numerically).
3) What will happen in Phase I?
In Phase IA, Campbell Hall (approx. 2000 sq. ft.) will be demolished and replaced by a two story classroom building of approx. 10,000 sq. fetid will include new bathrooms, additional multi-purpose adult classrooms and a second story for youth groups. In Phase IB, the kitchen will be remodeled and will include the area that now houses the bathrooms in Mauldin Hall. The closets on the west side of the Hall will be removed and the fellowship area will run the east/west length of the building providing seating for nearly 100 additional people. The nursery will be moved to the current north side classroom area of Mauldin Hall allowing for separation of the babies and toddlers. current nursery will then be available for needed expansion of the Preschool. ALL FLAT ROOFS WILL BE REPLACED with peaked roofs.
4) Why not build a new sanctuary?
Church growth is closely connected to discipleship equipping and mission, both of which our church is known for. Each of our current worship services has room for further growth, although the second service is close to 80% full. Our greater need is for classroom space and adequate fellowship space. More importantly, as we look to our future it is vitally important to let our ministry needs drive a building effort, otherwise we run the risk on missing our call altogether. Four adult education classes have nowhere to meet on Sunday morning. By enhancing our current facilities, our mission and education ministries will be empowered to continue our forward momentum in being faithful to Christ and his purposes for our church family.
5) Why remove Campbell Hall?
Phase I will add additional space for current uses of Campbell Hall, and will also include accessible bathrooms and kitchen usage. Currently, the electrical and AC are inadequate. Plumbing is non-existent. It is very energy inefficient. The new, flexibly laid-out classroom spaces could more appropriately fit the needs of the church, outside groups and provide necessary restrooms to facilitate all functions.
6) What about the hand prints in Campbell Hall?
The handprints have become a very important part of the tradition of the youth of the church. However, they are wearing away, and the youth no longer utilize Campbell Hall because of its poor condition. So, the youth creatively began to duplicate their handprints on tile several years ago, which can be relocated to any new space at any time in our future. If former youth would like to return and make new handprints on moveable tiles, they will be welcome to do so.
7) Why a second floor on the new classroom addition?
The youth and the congregation feel that the youth need to have a space. This was very clearly stated in the groups that met during the summer. Without a second story, we will not be able to expand our current ministry for adults or youth. it, we will provide space for our youth and make room for them to invite other youth in the community. Also, there was a strong suggestion, and good reason, to move the nursery in Phase IB instead of waiting until Phase II, which will allow the existing nursery to be used by the expanding Preschool. By moving the nursery, all current classroom space in Mauldin Hall will be taken… yet another reason to add a second floor. A second floor is also efficient use of our property. It costs much less per square foot without using additional land. The second floor needs to happen.
8) How many total classrooms will be in both floors of the classroom wing?
The first floor will have 9 classrooms, some of which can be divided or opened for more flexible usage. The second floor will have 8 classrooms, two of which will be extremely large. These larger rooms can be subdivided into 4 rooms if needed.
9) What size are the new classrooms compared to the classrooms that are currently used?
Currently there are three classrooms for adult education that are approximately 20’ x 20’ to 31’.Other adult classes meet in Tim’s and Rebekah’s offices; the library; one end of Campbell Hall and the open stage area of Mauldin Hall. The new classrooms will average 20’ x 20’ and will accommodate 20-30 adults comfortably.
10) How much of the new building is going to be used by non-profit outside groups?
Several of the large rooms on the first floor will be used.
11) Do the outside groups pay to meet in our facilities?
All the groups together contribute, on average, $500.00 a month to the church and our ministry.
12) Why remodel the kitchen?
The current kitchen was dedicated in May 1963.A cosmetic renovation was done by laypersons in 2001.It was designed for a church of 150 members. The existing equipment challenges, rather than aids, food prepares. Plumbing problems have been persistent; there is no dishwasher; space is inefficiently used. It does not meet current building codes or fire codes. There is no ventilation and there is inadequate A/Cajuns imagine how an appropriately designed kitchen will help, and not hinder, food preparation.
13) Will a cooler/freezer box on the outside of the kitchen affect the playground area?
No. The box will be attached to the outside of the kitchen. All the equipment will be built into the roof away from the children.
14) Why do we need more fellowship space?
If you have attended any of our church-wide meals, the space question is answered loud and clear. If you were able to attend Rally Day in August, it was pretty evident. Mauldin Hall was designed to be multi-purpose… a sanctuary on Sunday morning and a fellowship hall the rest of the week. It was designed to hold 150 people comfortably. Use of the main overhead screen or other visual aids compromises line of sight from many parts of the room, limiting seating capacity. The design of the current hall cuts-off from sound or visual access to the speakers or performers. There is no room for growth.
15) At what time will the two remaining homes be removed?
They will be removed in Phase II to allow for additional parking. With our best projections that would happen sometime in 2011 at the earliest.
16) Will the back gate on McLean Street be moved back to the property line in Phase I?
Yes.
17) What about the improvements that have been made this past year? Will they be ruined?
It would be very poor stewardship to re-work what has carefully and thoughtfully been renovated. The changes that have happened were done in consultation with the Visioning Team so that it would fit in nicely with the Vision. The recent work is beautiful, and has served as an inspiration to the Visioning Team to create the phasing that we are presenting to the congregation.
18) Will construction affect the Preschool?
The preschool ministry will be maintained throughout construction and will have room for expansion when the nursery moves to Mauldin hall. All of us will be affected in some ways by construction, but it should not hinder the day-to-day functioning of the school.
19) Are the A/C problems going to be addressed?
Yes. All future air conditioning, electrical, plumbing, security and fire systems will be improved, and will be much more efficient systems. Phase I will include a chiller system that can be easily expanded for possible future building needs, and should pay for itself in less than 10 years. It is also a “Green” approach to our cooling needs in the Florida heat.
What are Some of the Common Financial Questions?
20) The economy is awful. Why are we even talking about building?
All of us have been affected by the economic downturn this past year. Whether it is a retiree cutting back because of loss of investment income, or a spouse continuing to work when there were plans to retire, or a small business owner struggling to survive and being only three out of 13 boat businesses left standing in the county, or taking a 10% pay cut, the Session and the Visioning Team know about the economic downturn. But, any expansion is being driven by our calling to be faithful to the mission and ministry we have been given. The reason we do ministry does not change because of the economy. In fact, the ministry needs grow because of the bad economy. We are called to respond faithfully, moving forward… not backwards, being the good stewards of all that God has given us. There are also some very practical reason to build in this economy: with so many firms looking for business we expect a very competitive bidding process; the price of financing is down; and we can probably get the building and renovation finished faster since construction companies are not juggling as many jobs. It will not be easy, but God does not call us to be comfortable. He calls us to be faithful to the ministry he has given us. Phase I is a response to that calling.
21) How are we going to pay for Phase I?
This will happen through a combination of capital campaigns and financing. The foundation for the Future currently has over $250,000.00.The annual budget of the church has been paying into the Foundation each month as though we were paying for a mortgage. We are debt free, but we are financially strong enough, and fiscally wise enough to sustain reasonable debt without hindering the further strength of our ongoing mission and ministry. The more the capital campaign receives, the smaller the debt incurred.
22) Do we have enough members contributing to support this kind of construction expansion?
Yes. Our members contribute gifts to the work of the church above the national average. All of us will be asked to contribute. Some, maybe for the first time, will feel a sense of calling to risk and to trust God more as we consider our future, and how much our families can contribute. Ultimately, a favorable response to the capital campaign will answer this question.
23) How much is this going to cost?
Phase I can be broken down into IA and IB.
Phase IA:Adult Classroom/Youth Building
Two Story Finished Chiller: $2,193,274.86 Phase IB:Mauldin Hall Renovation w/Chiller: $256,461.00
Total Cost of IA and IB completed: $2,449,735.86
24) How much will Phase I add to our operating budget?
Because the newer facility will mean more efficient energy costs, the only foreseeable increase to the annual operating budget will be affected by custodial needs. If the proper equipment is used for this maintenance, a part time additional custodian and/or an investment in upgraded cleaning equipment may be added to the annual cost of the new facility.
25) What are the “Green” features of Phase I and how much will they cost? Architectural items:
Alternative transportation-Public transportation access, bicycle storage and changing rooms, provided preferred parking: 1) for low-emitting and fuel-emitting vehicles 2) for 5% the total vehicle parking capacity of the site.
Site Development-maximize open space provide upward development in lieu of large footprint (2 story building) storm water management: collection and storage of rainwater.
Reuse: Maintain existing walls, floors and roof.
Recycle content: Use of building products that incorporate recycle content materials. Use of materials that have been manufactured within 500 miles.
Rapidly renewable materials: materials and products for 2.5% of the total value of all building materials and products used in the project based on cost. These materials are made from plants that are typically harvested within 10 years or shorter cycle. Ash in concrete; Use of low-emitting materials adhesives, sealants, paints, coating and flooring.
Mechanical items:
Chilled water air handling units instead of DX split systems. Individual room temperature control. HVAC control system.
Dual path air handling units permit the closure of the outside air path for when the space is unoccupied.
Plumbing items:
Fixtures to be 1.6 gallons per flush. Motion controlled fixtures.
Electrical items:
Utilize 32 watt T-8 lamps in lieu of the 40 watt T-12 lamps. Utilize compact fluorescent lamps in lieu of incandescent lamps. Occupancy sensors in all classrooms.
[At this point all these “Green” items are figured into the budget numbers.]
26) How long will all of this take?
If the congregation approves a capital campaign and contributes adequate financial gifts, then construction of Phase I could start this time in 2010.
