As reported in the August newsletter, work is ramping up on design following Consistory’s June approval of the facility renovation project scope to include the elevator for access to the second floor of the education wing. The Design Team met mid-month and is confirming schedules. As it currently stands, the “design and development” work, which includes confirming cost estimates, will be complete by the end of October (at which point there will be an open design presentation); developing construction documents will occur in November and December so that we can request bids in January.
Underway is structural review to assure there are no obstacles to including the elevator in a central location, and review of interdependencies to see what parts of the plan might be undertaken yet this fall. Otherwise, the “design and development” work is to add levels of detail in architecture, engineering, and interior design. A communications plan is also in the works; the project blog at LivingHopeRCA.wordpress.com will certainly be a part, as well as newsletter articles and presentations.
Meanwhile, the Capital Campaign Team has been researching financing options to bridge us from the start of construction through the receipt of all pledges, as well as continuing fundraising outreach. If you have not yet pledged, you can be a part of this renewal of our facility with a contribution of any size (contact the church office for a pledge card); if you have pledged, keep in mind that pledges fulfilled as early as feasible will simplify our financial management.
This is an exciting time for Hope Church as our dreams become reality!
~Lois Maassen, Project Team Leader