As communicated following their June meeting, Consistory has approved moving forward with the Living Hope facilities renovation project. Their decision was based on the “superb” and “tremendous” progress toward the fundraising goal, as measured by both dollars and the number of donors.
After some discussion about design intent and resources available, Consistory also specified that the elevator to the second floor of the education wing, previously listed as an “alternate,” be formally included in the project scope. Without it, they felt, we had not accomplished our goal of “welcoming all.”
Fundraising will continue until the goal is met; if you have not yet made a pledge, contact the church office to be a part of this next chapter in our history together! If you have pledged, you will see progress in payment of that pledge on your regular giving statements.
Elevate Studio, the architect for the project, has been re-engaged; our relationship with Elzinga & Volkers has been formalized with a contract for construction management. The team is currently assessing which parts of the plan might be accomplished this fall, before the major construction season; and outlining the milestones for the process, based on an intention to be ready to request bids for the major construction by January 15. That date positions us well for competitive prices and for breaking ground as soon as spring arrives.
The Living Hope Design Team will recommence its work in mid-August, at which point the project blog, at LivingHopeRCA.wordpress.com or linked from the Hope Church website, will again be active with updates.