To date, the Steering Committee has twice revised and sent out architectural plans for bids that have come back in the $1.4 – $1.7 million range. In order to move forward with the project without incurring additional income requirements, we have worked with the architect to preliminarily sketch out a plan with a smaller “footprint” that still includes repairs and upgrades to the Crossings Room, the addition of an elevator/lift, and upgrades to the kitchen. Plans include 4 offices instead of the current 3, and an additional small room downstairs that could be used as a conference room, as extra space for activities in the Crossings Room, or for larger storage needs. Please see the slides presented at the Annual meeting that include these preliminary sketches as compared to the previous, more extensive drawings.

With approval of the Board, we will request that the architect move forward with creating the formal drawings, which is likely to take 4-6 weeks. During this time we will also seek input from civil, structural, and mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) engineers. Final plans will be presented to the township to determine if additional full review will be required. Bids will once again be requested from contractors, and as long as they come in within our budget of $1.1 million or less, we will anticipate breaking ground before year end. We expect it may take 4-5 months to complete construction.

We hope you share the excitement of the Steering Committee as we finally see a light at the end of this very long tunnel! You have pledged almost $1.1 million in capital funds through 2 phases of capital campaigning. We have watched as construction costs have soared and time to obtain materials has extended due to the pandemic. Even in light of these factors, we are confident that the current plans will allow us to improve accessibility to the building, enhance rental potential, and support our ministries and Mission. Thank you to all who have pledged and donated- none of this would be possible without your generosity! If you have not had the opportunity to do so, please consider contributing to the capital campaign- every dollar helps!!