Winter  2009 What’s Been Happening?

Our “A Time to Build Up” Construction Committee has been diligently working on finalizing our detailed drawings with the architect and our project manager from MB Real Estate.  We have received preliminary bids from 3 highly qualified General Contractors, each of which demonstrated a strong desire to be awarded this project. From there, the committee and MB utilized extensive “value engineering” modifications to reduce the total expected cost of Phase 1 as much as possible while maintaining the integrity of the desired look and functionality of the building. 

The Construction Committee has recommended the following:

 Included in Phase 1

• Expansion of the Gathering Place to include more meeting areas and improve traffic flow
• Erection of a 2 story addition to the east of the sanctuary that will include offices and meeting rooms, music rehearsal and storage areas and a new meditation room 
• Building a new parking lot
• Modifying the existing office space in the west to accommodate meeting/classroom needs
• Improving the grading and drainage on our site
• Building the attractive tower to the west of the Gathering Place

Modified in Phase 1

• Lower furniture expenses and interior design cost
• Select millwork reductions in less visible areas
• Value engineered lighting package
• Simplified HVAC system
• Limited exterior landscaping

Deferred to Phase 2

• Removal of the sanctuary balcony
• Remodeling of the kitchen and Fellowship Hall
• Creation of the north terrace outside the Gathering Place
• Furnishing of the meditation room

The Construction Committee and MB Real Estate believe this version of Phase 1 can be completed for approximately $5 million. 

What are the Next Steps This Spring?

Our “A Time to Build Up” Finance Committee has been analyzing financial models to evaluate the various options available to Atonement in this very uncertain economy, including how best to use the current credit market and low interest rates to finance the projects costs that exceed our members’ giving.  Several banks have been contacted as well as Thrivent Financial and ELCA’s Mission Investment Fund. The committee will be providing a recommendation on the lender that will provide the most prudent structure and level of financing for the project.

 In the meantime, the Construction Committee, working with the architect and MB Real Estate, will provide final drawings to the General Contractor candidates and request hard bids. During that same time we will be working with the Village to procure final engineering and site approval and permit issuance. Once hard bids have been received and reviewed and the Finance Committee has completed its analysis and provided its recommendation, the Phase 1 project scope, costs and financing plan will be presented to the Council at their monthly meeting and then to the Congregation no later than June 7^th. If approved, we would proceed to contract negotiation and contractor selection in preparation for a late summer groundbreaking. Total construction time for Phase 1 is still anticipated to be within 12 months of groundbreaking.

Giving to Date

# of Commitments Received:                     162

Total Commitments Received:                   $2,889,887

Total Contributions Received                      $913,452

Thank you to all who have so generously responded with their prayers and financial gifts. Our goal is to have every family participate and it is never too late to make a commitment. Please contact the church office or any member of the Appeal Team to communicate your intended gift. Important decisions soon will need to be made by our Council and Congregation with respect to the final scope of the project and the amount of financing that may be needed. So, if you are prepared to make a commitment, or increase your commitment, please do so as soon as possible so that we have the best possible information available for our congregational decisions.  Thanks be to God as He continues to lead us through each and every phase of this process.

Questions?

Contact one of the Capital Appeal Advisory Team Members or send an e-mail to the Capital Team

Capital Appeal Advisory Team