Phase 2 campaign Extension
If you have a specific question regarding construction of the Capital Campaign, you may email Rev. Bryce Bowers HERE.
Phase 1 construction is estimated to be complete around the first of the year. The timing of Phase 2 construction is dependent on fundraising. The most aggressive schedule would have Phase 2 projects completed in late spring of 2024. There are both cost and schedule advantages to making decisions on these projects by early December so the projects can start while our general contractor is still on site. Early commitments from members this fall will be critical for these decisions in early December.
As we complete Phase 1 construction, we need to fully fund its cost as well as the mission commitment we have made for affordable housing for our neighbors in northeast Kansas City. Phase 2 includes key construction projects envisioned in the original plan that were eliminated due to covid delays and cost reductions. By modernizing and updating spaces, the ability to better share hospitality and grace with the next generation can be transformational for our ministries.
The Building Committee, a group of lay leaders and staff, has been working with an architect since the fall of 2018 to develop a master plan and priorities based on member feedback. From the start, members said safety and infrastructure were top priorities for The Next 100 Gifts Campaign.
When pandemic delays and inflation forced cost reductions, prioritized projects and building areas were greatly impacted by infrastructure and safety investments. Phase 2 construction projects are key projects that were removed from Phase 1 due to predicted, increased costs.
The Congregational Board unanimously approved The Next 100 Gifts Campaign Extension to include Phase 2 construction projects including additional funding needed for Phase 1 construction and maintaining the mission commitment for affordable housing. The Building Committee plans to review bids and fundraising results by early December for the Board to authorize any additional construction projects.
To date, contingency spending is within budget and has covered a large range of projects. We weren’t surprised we had to do some asbestos abatement. We made several changes for fire suppression and chose to spend some money now rather than significantly more later to install a fire alarm/emergency voice evacuation system. Other changes were made to clarify construction documents and deal with hidden conditions in our 100 year old building such as discovering the narthex ceiling risked collapsing.
The clear and consistent feedback from members gave priority for the areas of the building most impacted by infrastructure (HVAC, plumbing, electrical) and safety improvements (fire suppression and fire/intrusion alarms). Therefore, “simple” projects not involving infrastructure improvements would be done later. Updating the restrooms will definitely add to the goal of hospitality which is why they are included in Phase 2 construction projects. If the gifts campaign extension is not able to fund modernizing them, they could be done over a 3-4 year period through the operating budget or endowment.
We already have a loan to cover the timing gap between fundraising and expenditures for Phase 1 construction which could also be used for Phase 2 projects. A decision will be made in early December on Phase 2 projects and how to finance them, but our intent is to avoid another fundraising effort to cover long-term debt. Once the campaign extension has covered Phase 1 costs and the mission project. Phase 2 projects will be reviewed. If funding will not cover most of the cost of the kitchens, those projects will be set aside for reconsideration in 5-10 years.
We have raised $12.75 million as of 9/30/23 on the current $14 million budget which includes a contingency of about $1 million. We will take out a short-term line of credit during construction as pledges come in. Interest is currently budgeted at approximately $50,000 per quarter starting before year-end. This amount will decrease as pledges are paid and additional gifts are made.
Construction
A new entryway will make it easy for all first-time visitors, members, friends and guests to locate the entry and will communicate to our neighbors that they are welcome here. A new lobby reception center will include comfortable seating to gather over a cup of coffee. The outdoor courtyard will create an inviting space for conversations and a link to the multi-purpose green space to be used for children, family and adult ministries. Parents can drop children for the preschool through the new lobby after using a new, safe crosswalk over 61st St and then linger to enjoy all the welcoming enhancements.
The infrastructure upgrades will result in improved air quality, more efficient use of electricity, and lower consumption of water, which are cornerstones of sustainable design and will provide the largest impact. We also recognize that we’re adding square footage to the building and increasing the amount of fresh air brought in for ventilation which will offset some of the savings from our sustainable design.
We’ll refurbish the elevator with new mechanical and electronic systems plus an updated interior. The elevator speed will increase 20% to 30% which means your trip after doors close should take a little more than 30 seconds from basement to third floor before the doors reopen. The refurbishment will also make the elevator more responsive, safe and reliable for passengers.
