Updates
11/12/2007
Ok, we are now moved into the space! We used the new children's on Sunday and the staff moved into their offices. The whole process was a bit crazy, but then aren't all moving and transitions a bit chaotic?
10/17/2007
Well, I'm still curious if anyone reads these updates... Anyway, the construction is nearing its end. The final touches are being completed and plans to move in are being set. Here are a couple pictures of the new building.
08/01/2007
The building addition to GCF is moving along on schedule and, in some areas, under budget, according to Emile Mortier. The weather has been wonderful for a building project of this magnitude. So far, only pledge money has been used to pay the contractors and material costs. Beginning next week, the first payment from a private loan will be tapped. The bank loan is still untouched and accessible.
Cabinets are being built by some of our members. The carpet has been ordered. Painting is in process and all classrooms and the nursery are done as far as the initial painting. The Latte Bar is being designed. Walls are being moved and removed. The exterior is being finished and painted.
As we near completion of Phase I, we need to pray about finances and exercise good stewardship as some final bids are coming in higher than expected due to time lapse and increased material prices. As always we view this as a good faith project and trust that God will show us the way to completion, plus provide the path to invite new people to meet Jesus.
07/17/2007
The subcontractors are installing the roof over the main part of the building and the children's area has dry wall up. Crews continue to put stucco on the lower part of the building and the copula roof will be installed when the entry way is constructed. Rodger Terrall made a report Sunday morning in church communicating that approximately $500k in pledges remains to be given which is the amount needed to finish the project!
04/19/2007
Dianne Rush of the Interior Design Committee, reports that they are finalizing flooring options for the addition. Also, the church had a 5’-6’ sliding door freezer and refrigerator donated for the kitchen. This, along with the 10’ stainless steel sink unit donated previously gives the project a big boost for future eating events! A commercial stove is still needed, so see Dianne if you know of one seeking a new home.
Look on the temporary wall in the foyer where it says “Beyond these walls…” and view samples of some of the interior design products for the new addition. Also, check here on a continual basis as new color boards have been and will be added as they become available. The one about the atrium area is up now in case you did not see it on Easter Sunday. Soon a window in this wall will be cut out so that we can observe the progress as we attend church each week.
Emile Mortier, overseer of the construction process, happily reports that we are still on schedule. In fact, completion of some areas which were slated for Phase II, have been completed as part of the Phase I building process. This has saved some of the funds allocated for building. Though the second floor has been framed and will be completed on the exterior with stucco to match the front part of the old building and hardy plank siding on other areas, the interior will not be completed during this phase. Of interest is the fact that there will be a 32 foot square tower with a height of 25’ to the lowest beam.
Finance manager, Rodger Terrall, reports that in March the building expenses were approximately $190,000 and giving to the building fund was $13,500, which was right on target. At this time we continue to carry a cash reserve and have not had to borrow on our construction loan yet. Rodger states that this has been a faith building project for him and prays that giving continues on course from the faithful at Grace Community Fellowship so we can bring this endeavor to successful completion and, with this addition, we are able to invite others in the community to come to God’s house and establish a personal relationship with Jesus.
11/16/2006
Digging started this week!! Yahooooo! Remember not to use the old front doors, but use the doors on the west side for entry and exit.
Resident poet captues ground breaking moment.
10/26/2006
Final Contractor Bids Larger than Expected
It is my goal to keep you fully informed concerning financial costs. I attended a meeting with our general contractor this week where I learned the costs of the project have increased $125,000. This is an increase of 5.1%. Some items in the budget increased while others decreased. For instance, plumbing and wood products decreased but concrete and steel increased. At this point, we need to gather further information before we can evaluate our next step.
~ Steve Hill
10/25/2006
Entrances Change Sunday, October 29
Traffic flow into our building will be a challenge once construction begins so we will have a trial run at the new entrances and exits this Sunday! Families dropping off children will enter the side door closest to the play area. The new main entrance (people without children to check-in) will be the other side door to the south (near room 103). We ask that you exit the same way; however, there is an additional exit you can use to escape the large crowds. We are opening the side door in the front of the auditorium on the east wall where a new concrete walkway joins the existing one along the playground area. This will lead you to the parking lot. There will be signs to direct you. One thing is for sure: the front entrance will be gone due to construction.
Classroom and Office Changes
A portable office was donated to the church. Steve, Tracy, Lori, Eric, and Jon will be using the portable office. The portable is a trailer, which is located north of the youth building. Patty, Charlene, and Lisa will be using the small office in the youth building. There will be signs directing where you can enter the office.
All three nursery rooms will be moved to rooms 104 and 105. The preschool will be in room 107. Elementary grades will be in rooms 108 and 109.
Financial Update
As of October 17th we have received just over $910,000 toward the Growing Grace Campaign commitments of $1,651,900. This giving is about 55% of the total commitments while we are 48% of the way through the four year campaign. This continues to show faithfulness by our body. However, we are only half way through the campaign and need to remain faithful and diligent.
10/17/2006
The Big Move:
Before construction can begin, we need to prepare our building. A majority of the Children’s Ministry rooms are affected and we need to prepare, modify, and move them around accordingly. If that rearranging sounds like a lot of work, you perceived correctly. So, we are asking for everyone’s help in making “The Big Move.”
“The Big Move” happens on Saturday, October 28, from 9:30am to 1:30pm with lunch for workers and kids included.
Prior to “The Big Move” day, a Boxing Party is planned for Thursday, October 26, from 7:00pm – 9:00pm. We invite as many as can to come help us fill boxes with supplies, books, and other things, which will make the move on Saturday go much smoother. This party is a good time to meet and work shoulder-to-shoulder with people you may not otherwise get to know.
Keep your eye out for a message about new entry and exit flow patterns needed during the construction period, too.
A special thanks to the Construction Team for their work in preparing the trailer! We are getting closer to the beginning of construction.
10/11/2006
We received our Building Permit!!!! Plans are underway to finalize sub-contractor bids, finish work on the temporary offices, move the staff, move the Children's Ministry, and so on... As of now, it looks like ground might be broke by late October or early November.
08/23/2006
The Process Moves On...
When our Growing Grace Campaign started, we thought construction would begin in late fall of 2005. We have had delay after delay regarding our Conditional Use Permit and Building Permit. Once again, our building permit took a negative turn last week. The City of Eugene came back to us with additional revision requests, which are being addressed by our architect and should be turned back into the city next week. Another thing we have to deal with: the plumbing contractor pulled out of the project (he actually retired . . . are permits really taking this long?!) Our contractor, Richard Trickey is looking for a new plumbing contractor. In the meantime, we wait!
Construction Loan: Rodger Terrall signed the construction loan papers last week. Our financing is looking good and we have developed a good working relationship with Selco Credit Union.
Children’s Classrooms: Children’s classrooms and the nursery will be changed a few weeks prior to construction. Room changes have been planned for many months and specific details will be coming later.
Entrance Change: The front of the building will not be accessible during construction. The side doors will be accessible and the east door of the auditorium will be utilized.
Temporary Offices: Demolition of the front of the church during construction will eliminate staff offices. A member of the church has donated a used portable temporary office. This portable office is being placed next to our youth building to be used by our staff through the construction of our new building. Once our new building is complete, the temporary building will be removed.
Once we receive a site permit for this temporary building, we will ask for help to clean-up the building, set it up with a foundation, build ramps, and general remodeling to adapt to the office staff.
Groundbreaking: Do we even dare to guess when? If you ask Dan Morehouse, he seems confident we will break ground late September to Mid October. When you think about it . . . that’s not far away!
By the way, I'm curious if anybody is reading the updates posted here...
Reply to the info@gcfweb.org below if you are. Thanks
06/05/2006
General update on Building Permit and Finances
Building Permit: The building permit is still awaiting approval from the city. Pertinent information is being reviewed by the city. If corrections are needed, the architect and contractor will supply the proper information. It is possible the building permit could be approved in July. Currently, the city building department is inundated with applications which has slowed down our permit. Financial Aspects: The total project cost is $2,414,000 as of today. Our total amount of pledges coupled with loans is approximately $2,216,000. A shortfall of $198,000 exists at this point. The Elders have been discussing the situation for several months. One option is to build less by eliminating three first floor classrooms and the area above the classrooms. Another option is to borrow additional money. Other options are being explored such as loans from members of the church. Additional information is being gathered at this time in order to make a good decision.
05/08/2006
Additional Pledges Received!
Close to $310,000 was pledged in addition to our original amount. We will now prayerfully consider our options and decide the best route forward.
02/28/2006
Conditional Use Permit Approved
Our application for a Conditional Use Permit is approved! Obtaining a conditional use permit has been a challenge. A few minor conditions have been attached to our permit that focus on the trees on our property and their maintenance. The next st
02/13/2006
Public Hearing Notice -- Update
The public hearing on Feb. 8 was completed without any major complications. We now wait 15 days to receive the hearing official's ruling...
01/23/2006
Public Hearing Notice
We are finally getting our hearing for the expansion project. The hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, February 8, at 5pm in the Sloat Room, Atrium Building, at 99 W 10th Avenue, Eugene.
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