Q&A: NEW COMMUNITY LIFE CENTER PROJECT
Purpose: This new space is designed to replace an aging and temporary set of mobile buildings currently used as space for our middle school and high school ministries. Additionally, the new spaces allow us to move our children’s ministry from spaces upstairs in our current building to downstairs in the current gym. Space currently occupied is poorly suited for children and their families and completely inaccessible to children with motor skill needs requiring walkers or wheelchairs. In addition it provides:
- Covered drop-off / pick-up lane for inclement weather
- Lobby space to accommodate small group meetings of up to 75 people
- Reception / small group area with tables & chairs for beverage and deli service
- Commercial kitchen serving both large and small group meeting spaces
- Gym facility (regulation high school basketball court) adequate for large group meetings of 900 and sit-down dinner receptions of 500
- Shower facilities for men and women; multiple bathrooms
- 2 large meeting spaces, one each dedicated to middle school ministries and high school ministries
- Multiple storage spaces
IT MAKES POSSIBLE THESE NEW MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES:
- CaN CENTER (Church as Neighborhood) for NE Neighborhood, in partnership with Salem Leadership Foundation
- Completely accessible to children & teens with physical challenges
- After school programs for at-risk children and teens
- Upward Basketball – a ministry to children and their families
- Computer learning station capable
Q: What will the building cost?
TOTAL COST FOR BUILDING: 5.5 MILLION
EXPENSES TO DATE: (Primarily Architectural & Legal): 180,000
Q: Does the $5.5 million cover the cost to re-model the old gym into a Children’s Center?
No, but the contingency fund (dollars available for unexpected costs) of approximately $400,000 is included in the total cost. If nothing comes up during construction (such as unexpected issues when we open the current roof to make a connection with the new building) then the 400k is available to help create spaces for both children and our youth rooms. If not, additional funds for furnishings / equipment may be needed.
Q: How long will it take to complete?
Once ground is broken, one year or less
Q: How will we finish paying for a building over three years if the building is finished in one year?
We will need a bridge loan of approximately 2 million dollars to cover our costs while pledges continue to be paid
Q: How much extra cost in interest will that be?
At 5% the interest cost is approximately 106k
Q: Can we get a bridge loan for two years @ 5%?
Yes. Financing has been secured through a private foundation: 2 million dollars @ 5% simple interest to be re-paid in equal monthly installments over two years (payments of approx $87,750/month)
Q: Can we afford $87,000/month?
Yes, as long as everyone faithfully performs as promised.
Q: What if some people can’t, or don’t, pay their pledges?
We will build in a contingency of 10% for unpaid pledges
Q: What is our financial situation right now?
CASH IN THE BANK: 1.1 MILLION
ADDITIONAL ASSETS, CHURCH-OWNED PROPERTIES: approx. 800,000
PLEDGES/GIFTS RECEIVED TO DATE: 300,000
MATCHING GIFT STILL TO BE PAID: 1 MILLION
ADDITIONAL PLEDGES/GIFTS REQUIRED: 2.3 MILLION
Q: What will happen to the Annex once the project begins?
The Annex is being donated to the Salvation Army. They are preparing to lift and move it to a new location. We have asked our contractor to leave it as long as possible without slowing down construction.
Q: Where will our teens meet once the annex is gone?
Wherever we can find space: the gym on Sunday mornings – in other classrooms during the week
Q: What will happen to parking during construction?
It will be tight. Handicap and special needs parking will be a priority on both the west and east side parking lots.
Q: What will parking be like after construction?
Our lot will be completely re-configured with larger entrance/egress drives on both Market and 16th. There will be no entrance/egress from East Street.
Q: Are we losing parking spaces?
Yes, approximately 70. We have a plan to develop more in the future but the city recommended we make it an action separate from the current project. Off-site alternatives are now being considered for the interim.
Q: How do I donate labor or material if I’m a contractor or tradesman?
Mark it on your pledge card and be sure and leave contact information. We will put you in touch with the project manager. You must be able to work within their time frame and standards.
Q: How do I donate time or personal labor if I’m not in a trade?
The ability to donate personal time or labor during the construction phase is limited by city regulations and liability. The things we may be able to do using volunteer crews will be worked out with the project manager.
Q: How will the colors be chosen?
Architect and staff, using the services of 240 Noble Graphics (Monica Pynch)
Q: Which parts of the building will be unavailable to us during construction?
Most of the public spaces now available will remain available during construction. Entrances will have to be changed as building pieces are knit together.
Q: Where are we going to park the bus and vans?
Our bus and vans will be parked in the area at the north end of our east 16th St parking lot.
Q: Is it Biblical to go into debt?
The Bible discourages debt. That is why we are carrying a bridge loan for just two years. We consider this a reasonable short-term obligation.
Q: Who is giving us this loan?
A private foundation providing is the funds. Any debt incurred by the church requires an affirmative vote by church members.
Q: Are we remodeling any existing parts of the building?
We are remodeling the existing gym, London Room, and “crows nest” (above the kitchen area).
Q: Why are we selling our properties?
The properties were purchased for anticipated expansion along the 17th St corridor. Current city regulations and a lack of support from the N.E. Neighborhood Association makes this expansion highly unlikely. The board believes it is time to use the available equity to help fund this project. An affirmative vote by church members is required before selling church-owned properties.
Q: Tell us about the purpose and scope of the new elevator?
The elevator is not intended to move large numbers of people quickly. It is there to accommodate people, young or old, who simply cannot do the stairs. Because of its inherent limits the plan is to keep our "oldest to older" SS classes on the main floor. In a situation requiring evacuation we always encourage use of the stairs, with those most able helping those least able. This is the standard recommendation by the Salem FD for any building with multiple floors and even multiple elevators.