NEW WORSHIP CENTER FAQs

 

Q: When will we begin construction of the new worship center?

A: Assuming the necessary cash is received, it will take a minimum of 12-14 months to complete the

design phase, negotiate a contract with the builder, and obtain a building permit from the City of

Highland. Once these activities are completed, construction can begin.

Q: What is the expected cost to build and furnish the new worship center and ancillary space?

A: Due to budget considerations, the project has been split into two phases.

Phase I consists of the new worship center and extensive community space. The projected cost to

start this phase in 2006 is $25 million. However, due to the rising costs of building materials, a

cost escalator has been included in the budget. Therefore, assuming this trend continues, the

cost to build will increase by approximately 10% each year until construction commences. These costs include the renovation of the current worship center.

 

Phase II will consist of an addition to the south side of the new worship center, including such

key areas as pastoral offices, worship ministry offices, choir/orchestra rehearsal space, and a

bookstore/café. This phase could be built and furnished for $8.7 million if we were to begin

construction in 2006. Again, an annual cost escalator of approximately 10% has been included

in the project budget.

 

The total cost of Phases I and II in the 2006 market is $33.7 million. In May of 2007, the cost will

be approximately $37 million.

 

Q: Why is it going to cost so much to build the new worship center and ancillary space?

A: There are several reasons why the cost to construct and furnish these facilities is significant.

First, over the past two years the cost of building materials has risen dramatically with cement

increasing by 15%, lumber 21%, copper pipe 27%, structural steel 53% and steel studs 78%.

Also, the Gulf States which were ravaged by last year’s hurricanes produce up to 80% of all

 PVC and other such petroleum-related products supplied to the world market, impeding supply

in a high demand market. Second, there is such a high demand for builders and sub-contractors

that competitive bidding is very difficult to achieve. Thirdly, the scope and technical complexity

of this project are like nothing else we’ve ever built. For instance, to achieve great sight lines in

the new sanctuary, the required spans of steel will alone cost approximately $4 million. The

nature of this building will require that we take special care in the acoustical design to ensure

that we will not experience the problems we currently have. The stage, lighting and sound

systems will also be designed and installed to state-of-the art specifications so that we will be able

to hear and see without distraction .

 

Q: Are we going to borrow any funds to complete the project?

A: If necessary, long term financing will be obained.  However, it is neither your Pastor nor staff’s intent to place our church in jeopardy if the church’s operating budget cannot afford increased debt payments.

Q: What will happen to our current worship center?

A: The current worship center was originally designed as a multi purpose venue, and our plans are

to maximize the use of this design. The front part of the main floor of the worship center will be

perfect for weddings and funerals, since most of these services are attended by only a few

hundred people. The platform can be reverted to its original height and size since it was

originally raised for balcony sight lines and enlarged to accommodate the worship ministry

growth. The main floor can also be used as it is now for banquets and outreach dinner theaters.

It will also be a great venue for smaller worship gatherings during the week.

The balcony will be converted to education space for Bible Fellowship classes adding an

additional 5,700 square feet. We can install partitions under the balcony that when closed will

allow us to create space for more Bible Fellowship classes. When the partitions are open we will

be able to use the entire main floor as one space. The classrooms and current choir room will

also be able to be used as Bible Fellowship space on Sundays. The current bookstore will

eventually revert to its original design as a commercial kitchen to allow effective and efficient

food service for meals in this building.