HIP—We’re Beginning Construction!

With construction underway starting the August 1, you will notice a lot of activity and may have some questions.  Here’s a brief HIP primer.

Q: What is HIP?

A: The Hall Improvement Project, which will effectively double the capacity of Allen Hall and allow us to minister to and with many more people!  We’re overcrowded even in the summer (always our months of lowest attendance), so the need for expansion is evident.  The west wall of Allen Hall will be moved out about 30 feet.

Q: How long will the HIP project take to complete?

A: Probably around three months, so we anticipate being done in early November.

Q: How much is it costing?  Have we raised all of the money?

A: HIP will cost around $250,000 or so, and then we’ll need some additional money ($20,000 or so, we think) for some items not covered in basic construction costs.  We’re thankful for the many generous pledges we’ve received to fund the work, but the whole amount is not covered.  Therefore, we’ll be taking a loan near the end of the project to fund the remaining amount.  Of course, we’d like to minimize the amount we have to borrow and the time we’ll need to repay the loan, so if you feel led to contribute to HIP, above your normal offering, we’d be grateful!

Q: We initially talked about upgrading the kitchen as well.  Will that happen this fall as well?

A: Not now, but hopefully in the future.  We just haven’t raised enough money to include the kitchen in this phase (it will cost at least $50,000 or more, perhaps even more than $100,000), and we didn’t think it wise right now to borrow any more than we’ll need to expand Allen Hall.  We definitely would like to do so in a future phase though, once it is more financially prudent for us.

Q: Will second (10:45am) service still be meeting in Allen Hall while HIP construction is in progress?

A: Yes, for the most part.  We anticipate that, until the last few weeks, we’ll be able to meet in Allen Hall.  We might have to move some chairs around and bob and weave a bit, but we should only be out of Allen Hall for a short time.  During these few weeks, we’ll have alternative plans (perhaps pack out the Chapel in both services or weather depending – Indian Summer? – have an outdoor service).

Q: What can we expect to see during the construction?

A: Generally, it will unfold in this order:  First, we’ll unfortunately have to remove some trees in front of Allen Hall, though we do plan to replace them. After the area is graded, the foundation work will begin.  During this time, the corners of the current west wall will be taken out and temporarily patched with plywood.  After the foundation is laid, new exterior walls will be erected, and the support beams and extended roof will be put in place.  The current west wall will be then knocked down and then the floor slab of the new area will be place.  Following carpet installation and painting, we’ll be good to go!  The construction area will be fenced off, but we will still have access to Allen Hall entrances throughout.

Please pray for a successful, timely completion and for our finances as we step out in faith for HIP!