|
In December 2023, the Hope Congregation approved a budget not exceeding $8,000,000 for the construction of the South Campus Worship Center, which measures 18,372 square feet. This amount includes $4,300,000 allocated for the construction costs of the Worship Center and $1,700,000 for the related site development costs.
On February 27, 2025, Hope held a Congregation Information Meeting at Riverbend Recreation Center. It was announced that construction bids for the Worship Center and site development exceeded the budget by over $2,000,000, even after value engineering cost reductions. VE involves using cheaper substitutes to maintain functionality and safety.
The following items are being considered for inclusion in the revised design:
- Replace the framing system in the sanctuary with a light gauge metal parallel chord truss system instead of a rigid laminated wood frame.
- Simplify the design and construction of the cross on the west end.
- Permit duct board as a substitute for metal ducts.
- Consider asphalt shingles as an alternative to pre-finished metal roofing.
- Remove the natural stone wainscots in specific areas.
- Consider roll carpet rather than carpet tiles in the sanctuary area.
- Simplify window design and frames.
- Evaluate alternate wall finishes in restrooms, such as epoxy paint versus tile.
- Change the Mechanical Yard wall from masonry to vinyl fencing.
On March 18, 2025, the Church Council approved reducing the Worship Center's total square footage from 18,372 sf to 11,673 sf after considering input from congregation members and other options. This reduction and value engineering cost savings will bring the projected budget closer to the original $8,000,000 amount. Despite this, a budget shortfall of $300,000-$500,000 is still expected and a congregational meeting will be required to approve a new proposed budget once finalized.
The following is a summary of the proposed reductions:
- Remove the transepts, simplifying the design of the sanctuary and reducing the seating capacity from 450 to 350.
- Remove the kitchen and adjacent multipurpose room.
- Remove the multipurpose/choir rehearsal room.
- Remove the covered portion of the Porte cochere while keeping the drop-off area.
- Relocate the A/V Control Room to the first floor, eliminating the second floor.
- Reduce the size of the vestibule.
- Reduce the administration area.
This floor plan, below, maintains the original design, preserving essential areas such as the sanctuary, lobby, restrooms, and refreshment area, while reducing the Worship Center's footprint. Eliminated spaces can be added back later as budget permits.
| 
