Hi, HBIC family!

This morning, we had the opportunity to hear about the current plans for the renovation of the upstairs space that was damaged in the tornado last year. We also invited everyone to walk through. Click here to view a video walkthrough!

We want to share the details here in case you weren't able to attend the meeting, or if you want another opportunity to review.

The baseline goal for the rebuild based on the appropriate utilization of insurance funds is to replace what existed before the tornado. However, we are able to be flexible enough to repurpose the space for our current needs. The identified needs we are working with came out of the work of the Next Steps team, who worked with the board, staff, ministry teams, and church body in 2023 to audit our space and explore how we can adapt to use it more effectively.

The findings of the Next Steps team encouraged us to plan for the following improvements to the building through the upstairs remodel:

• More classroom space for Children's Ministry, utilizing current Food Pantry space
• A new and efficient space for Food Pantry
• Additional space for growing ELL classes
• Conference rooms to be used for classes or larger meetings
• Safer entry to the office
• Doors for staff for privacy and focus

Aaron Johnston, our Facility Manager, worked with COR Construction, a structural engineer, an architect, the staff, and the Church Board, to provide a plan that meets all of the above goals. The following things were considered and discussed:

• The columns that were upstairs (like the ones in the Sanctuary) are no longer needed and won't be replaced, opening up the space
• A double entryway will make the space a lot safer
• Staff offices
• Two conference rooms
• An IT/Server Room
• A janitor's closet
• A kitchenette or area with sink and space for small appliances
• Two Bathrooms (per building code)
• Relocating Food Pantry upstairs, space for people to wait comfortably
• Flexible larger open space with movable tables and chairs for ELL Classes, meetings, outreach events, and other needs that arise

View the plan here! We are encouraged by the work Aaron and the team have done to bring us to this point, and excited to see how the Lord will use this journey for His glory and our good!

If you have feedback you'd like to share, please click the button below. The staff and Board will review and prayerfully consider your comments!

In Christ's service together,

Pastor Hank