Project Update - May, 2008
Phase II of our new Fellowship Hall is nearly complete!! Our electrical, plumbing and kitchen have been completed, entrance ramps poured and HVAC units and pads installed, along with insulation and drywall. Painting is currently in progress. After installation of plumbing and lighting fixtures, we will be ready for final inspection for our Certificate of Occupancy (CO). Our goal for obtaining our CO is the end of May.
Mindful of our role as stewards, the Team has
been committed to making the best energy efficient choices whenever it was economically feasible. Since energy efficient choices in the planning stage can save us about a third on our energy bills, the Team chose to follow ENERGY STAR (ES) recommendations, which is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy.
As much as 1/2 of the energy used in a building goes to heating and cooling, therefore, we selected an ES 13 SEER HVAC system which will use programmable thermostats for maximum efficiency. We selected 100% cellulose insulation and chose to increase the outside wall R factor from R-19 to R-21 and the ceilings from R-21 to R-30. Interior walls and ceilings will be R-13 which will not only increase energy efficiency, but provide soundproofing. Inside air will be re-circulated with the use of 6 - 52 inch ES ceiling fans which were chosen because of their maximum rating for air flow.
In addition to appliances, we are utilizing an ES tankless water heater which heats water directly without the use of a storage tank, therefore, avoiding the standby heat losses associated with storage water heaters. We will also utilize a water softener in order to protect our water heater, dish washer, ice maker and fixtures from the harmful effects of the extremely hard water prevalent in this area.
Good stewardship also demands that we maximize access to the building to all people, including those with special needs. Consequently, our entrance and bathroom facilities will be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
We have been very fortunate that Marjorie Pitts and Bob Collins volunteered to help plan and design our kitchen facilities. To better serve us in the future, we are installing a commercial grade kitchen. This upgrade will ensure longevity and greater flexibility for our multi-use building. Due to a completed kitchen not being included in the Phase II budget, we are urgently in need of more funds in order to complete the kitchen and obtain our CO.
Also be mindful that attainment of the CO only means the building can be occupied and used. It will be far from “completed.” In addition to the kitchen, there will be dozens of small projects, including furnishing and stage equipment which will require all of us, as we are able, to commit time, money and prayer in order to complete Phase II.
When our growth demands more amenities, the final Phase III will include construction of the Youth Center on the upper floor of the south end and storage and classrooms on the upper floor on the north end.
God has continually blessed us by providing the resources to do his work. Please remember the message of 1 Corinthians 4:2, "Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful." Please be in prayer and give with your heart so that God’s project will be completed and remain debt free. In order to ensure your offering is received, don’t forget to designate it specifically to the “CGUMC Building Fund.”
