Links to Architectural Renderings and Project Specifications:
FAQs
1) How can I get more information about the Renovation Project?
Answer: Information about the Renovation Project can be obtained from the following sources: A) The St. George’s website has a space devoted to information on the Project, including past Dragon Byte articles, at http://saintgeorgeschurch.org/a-space-for-all/renovation-committee-updates/; B) The Renovation Project space on the bulletin board in the hallway between the Sanctuary and the Parish Hall; C) Dragon Bytes regularly includes articles on the Project, like this one; and D) talk to one of the Renovation Committee Tri-Chairs (David Grahn, Elena Keydel, or Michael Woods) individually or at a check in.
We have recently posted a detailed update of the project. This is the same update that was included in the in-service bulletins on December 6th. This update indicates the portions of the project that we anticipate being able to fund with the pledges we have received. It also indicates the portions of the project that with the current pledges we are not likely fund and the estimated costs of such items.
2) What is the latest news and what are next steps?
Answer: We are getting the final cost estimates from the General Contractor in December. The Vestry will make a decision regarding moving forward on the project in January. Assuming the Vestry approves the project, we are still planning to break ground on the Project in late March, after Easter.
3) When will pledges to the capital campaign need to be fulfilled?
Answer: As we indicated during the campaign our expectation is that they will be fulfilled during the three-year period from the end of campaign last March. To avoid cash flow issues and the need to take out a bridge loan; however, we are asking those that contributed to the campaign to fulfill their pledges as soon as they can. Specifically, we are asking that if at all possible the first third of the pledge be fulfilled by December 31st. That said, while it is important to fulfill your pledge, it is more important that in doing so, you are still able to fully support the annual Stewardship campaign. Carrying forward the Renovation Project makes no sense, if St. George’s lacks the funds to operate. If you have questions about pledges you can contact Bob Clarke, Rebecca Argon, or George DeFilippi
4) Are we stilling taking pledges to the capital campaign?
Answer: Yes we are. To the extent you are able, we would ask that you prayerfully consider pledging if you have not done so or increasing your current pledge. The more money we have, the further we can go in realizing our dream of "Making a Space for All".
Relatedly, we have been asked about the possibility of making a contribution in memory of someone and having that reflected in some manner in the church. If you have an interest in making such a contribution, please contact one of the Renovation Committee Tri-Chairs (Elena Keydel, Michael Woods, and David Grahn).
5) Will St. George’s take on debt to finance the Renovation?
Answer: St. George’s will need a short-term bridge loan to enable the contractors to be paid on time while we finish collecting the pledges for the Renovation. The faster we collect the pledges, the smaller the bridge loan, and the costs associated with it, will be. Currently, we have collected about half of the amount pledged.
A bridge loan is not the same thing as taking out a long-term mortgage to pay for a portion of the project. A number of parishioners have raised concerns on both sides of the question of whether St. George’s will incur debt to help finance the Renovation. The Vestry will address this question during its consideration of the project.
6) How will the Congregation know about which aspects of the project are likely to be included and which ones will not be included?
Answer: The Vestry will make this decision at its meeting in January. At the Annual Meeting, there will be an extensive report given about the status of the Renovation, which will identify the aspects of the project that Vestry as approved funding to pursue. We will also discuss those aspects that have not been included. The report will include the costs estimates for all aspects of the Renovation, whether approved for funding or not.
It should be noted that the decisions of the Vestry in January regarding which aspects of the Renovation will be funded are likely not be final decisions. As the Renovation moves forward, the actual costs of certain aspects of the project will likely be higher or lower than anticipated. This will likely require adjustments.
7) Do we have detailed drawings of the project to share?
Answer: We have detailed drawings from the architect that we will be posting on the Renovation Committee website soon. These drawings are architectural drawings and include a significant amount of technical information. Further, this are not the final drawings; however, they represent the nearly final drawings that will be presented to the County for permitting. We do not anticipate significant changes between the nearly final and the final drawings.
8) The design drawings don't show a communion rail around the altar platform? How are we going to receive communion?
Answer: We will receive communion as we always have, gathered around the edge of the altar platform. In our current design, people could stand around the platform, kneel on first step of the platform, or use one of the kneelers that would be placed at the edge of the platform (these kneelers are currently placed in front of the chairs on the sides of the chancel). If this proves unworkable or undesirable, some form of communion rail could be easily installed on portions of the altar platform, even after the renovations are complete. The point of the altar design is accessibility --- all members of the congregation, regardless of physical ability, will be able to approach and receive communion together.