Purpose: This new facility is designed to replace an aging and temporary set of modular buildings currently used as space for our middle school and high school ministries.  Just as importantly it allows us to move our children’s ministry from upstairs in our current building to downstairs in the current gym.  The rooms upstairs are poorly suited for children and their families; it is also inaccessible to children with motor-skill needs requiring walkers or wheelchairs.  Additional features of the new building include:

  •   Lobby space to accommodate small group meetings of up to 75 people
  •   Reception / small group area with tables & chairs for beverage and deli service
  •   Commercial kitchen serving both large and small group meeting spaces
  •   Gym facility (regulation high school basketball court) adequate for large group meetings of  800, sit-down dinner receptions of approximately 400, conference presentation capable
  •   Shower facilities for men and women; multiple bathrooms
  •   2 large meeting spaces, one each dedicated to middle school ministries and high school ministries; each of these spaces are multi-purpose and presentation capable
  • Multiple storage spaces

IT MAKES POSSIBLE THESE NEW MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES:

  • CaN Center (Church as Neighborhood) for NE Neighborhood, in partnership with Salem Leadership Foundation
  • Completely accessible to children & teens with physical challenges
  • After school programs for at-risk children and teens

Q: What is the total cost?

5.5 million

Does the $5.5 million cover the Children’s Center re-model?

Yes.

Q: How long will it take to complete?

Once ground is broken, one year or less - Dalke has set a goal of ten months.

 
Q: How will we finish paying for a building over three years if the building is finished in one year?

We will need a bridge loan of approximately 1 million dollars to cover our costs while pledges continue to be paid.  Financing has been secured @ 5% simple interest through a private foundation.

Q: How much extra cost in interest will that be?

The projected interest cost is - as of 1/1/2010 - approximately $35,000

Q: What will happen to the Annex once the project begins?

The Annex is being donated to the Salvation Army.  They are preparing to lift and move it to a new location.  It is scheduled to be moved in June, 2010.

Q: Where will our teens meet once the annex is gone?

In the gym on Sunday mornings – in other classrooms during the week

Q: What will happen to parking during construction?
It will be tight.  Handicap and special needs parking will be a priority on both the west and east side parking lots.

Q: What will parking be like after construction?

Our lot will be re-configured with one entrance/egress on Market St, and two on 16th St.  There will be no entrance/egress from East Street.  

Q: Are we losing parking spaces?

Yes, approximately 70.  

Q: How do I donate labor or material if I’m a contractor or tradesman?

Get in touch with Pastor Jerry Morris.  He will put you in touch with the project manager.  You must be able to work within their time frame and standards. 

Q: How do I donate time or personal labor if I’m not in a trade?

The ability to donate personal time or labor during the construction phase is limited by city regulations and liability.  Security, parking lot assistance, and clean-up of the site are critical needs.  Please call the church office if you are willing to donate your time in this way.

Q: How will the colors be chosen?

Our staff graphics artist, an outside interior designer, and an interior decorator from within the church family will make these decisions.

Q: Which parts of the building will be unavailable to us during construction?

Most of the public spaces now available will remain available during construction.  Entrances will be affected.  By late spring the east side of our lobby and offices will be impacted.  Regular construction updates will be posted online and also made available in your SS class. 

Q: Where are we going to park the bus and vans?

Our bus and vans will be parked in the area at the north end of our east 16th St parking lot.

Q: Is it Biblical to go into debt?

The Bible discourages debt.  How much, and what type, is a matter of conviction.   The board and staff consider our bridge loan to be a reasonable short-term obligation.  The congregation has approved the terms of this loan.

Q: Why are we selling our properties?

The properties were purchased for anticipated expansion and parking along the 17th St corridor.  Current city regulations and a lack of support from the N.E. Neighborhood Association makes this expansion highly unlikely. The board believes it is time to use the available equity to help fund this project.  The congregation has approved the sale of these properties.

Q: Tell us about the purpose and scope of the new elevator?

The elevator is not intended to move large numbers of people quickly.  It is there to accommodate people, young or old, who cannot climb the stairs.  We plan to keep our oldest to older SS classes on the main floor.  In a situation requiring evacuation from the upstairs we continue to encourage use of the stairs, with those most able helping those least able.  This is the standard recommendation by the Salem FD for any building with multiple floors and even multiple elevators.