Status of Phase 1 Project (11/12/2008):
* Design Development and construction drawings were completed in late July, 2007
* Project Specifications/Bidding Documents were mailed to contractors in August
* Bids were received from 3 general and 3 individual contractors on Aug. 31, 2007
* Bids were reviewed and rejected by the Project & Capital Team on Sept. 4.
* A new list of potential small contractors was given to Panich & Noel, Nov. 1
* Round 2 Bidding materials were distributed at end Nov.-Dec. to potential contractors.
* The new bids were received and opened for review on Jan. 22, 2008 (was 1/15)
* The Project Team reviewed and accepted the Bid2 results on Jan. 29, 2008.
* On Feb. 5, 2008 the Board of Ministry approved recommending the project to the church.
* An Open forum was held on March 5th, 6 pm to discuss all aspects of the project.
* A Special Busn meeting was held on March 16 (snow delay).  Project was approved (91%).
* Banks were visited Mar. 27 and 28, and we await their official construction loan offerings.
* Site surveying to consolidate the church property has been completed.
* A property appraisal will be completed once a financial institution is selected.
* A pre-construction meeting was held with all contractors and architect on April 10.
* Of 4 banks interviewed, Williamstown Bank was selected as the financing institution.
* The hearing before Parkersburg Zoning Board went smoothly and the project will go forward.
* Ground Breaking was held Sunday, May 25th.  Construction to start in early June.
* Construction began on June 26, 2008.  The Pin Oak tree was removed on June 30th.
* The elevator pit has been dug, the foundation laid and block erected. 
* The Corridor and cross-over slabs have been poured.
* The A/C condensors for the sanctuary and Chapel were moved the week of July 14.
* Color choices have been made for carpeting and the women's restroom.
* Progress has been made with the State Fire Marshal concerning the Fire Door upgrades.
* Construction will cause disruption to the church office, adjacent toddler room, and
   Crusaders & Encouragers classes for several months.
* The structural steel and corrogated steel for 2nd floor and roof has been erected, and
   the mezzanine concreted poured.
* Exterior Insulation materials are nearly complete and much brick has been laid.
* Storm drains down Liberty Street have been installed and along alley are underway.
* The parking lot has been leveled next to the alley and new catch basin as in place.
* A permit application for one row of off-street parking behind Hope House was
   approved the City Zoning Board at the Nov. 12th meeting. 
* Elevator construction has begun in the elevator shaft and the corridor is nearly
   enclosed so that heating can be started.
*  Installation of a new double door into the Sanctuary will begins very soon. 

Discussion:

If you have any questions at any time, please feel free to contact: Tim Lindstrom, chair,
EBC Project and Capital Improvement Team

Update: 11/12/2008:
Here is an approximate accounting of the finances received toward this program and project
since 2004, and the funds expended getting to this point.

In 2004, the full Master Plan was approved. 
             A total of $37,282 was given, and only $6,633 expended.
In 2005, $18,532 was given, and 
             $13,691 was expended (feasability study & initial campaign fee).
In 2006, $86,325 was given ($5,387 before campaign pledges), and
             $25,026 was spent (campaign).
In 2007, $119,040 was given and
             $42,695 was expended toward project development and bidding.
In 2008 to date, $103,889 has been given, but now
             $404,000 has been spent on project development and construction.
             $2255,000 has been drawn on the construction loan line of credit.

So since 2004 we have covered a a total of slightly over $176,339 in costs getting to this
point wihtout additional debt or burden to the operating budget.  Totals to date:
$ 77,520 toward the Master Plan, Project architectural fees and related expenses;
$   3,835 toward asbestos and soil assessment testing;
$   7,390 toward developing a plan for Phase II to update the Sanctuary;
$   8,190 toward assessing our probable financial capital giving capability; and
$ 30,525 toward executing the financial campaign to underwrite the project start.
$404,000 toward actual project materials purchases, so we have drawn
$225,000 against our construction loan line of credit.