Join us on the Heart & Home journey! It is a journey of the heart because it is more about our hearts than our finances. It is a journey of the home because we are dreaming of the impact the elimination of debt and upgrading of facilities could make in our call to make God’s love real to our community. Here you will find all the supporting information for this three-year campaign to make our physical stewardship match our commitment to discipleship.
June/July 2024 Update:
May 2024 Update:
Phase 1A
Beginning Monday, June 10th, the hallway flooring on the first floor of the CLC will be replaced. Absolutely no one is allowed on the first floor during this time, except the flooring company. The problem we initially encountered, is that the floor was not prepped correctly, so there were bumps under the tiles. We caught it relatively early in the process. Even so, in the meantime, the product was changed and we were not able to match the floor we had. So, the entire hallway floor will be replaced. The classrooms were not affected, and the flooring replacement will not be charged to us. In order to avoid this happening again, ONLY the flooring company will be allowed downstairs for the week of June 10th. If there is anything downstairs that you may need during this time, make sure you get it beforehand.
Phase 1B
We are awaiting flooring for the Fellowship Hall. We have changed from rolled carpet to 20 x 20 carpet tiles. We have been guaranteed we will not have the same dye issues with the tiles that we had with the roll carpet. They are manufactured in a different location, and on a different machine. This is all free of charge. As a side note, the manufacturing company is supplying us with additional carpet to create two pickleball courts. The floor will have a basketball court, a volleyball court, and now, 2 pickleball courts.
We are also awaiting supplies to complete the ceiling in the foyer of the CLC. The plan for the foyer ceiling was approved by Town of Cary with our initial plan submittal. Within the last few months, three different TOC inspectors issued three different updates for a ceiling that had been previously approved. We have now been cleared to proceed and final supplies are on order and expected to arrive soon.
Please, continue to pray for us as we work to complete this project. We’re digging deep for patience, but we know it will be worth it in the end.
April 2024 Update:
Phase 1A:
– If you remember from last month’s EBlast update, we mentioned the possibility of having to replace the hallway flooring downstairs in the CLC. That has now been confirmed. We do not yet have an installation date. Logistics are being discussed. We hope to make this as painless as possible with little disruption to our evening and weekend activities. Daily events will likely be impacted the most.
Phase 1B:
Two steps forward, one step back…
– The Fellowship Hall floors were handscraped, buffed, prepped for carpet installation, and we were on schedule to have the carpet installed. To start, our installers rolled out 3 rolls of carpet, and the shades are a little different on all three. Brock, our flooring contractor, came out the next day, took samples and is in talks with the manufacturer to find a resolution. All rolls of carpet are from the same dye lot, and all have directional arrows to indicate layout.
The upside…
– All windows and doors are now installed on our stair tower. Gutters have been installed. Once the flooring goes in, the tower will be finished.
– The new sidewalk leading from the tower exit door to the existing sidewalk on the west side of the building is complete. Landscaping is next.
– Our new front doors to the CLC have been installed.
– We have replaced the controller for the doors from the CLC lobby to the Children’s Center. They will soon be painted.
– The lobby ceiling install is in progress, and the last part of the entrance that will need to be completed is the flooring.
– A large portion of the 2nd floor renovation is finished and awaiting furniture.
We are aware how frustrating it is to have issues continue to arise at such a late stage of the renovation. We are frustrated, as well. We understand that we can see the progress, and the impact of the renovation, and you can’t. Waiting is always difficult. Please, bear with us. Continued prayers are always welcome.
March 2024 Update:
We’re getting closer….
Phase 1A:
– It is likely we will have to replace the hallway flooring downstairs in the CLC. The flooring manufacturer has made several attempts to provide a tile to match what we originally purchased and they have been unsuccessful. The product was changed to one with more striation. We used the reserve tiles provided to replace tiles in areas where the flooring installer did not prep the floor correctly. We didn’t have enough to replace all of the tiles that were affected.
– There have been reports that on Sunday mornings some classrooms in the CLC are hot and some are cold. David reset the system. We have another training session coming up for David & members of our HELP team. As with most everything else these days, the system is operated by computer.
* We will not close out Phase 1A with our contractor until the flooring issue is resolved.
Phase 1B:
– Our latest projected substantial completion date is mid April. At that point, we will finish any punch work that is still necessary. Our furniture has arrived and is scheduled to be installed at the end of April.
– All cabinetry and countertops are in.
– All electrical work is finished.
– Restrooms are finished.
– Flooring is done in the hallway, the restrooms, and the classroom. We will complete flooring in the expanded lobby area once all ceiling work is finished in the foyer.
– The new front doors will be installed before the flooring, and after the foyer ceiling is finished.
– Site work is being done at the stair tower and back sidewalk. We have elected to add 2 extra drain pipes at the foundation that will run under the sidewalk to the storm drain. We don’t want to risk moisture damage again.
– On the third try, we now have all of the glass needed, unbroken, to complete the stair tower…except one of the mullions came in scratched.
– We now have doors, instead of fabric panels, on our hallway cubbies. Each cubby has its own coded entry hardware.
– We ran into an issue with leftover glue and carpet backing on the floor in the Fellowship Hall. There are a couple of layers and the prep team is having to hand scrape the entire room to remove them. While this process is very labor intensive, we still expect the carpet to be installed in a couple of weeks.
We’ve hit a couple of speed bumps here at the end of the renovation. But, overall, everything has gone amazingly well. Osterlund Architects and Riggs Harrod have been very nice to work with. Supply chain issues were still a bit of a problem. But, it’s getting better all the time. The space looks modern, efficient, fresh, and no longer mauve. We’re excited for the day we can open it up to everyone.
February 2024 Update:
As we watch our plans for the CLC come together, we are reminded of how blessed we are to have the congregation we do to make this happen. Thanks to all!
Phase 1B:
– Resilient flooring is now being installed in the hallway, classroom and expanded lobby.
– Forbo flooring will be installed in the Fellowship Hall next week.
– The library carpet has been installed.
– We are readying the area on the back side of the building for the sidewalk to be poured.
– Interior doors continue to go in.
– The large glass panels for the exit stair came in broken…again. We expect the next shipment in a week or two.
– The new front doors will be installed when the flooring is complete.
– The ceiling for the lobby has been delayed. It will likely be one of the last pieces of the puzzle along with our exterior lighting.
We have one area on the lower CLC that has caused concerns; the odor in the men’s & women’s restrooms. We have been attempting to rectify this issue, with no success so far.
– The sewer line from both restrooms to the outside of the building has been scoped (photographed) showing no problems with the sewer line.
– Toilets were reset and sealed.
– Primer pumps have been checked and are working as they should.
– The exhaust system we have is made up of a pipe that runs directly to the roof where there is an exhaust fan to pull air out of the restrooms. It was checked and is operating 24/7 as it should.
– We’ve checked the area above the ceiling tiles for issues and found none.
– Riggs Harrod plumbers have not been able to identify the issue.
– We’ve spoken to the Mechanical Engineer, who suggested we adjust our VAV settings to provide more air in those areas. We are in the process of doing this now.
Our understanding is that the church has dealt with the same odor issue in these two restrooms in the past with no solution. Some days are worse than others. Please bear with us as we continue to search for the cause.
January 2024 Update:
Phase 1B: Progress Continues
– The exit stair structure and roof are complete, other than 2 of the 3 large windows. The new panes should be installed within the next 2 weeks.
– The interior of the exit stair tower…stairs and railing are complete. The majority of the electrical work has been done. Ceiling tiles are next.
Of Note *** The hallway safety barrier from the 1st floor to the stair tower has been removed and the door has been installed. RH has asked that no one try to enter the exit stair. It is still under construction.
– The restroom counters, sinks and plumbing fixtures are installed. The restroom partitions are in.
– Crews are working to install our interior doors and hardware.
– Cabinets, island and countertops have been installed in the expanded lobby coffee area.
– All walls & the ceiling in the Fellowship Hall have been painted…except the black walls around the stage. They are working on those now.
– The sidewalk along the back side of the CLC will be poured within the next few weeks.
– Three dusk to dawn lights have been installed on the back exterior wall of the CLC to illuminate the sidewalk and provide security lighting. There will be no more bollard lights.
– Who knew? There are lights inside the two skylights located in the CLC foyer and in what was once the library. They have been repaired and new bulbs have been installed.
– The last part of the project will be flooring and the replacement of the front doors to the CLC. We have the doors, but have elected not to have them installed until the end of the project to reduce the chance they might be damaged. Furniture will be placed last.
We have not been given an updated timeline recently. Riggs Harrod is waiting for drawings on a couple of design changes, and shipping dates, before they do this. ––We will include that information in the next update.
December 2023 Update:
Work continues as scheduled on Phase 1B:
– Stairs and handrails are complete in the new exit stairwell.
– Window glass is being installed now.|
– The sidewalk from the exit stair to the west sidewalk, which will run down the back wall of the CLC, will be poured soon, as weather allows.
– The ceiling of the Fellowship Hall has been painted, which was a major undertaking considering the accumulated dust and grime over the years.
– Walls are being painted in all areas of the first floor, with brick being the exception. It will remain as is.
– LED lighting is being installed in the Fellowship Hall.
– Casegoods are being installed in the expanded lobby area.
As we come to the end of 2023, Heart & Home would like to thank you for your continued support, and we wish you a very Merry Christmas!
November 2023 Update:
We will soon be able to formally close out Phase 1A. It was delayed by issues we were having with our new HVAC system. Those issues seem to have been resolved and were mainly based in controls and graphics…the tech side of our unit.
We have a team from White Plains that is undergoing training to read and operate the new system. They have completed one day of training and have another coming up in mid-December. We have the option to schedule a third if needed.
Phase 1B is progressing well. Here is a list of where we are presently.
– All brick and block on the new exit stair is finished.
– Concrete has been poured to create the lower floor of the stairwell.
– The door between the first floor and the exit stair has been cut.
– Steel reinforcements are being installed in the exit stairwell to support the 2nd floor.
– Painting has begun on the 2nd floor. There is now one coat of primer on all of the new drywall. In the Fellowship Hall, the many ceiling supports, and the ceiling itself is being painted.
– Tile is finished in the restrooms. Fixtures have been installed. Stall partitions have been ordered.
– LED lighting in the Fellowship Hall is almost finished.
– Moisture tests for the 2nd floor will start next week. We don’t expect there to be a significant amount of moisture on the 2nd floor compared to what we experienced downstairs.
– You may have noticed the plywood structures placed along our sidewalk and up to the sanctuary doors. These were mock-ups for exterior signage to show size and placement.
If all goes according to plan, we are looking at a completion date sometime in March or April. This largely depends on supply delivery dates.
Your prayers and generosity are greatly appreciated as we move towards our goal of, once again, having a fully functioning and updated CLC.
October 2023 Update:
Phase 1B Update: Progress continues! Up to this point, we haven’t experienced any major setbacks with Phase 1B. We do know there will be some lead time delays with fire-rated glass and doors. Our hope is this doesn’t extensively impact our project.
Currently, framing in the expanded lobby is complete, along with electrical and plumbing rough-ins. After inspections, crews will begin drywall installation.
Concrete block work is finished on the exit stairwell, with brickwork and roof installation starting soon. Riggs-Harrod plans to erect a barrier on our first floor, where the new door to the exit stair will be located. This barrier is to protect our finished first floor from dust and debris. Then, they will cut the door. The barrier will likely remain in place while the exit stair is being completed.
The restrooms are completely tiled, and fixtures are being installed.
As always, we ask for continued prayers as we move forward.
September 2023 Update:
Phase 1A: The lower glides for our classroom chairs have come in. Our HELP team has been able to complete close to half of the 55 sets we ordered. They will do the rest as time allows.
Phase 1B is on schedule as work continues on the 1st floor.
Metal studs for our newly positioned walls have been set. Interior door frames will be set next week, and block and/or brick will be filled in around them shortly thereafter.
Electrical work is underway in our classroom, library, and expanded lobby. Conduit is being run, and electrical boxes are being set.
Restrooms: Plumbing work to reposition sinks and toilets in our restrooms is complete. Restrooms will now meet ADA code. Cement wallboard is being installed now. Mud beds and waterproofing will be installed next week to prepare for floor tile installation.
The exit stairwell foundation is in. Masons are, at this time, filling in brick patches on the CLC exterior back wall. When this is complete, the exit stairs can be blocked in.
Three 4’ x 4’ windows positioned above the exit stair have been cut. These, along with the glass walls on our stairwell, will allow natural light to enter the Fellowship Hall.
Next week, paint crews will start on the ceiling in the Fellowship Hall. We are aware that large portions of our ceiling space are made up of acoustical panels that can’t be painted. We will confirm these areas with Riggs-Harrod and the paint supervisor before painting begins.
Please continue to keep in your prayers all involved with church updates and with our renovation. We have a lot going on right now.
August 2023 Update:
MOVING RIGHT ALONG! Progress continues on Phase 1B. The exit stairwell is well underway. Inside, demo crews are mostly finished, and building crews are working to cut and block new door frames. Scaffolding has been erected in the Fellowship Hall. This will allow crews to clean and paint the ductwork and ceilings, as well as give us access to change out all lighting to LED fixtures. Please continue to lift up in prayer all involved in our project. Thank you!
July 2023 Update:
We’re excited to begin Phase 1B. Crews from Riggs-Harrod are in the demo phase right now, while exit stair construction will begin soon.
Phase 1A:
– The chair glides that were delivered to lower some of our new classroom chairs came in and they were not the glides we ordered. They have been reordered and HELP will install them as soon as we receive them.
Phase 1B:
– The renovation has begun. The General Contractor’s timeline has the project being completed in January of 2024. I think it’s realistic to add a couple of months to that projected date, and if it finishes sooner…we’ll take it.
– A reminder of what we will accomplish in 1B:
– To address Life Safety, we are adding an exit stair on the back wall of the Fellowship Hall, which will also provide access to the first floor and vice versa.
– New storefront doors to the CLC, along with some interior doors, will be installed.
– We are updating our finishes (flooring, paint) and furniture. This includes an updated library space.
– ADA-compliant restrooms.
– Expanded and updated lobby.
A reminder of protocol for the renovation…Melody Savage & Larry Mitchell handle the day-to-day questions that come up with the renovation. All major decisions go back to our H&H committee for resolution.
– When it comes to money, we have checks & balances in place. All change proposals and payments have to be approved first by Osterlund Architects and then signed off on by both Larry and Melody. No decisions are made by one person. It’s a group effort. We’d like to thank the HELP team for the projects they have taken on during the renovation in an effort to save money. They have done every single thing asked of them, and some of those projects were pretty extensive. We are very fortunate to have them. This includes John Sublette and David Tyree. It truly does take a village.
– I have a reminder from our General Contractor that no one other than approved personnel is allowed in the renovation area. A safety barrier has been built to block the lobby from the staircase. You can continue to access the downstairs classrooms by using the interior CLC staircase. You can come in through the Children’s Center doors, or the exterior, side door of the staircase.
– Also, we can expect times during the exit stairwell construction, that the road behind the church is completely blocked. Most times, Riggs-Harrod will try to keep one lane open…especially after hours and on weekends. They will let us know when it has to be closed completely.
One final note, not H&H related, but relevant to updating our campus…We would like to thank Lisa Fox for the furniture placed in our sanctuary lobby, the table & chair sets outside the lobby doors, the new benches placed around the exterior of our campus, and the new conference room furniture for our Children’s Center. She is also in the process of acquiring new office furniture for the Administration wing. All furniture is free due to her access to an office building that is in the process of closing its doors. God provides.
Your prayers for Phase 1B are greatly appreciated! Thank you!
June 2023 Update:
Our woes with the downstairs CLC doors should be over. The new operator has been installed and the doors are working as they should. We continue to troubleshoot issues with our HVAC system. All involved parties are working together to find a resolution.
New floor glides for our classroom chairs have arrived. Our HELP team will be working to remove the existing glides from 55 chairs, and installing the new, lower option. This should take care of the height issue for a number of class members. Lisa Fox is available to give instructions on safely stacking the chairs that are not currently being used. Please contact her if you are interested in her guidance.
We continue to wait for Phase 1B plan approval and permits from the Town of Cary. If nothing else, we have surely moved up in line these past months, and we look forward to soon receiving the necessary permits to begin.
As always, we ask for your continued prayers. Thank you!
May 2023 Update:
While Heart & Home is ready and anxious to get started on Phase 1B, we understand Town of Cary is backlogged. This is certainly not the first time we’ve had to wait for plans to be approved, but it is frustrating. The drawings have been through 2 reviews, Osterlund has made a few minor changes, and they were submitted for the 3rd, and we think, final time. Now, we wait. Unfortunately, we don’t know when the plans will be approved, and permits granted. On a positive note, Riggs-Harrod is waiting in the wings and ready to start as soon as they get the OK.
April 2023 Update:
Be on the lookout for supplies that will soon begin to arrive on campus for Phase 1B. We’ve asked that all supplies be kept on the back side of our building, mostly out of view. But, we will have a dumpster, a storage container, and the occasional piece of machinery taking up a few spaces in the lower parking lot. Once work begins, crews are to park in the lower parking spaces, leaving the upper spaces open for daily church activities.
As we previously mentioned, the road behind the church will be inaccessible during part of the renovation. Our General Contractor recently stated it will not be closed for the duration of construction. Most weeks, it will be open enough for a single lane of cars to pass. They will alert us to times they have to close it completely. If you have an event, such as Food Pantry Distribution, that generally uses the back road, you might check the status ahead of time. You may need to create an alternate route.
The main entrance to the 1st floor of the CLC, which we will continue to use during construction, will be the triple doors on the lower level. The interior staircase will also be accessible, not through the front CLC doors, but through the Children’s Center entrance, and the single exterior door at the top of the stairs. For safety purposes, the lobby area will be blocked from the staircase by a temporary wall. There will be another temporary wall on the first floor next to the mechanical room where crews will ‘cut’ a door to the new exit stair. This door will be secure during non-working hours. As with Phase 1A, once construction begins, the building is ‘turned over’ to the General Contractor. Only approved personnel will be allowed in the construction zone.
If you are with a group that meets on the 1st floor during the week, be aware that there will be construction noise between the hours of 7:00 am – 5:00 pm, possibly later on occasion. We have been informed there will likely be crews working some Saturdays, as well, starting at 9:00 am. There will be no work on Sundays.
FYI – the new gliders for some of our downstairs classroom chairs are on order, and will hopefully be here soon. Another note from Lisa Fox, if you are having trouble stacking chairs in your classroom, she would be happy to instruct you on the correct way to stack them so that the chairs don’t lean so far forward. They are designed to be stacked on carts, so we are placing an order for additional carts.
As always, thank you for your prayers and your patience as we move into this final phase.
March 2023 Update:
Heart and Home construction is in a bit of a holding pattern while punch list items are completed for Phase 1A, and we’re waiting for Phase 1B to begin. Adjustments are being made to the new exterior doors that were recently installed. And, we are waiting on replacements for a few interior doors that were defective.
Phase 1B should start within the next 2-3 weeks. We’d like to make you aware that while the exterior staircase is under construction, the road behind the church will be inaccessible. While this is not an ideal situation, it’s unavoidable. Please plan accordingly once construction begins.
The Heart and Home Committee is excited to begin this final phase of our renovation. There’s light at the end of the tunnel, and we look forward to the day the CLC doors open, once again, to our congregation and to the community. What a great day that will be!
February 2023 Update:
We continue to work on punch list items for Phase 1A, while in contract negotiations for Phase 1B.
We have been discussing with Lisa Fox, our issue with the classroom chairs not being a good fit for all in regard to height. We understand the standard seat height for most chairs is 17-19 inches. Our classroom chairs are 18” and the seat depth is also within industry standards. To address our concerns, the manufacturer has suggested we replace some, not all, of our chair glides with glides that are lower than what we currently have. This should drop the seat of our chairs to around 16 – 16.5 inches. We have a sample set on order and will update you with our progress. We do not plan to replace all chair glides. The majority will remain at the standard height.
Our exterior doors for the CLC have arrived and are being installed this week, with the exception of the four front doors. We will wait until the end of Phase 1B to install these so we don’t risk them being damaged during the upstairs renovation. The doors now being installed will have plywood inserts instead of glass for a few weeks while the glass is being cut to spec. Until the door install is finished, we will all need to use the upstairs main doors to access the CLC. We will not have to wait until the glass arrives to use the new doors, but we do have to wait until Riggs Harrod confirms the door install is complete.
The HELP Team has been very busy removing anything and everything upstairs to prepare for Phase 1B, and we so appreciate their hard work. While it’s OK to use the front doors to enter the CLC while the exterior doors are being replaced, please refrain from exploring the space as it may be somewhat unsafe until prepwork is finished.
Once again, we ask for your continued prayers, and thank you for your patience.
January 2023 Update:
While Osterlund Architects is busy working on Phase 1B, and final work on our Phase 1A punch list is in the works, there’s a bit of a lull on our end while we wait.
There are still a few additions to our youth room and our Stephen’s Ministry room that we’re in the process of completing. Signage for all rooms on the first floor will be coming soon. The HELP team is busy clearing out the upstairs of our CLC in preparation for Phase 1B. The upstairs kitchen will soon be turned over to the Children’s Center for meal preparation. We are in talks with Alfred-Williams to come up with a solution for our classroom chairs that we’ve discovered are not a great fit for everyone.
One thing that we are trying to reschedule is the installation of our storefront doors at the entrance of the CLC. After waiting for them for many months, we would like to delay installation until the end of Phase 1B to save any wear & tear and eliminate the potential for more serious damage we might incur during construction. We will have to get approval from Town of Cary to change this project from Phase 1A to Phase 1B, but we don’t foresee an issue in doing this.
It’s been rewarding for us to see our church members back in the classrooms of our Christian Life Center as we return to as much normalcy as possible after all we’ve endured over the past few years with Covid and Construction. Please, bear with us as we begin Phase 1B. And, as always, your prayers are greatly appreciated.
December 2022 Update:
Working on a Building – Recently the pastoral team gathered with some of our Sunday school leaders and our Heart and Home project lead Melody Savage to bless the lintels or door frames of the downstairs of the newly re-opened Christian Life Center. The footage at the beginning reminds us of how far we’ve come on this project.
We hope most of you, if not all, have seen the renovated downstairs of the CLC. We opened the doors to Sunday school classes on November 27th, the first day of Advent. If you were there for Sunday school during that time, and for the next two Sundays, you noticed issues with our HVAC system. It was very warm. Brady/Trane & Hockaday Mechanical spent most of last week updating, reprogramming, setting, testing, etc. all aspects of our HVAC system. We will find out this week if the changes are complete and the system is working as it should.
There are still a few things we are waiting on to complete Phase 1A.
– Exterior door replacements are currently scheduled to start the week of January 2nd.
– 1 interior door, to the elevator corridor, is due in January.
– MUA Sensors are here and will be installed after the HVAC issues are resolved.
– Light over the Boy Scout room door is shipping on January 25th.
– Flooring to replace damaged tiles…still at sea.
Phase 1B Construction Documents are ready to be submitted to the Town of Cary. Site plans are already there. At the same time, Construction Documents will go to Riggs-Harrod for bidding. During this time, we will continue our work for Phase 1A completion. Continued prayers, please.
November 2022 Update:
Heart & Home had an exciting week. The furniture installation is complete. Punch list work is underway and will be finished soon. A couple of key inspections passed. We would love to give you a final completion date and a date for when we might again have use of the lower floor, but we hesitate to do that at this time. We are awaiting the delivery of the HVAC sensors that were shipped but never arrived. New sensors are on the way. We understand that lead time delays are not a thing of the past and we will likely encounter similar delays in Phase 1B.
Our amazing HELP team is busy reinstalling classroom TV monitors and AV equipment. Usable items stored in the CLC Fellowship Hall will need to be moved downstairs and placed where needed. There are incidentals that need to be installed…such as a baby changing station, coat/clothing hooks in the 1st-floor restrooms, youth room accessories & supplies, etc. Our HELP team has gone above and beyond and stepped up to accomplish jobs they felt comfortable doing and will, in turn, save us money. Thank you! You are so appreciated! John Sublette has moved into the position of Interim Facility Coordinator and, therefore, works closely with the HELP team. Thank you, John, for your dedication and assistance.
Our church staff is busy assigning classrooms to our Sunday school classes, as well as updating online sign-up options for CLC usage. Most Sunday School classes will remain in their previous rooms, but there are some that will change based on class size and room size. We need to comply with current fire codes.
The plans for Phase 1B are back with Osterlund Architects after having been evaluated by contracted engineers. Osterlund will make any necessary changes to the plans and they will then go to Riggs-Harrod for bidding. Our hope is for Phase 1B to start in February of 2023.
October 2022 Update:
We’d like to share our latest update which has us close to the completion of Phase 1A. We’ve waited a very long time for this and we appreciate your patience. The HVAC system, which was the bulk of this first phase, has been challenging and continued to need minor adjustments up until recently. Last week, we installed a few extra regulators and changed a couple of line sizes for incoming gas. These recent changes and additions are expected to be the final tweaks needed for the system to operate efficiently. Several members of our church staff and a few from our congregation have begun training for HVAC use.
Drywall installation and paint are almost finished on the south classroom walls and in the interior stairwell. This was a last-minute decision that occurred when we couldn’t find an effective repair solution for our interior concrete walls that were damaged from moisture, and our attempts to block that moisture. To alleviate this issue, walls were furred, and ⅝” drywall was installed. Insulation was placed behind the drywall which will aid in our quest for moisture and mold-free first floor.
Our punch list walk-through is scheduled for 10/18. When punch list work is complete, we will move to have the first floor returned to us for our use. Furniture, which has been held in storage at Alfred-Williams, will be delivered soon. Organization and set-up of the standard classrooms and the youth room will begin.
We are very excited to finally make it to the end stage of Phase 1A and, though we don’t yet have a set date, we look forward to opening it up for all to see.
September 2022 Update:
Be sure to watch this update and walkthrough of the ongoing repair and renovation of our Christian Life Center. We are nearing the completion of the downstairs portion (Phase 1A) and looking forward to the beginning of work on the upstairs (Phase 1B). Contributions and pledges are still being accepted for this ongoing project and we look forward to regaining the full use of this place of mission, ministry, and worship.
August 2022 Update:
July 2022 Update:
June 2022 Update :
May 2022 Update :
As reported at our latest meeting with Osterlund Architects and Riggs Harrod Builders, the Christian Life Center is 81% complete. While work continues on our HVAC system, walls and trim are getting their first coats of paint. Plumbing rough-ins are complete. The existing chiller will soon be replaced with a larger unit, and we are attempting to find a buyer for the current chiller. New landscaping is holding up well since it was installed a few weeks ago. Style and color counter flashing, to cover exposed waterproofing, is being selected and will be installed soon. We continue to meet with Osterlund Architects to finalize the scope and plans for Phase 1B.
April 2022 Update :
A reminder of who is involved in our Christian Life Center Renovation Phase 1A.
Our renovation team has been very pleased with Osterlund Architects and Riggs Harrod Builders. Both came to us with outstanding references, and we have not been disappointed with their work thus far. Having said that, we can’t be everywhere at once. If you happen to see something concerning, please bring it to our attention by contacting the church office and you will be directed to the correct person to address your concerns.
We have many people overseeing the renovation. Melody Savage and Larry Mitchell are our Heart & Home Renovation Chairpersons. Anne Lloyd and Janet Walker are our Campaign Chairpersons. Various members of our Heart & Home Committee are involved. Until her move, Susan Gentry was our Vice-Chairperson. Our Finance Committee is frequently updated as to the construction progress in relation to our Heart & Home finances. Our HELP team has provided insight on various projects. A progress report is regularly presented to Church Council. George Smit’s knowledge of our facility is especially beneficial to us all, and his everyday presence on campus has been invaluable.
Osterlund Architects was hired to not only develop and design our plans for the CLC renovation, their lead architect, project manager, and interior designer were hired to oversee the project from beginning to end. They hear and evaluate all questions and concerns presented to them by our Heart & Home Chairs, carry forward that information to Riggs Harrod Builders, and vice versa. Every other week we have a large group meeting to discuss current progress, concerns, and upcoming projects. The large group meeting is attended by OA Architects, the OA Project Manager, the Riggs Harrod General Contractor as well as two of his supervisors, the overseeing Mechanical Engineer from Sigma, the Hockaday Mechanical supervisor, WPUMC Heart & Home Chairpersons, and any number of other subcontractors that happen to be active. Our White Plains Chairpersons also meet with Osterlund Architects every week to evaluate projects, and we have daily interaction through emails and phone calls.
Recent progress: Mechanical installation continues. New walls on the 1st floor, where needed, are up. All drywall has been installed and is being prepped for paint. Ceiling tile grids are in place on the 2nd floor, and are currently being installed on the 1st floor. Sidewalks are complete. Landscaping, if not completely finished, will soon be. Phase 1A is 67% complete and on budget.
Phase 1B is in the works with Osterlund Architects. Our complete scope, before separating into two phases, was presented to Osterlund at the onset of the CLC project. So, some groundwork has already been put in place. We are moving forward from there.
As always, we ask for continued prayers.
March 2022 Update :
Join Pastor Ray and our Heart and Home project lead Melody Savage for an inside look at the ongoing construction of the interior and exterior work currently taking place in the Christian Life Center.
While work crews are on-site every day, and progress on Phase 1A is moving forward, we are experiencing some significant materials delays. These delays will impact our finish date. Riggs Harrod has given us an updated completion date of June 23rd, but with lead times being what they are, it’s likely that date will change. Realistically, Labor Day may be more in line with what we can expect our finish date to be. At this time, it is our plan to move right into Phase 1B when Phase 1A is complete. Phase 1B is expected to be a 6-8 month project. With this timeline, we should look to move back into a freshly updated and mold-free CLC next spring.
We are working with Osterlund Architects on plans for Phase 1B. The priority of the projects that will be included in 1B is based on the survey results gathered by our Heart & Home campaign committee at the start of this journey. We will share plan updates as they become available.
As always, we ask for your continued prayers and we thank you for your support.
February 2022 Update :
The renovation continues, but we are somewhat behind schedule due to continued mold issues. As additional mold was discovered during demolition, we hired an abatement company, DARI, to come in and remove what remained, which included black mold. Most of this was trapped and unseen behind the wallpaper in our classrooms. Some was found on the upper side of the ceiling tiles in the restrooms. The aircheck after removal failed in 4 areas. The molded debris had been effectively disposed of, but spores remained in the air. Measures were taken to exhaust air from both 1st-floor restrooms and 2 classrooms, through HEPA filters to outside. We have scheduled the next air test. Until all areas are clear, our contractors are somewhat limited in what work they can do.
The excavated area on the south side of the building is now filled and excavation on the north side will begin soon. We chose to install the more effective membrane waterproofing. There were a couple of delays during this process, as well. The rock and corrugated pipe system we installed several years ago were acting as a true French drain, and while water was being collected, it was not being carried away from the foundation. Riggs Harrod was able to locate an operational drain that we could tie onto. It was flushed and the French drain system was attached. Also in the excavated area, four segments of our storm sewer drain collapsed during excessively heavy rain, and when attempting to reinstall them, they began to crumble and could not be reattached. The lead time to get a new concrete pipe was at the very least 6-8 weeks, so we elected to install a double-walled corrugated pipe instead. To mitigate even more moisture, our gutters are also tied to a drain. Hopefully, these measures, along with the new waterproofing system, will effectively take care of our moisture problem.
While in our quest to share this journey with you, it may seem we have reported only the negative aspects of what we have encountered along the way. There have been many obstacles, but this is not unusual during a renovation, and, while time-consuming, we haven’t had to address any problems that couldn’t be effectively solved. Good work continues every day in our building to bring us closer to our goal of having a perfectly safe and operational CLC once again. Please continue to be patient with the process. It is long and it is frustrating. We know that and we feel it, as well. Your continued prayers and patience keep us going, along with knowing that what we are doing here will ultimately glorify God in the ways we are able to utilize the CLC in the future, for our benefit and for the benefit of our community.
*Phase 1B is in the planning stage. Through your very generous pledges, we have $1.4M to put towards updating the 2nd floor of the CLC. Stay tuned for future development plans.
January 2022 Update :
Demolition continues on the first floor of the CLC. Parts of our new HVAC system have been delivered and installation has begun. The south side of the CLC foundation has been excavated. We had a bit of a setback with the gulley washer we experienced a couple of weeks ago, along with the breakdown of a piece of excavation machinery, but we’re back on track. Now that the foundation has been unearthed and we can see that initial waterproofing methods were installed correctly and just didn’t hold, we are considering changing to a membrane waterproofing option. The membrane has a lifespan of 50+ years, while the traditional method usually lasts 30 years. In our case, it didn’t. We have a tremendous amount of moisture on that side of the building and we are looking into additional ways to address that issue.
As we continue our renovation with Phase 1A, we need to consider planning for Phase 1B. It is our hope to move seamlessly from one phase to the next. Our congregation has gone above and beyond with giving for these projects, and we are well on our way to the day we will once again be able to worship and serve in our CLC. As we begin discussions for the next Phase, we would like to ask that any who are considering a donation to Phase 1B, let our business office know. It will be helpful for our committee to be aware going in, what our full budget will be. Thanks be to God and White Plains for making this possible, and please continue to keep us in your prayers as we work to do God’s will.
December 2021 Update :
CLC Renovation is Underway! If you’ve visited the church campus lately, you may have noticed construction activity. Riggs-Harrod Builders are on site and the 1st-floor renovation is in full swing. To date, all ceiling tiles have been demoed, as all tiles showed signs of mold on the upper side. Classroom doors have been removed. And, construction crews are in the process of removing flooring. Interior demolition will continue this week and into the new year. Excavation of the foundation will begin soon, as will the demolition of the building HVAC unit. As the excavation process is scheduled to begin before Christmas, please be mindful of staying on the designated sidewalk path to enter and exit the church for our Christmas activities and the viewing of lights. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all from the Heart & Home Renovation Committee!
January 2022 Update :
Demolition continues on the first floor of the CLC. Parts of our new HVAC system have been delivered and installation has begun. The south side of the CLC foundation has been excavated. We had a bit of a setback with the gulley washer we experienced a couple of weeks ago, along with the breakdown of a piece of excavation machinery, but we’re back on track. Now that the foundation has been unearthed and we can see that initial waterproofing methods were installed correctly and just didn’t hold, we are considering changing to a membrane waterproofing option. The membrane has a lifespan of 50+ years, while the traditional method usually lasts 30 years. In our case, it didn’t. We have a tremendous amount of moisture on that side of the building and we are looking into additional ways to address that issue.
As we continue our renovation with Phase 1A, we need to consider planning for Phase 1B. It is our hope to move seamlessly from one phase to the next. Our congregation has gone above and beyond with giving for these projects, and we are well on our way to the day we will once again be able to worship and serve in our CLC. As we begin discussions for the next Phase, we would like to ask that any who are considering a donation to Phase 1B, let our business office know. It will be helpful for our committee to be aware going in, what our full budget will be. Thanks be to God and White Plains for making this possible, and please continue to keep us in your prayers as we work to do God’s will.
November 2021 Update :
On November 10th, the Heart & Home Committee met with Osterlund Architects and Riggs-Harrod Builders for a pre-construction meeting. Logistical details for Phase 1A were discussed. Our general contractor plans to start construction on November 29 and complete it by the end of May…barring inclement weather and supply shortages. The security fence installation and additional prep work will likely begin the week before November 29. The expectation for construction equipment is that it will be stored on the grass to the left of the CLC, and within the confines of the security fence. While this area will be the designated space for all equipment, there is the possibility that some items will be stored in our parking lot for very short periods of time. All traffic will be able to flow freely through our parking areas and on the road behind the CLC in the usual pattern, except during times when construction crews are loading or unloading supplies. We will alert Riggs-Harrod to any events that will have heavy traffic flow, such as our Food Pantry distribution, and including drop-off and pick-up times for the Children’s Center. The Heart and Home committee asks that you join us in praying for a successful transition into the construction phase of our renovation and that all work is done well and in a timely fashion.
October 2021 Update :
We are excited to report we have awarded the contract for Phase 1A to Riggs-Harrod Builders, Inc. of Durham. They came very highly recommended by several referrals. On two separate jobs, they have worked with Osterlund Architects to Osterlund’s satisfaction. They have an extensive church resume that can be seen online. Most importantly, they are within budget. We are excited to begin Phase 1A on the Christian Life Center. Work will start as soon as contracts have been approved and signed.
It was requested the Heart & Home Committee slightly change the names of our phases to stay on track with the original improvement plan for White Plains.
Phase 0 – Parking Lot
Phase 1A – HVAC & Mold Remediation
Phase 1B – 2nd Floor Improvements/Coffee Shop/Egress Stairs/Elevator & Connector
Phase 2 – New Administrative Building
Phase 3 – Debt Retirement
September 2021 Update :
August 31 was a big day for Heart & Home. In addition to closing our $1.5M loan with First Citizens Bank, we hosted potential General Contractors in a mandatory meeting, by invitation, and presided over by Osterlund Architects. The turnout was favorable and we will move to accepting bids and choosing the contractor that best suits the needs of White Plains. Our loan will be an interest-only loan of 2.65% up until construction is complete, and will then change to principal plus interest, still at 2.65%. Big things are happening and we’re excited to be close to a starting date that has been a long time coming. We ask for continued prayers, please.
August 2021 Update :
One step forward…two steps back. We have experienced a 3-week delay in getting our building permit from Town of Cary in regards to an unexpected request for a site development plan. An agreement was reached, since there will be no site changes in Phase I, and our plans were resubmitted. Osterlund Architects will host a pre-bid meeting with potential general contractors on August 31. Construction will start after a contract has been awarded to a general contractor of our choosing. With our architects’ approval, we are attempting to make up lost time by pre-ordering some of our supplies that are known to cause delays in the current construction climate…namely, the HVAC unit. Please, continue to pray for a smooth transition into the construction phase, the perfect general contractor for White Plains, and the availability of supplies and workers. And, again, thank you for your continued patience.
July 2021 Update :
Exciting times are ahead! Our architectural plans for the CLC renovation have been submitted to the Town of Cary. The review process is complete. We are awaiting comments, and very soon the approval and permits to begin Phase I. In the meantime, we begin our search for a General Contractor, with construction expected to start soon after a contract is awarded. Our architect feels it is reasonable for the renovation to start in early September and it is expected to be complete by the end of April 2022. Also at this time, we are securing final documentation for the closing of our construction loan. After the many obstacles we encountered early on, we are excited that everything is falling into place. Thank you for your prayers, patience, and support! Please continue to pray for God’s hand in our next steps.
June 2021 Update :
The Heart and Home Implementation committee is busy reviewing the construction documents for the last time before turning them over to the Town of Cary for approval! We now have a verbal commitment for financing which is the last big hurdle we had to cross. We are thankful for your prayers and for your generous validation of what tomorrow holds for WPUMC with God’s leading. Please pray for a smooth transition into the construction phase over the next couple of months and that God will bless us with acceptable bids and a cooperative contractor. Join us as we get more excited about this project finally coming to fruition! Thank you!
April 2021 Update :
The Heart & Home committee continues to work to secure financing for our upcoming renovation of the CLC. We are putting the finishing touches on our architectural plans which will then be submitted to the Town of Cary for approval. At the same time, we will accept bids for a general contractor. In the meantime, our HELP team is hard at work demolishing the current bathrooms on the administrative hall to make way for two new accessible bathrooms, and the addition of an accessible All Users bathroom. Please pray for guidance for us as we navigate these next steps.
October 2020 Update:
This special virtual Town Hall focused on the Heart and Home Journey. The presentation included updates on the renovation, building plans, as well as an updated scope of work. View the presentation slides here.
Town Hall FAQ : View a full list of all questions submitted by the congregation with responses here.
September 2020 Update:
We continue to be immensely grateful for the many blessings we have received in your continued support.
In our hope to keep the congregation updated as to our current status, here is where we stand with the CLC renovation plans.
Our progress with the upcoming CLC renovation is moving along, but at a slower pace than we had hoped. Updated cost estimates have come in substantially higher than first predicted. As many of you know, there has been an ongoing issue with mold on the lower floor of the CLC. Our architect and her engineers have assessed the causes and devised a plan. This plan entails removing all dirt around our foundation and re-waterproofing the cement block, rerouting sewer and drainage lines, removing the floor downstairs, repairing any erosion and water damage, and installing a protective barrier under a new floor system. The magnitude of this repair was unforeseen and therefore not adequately accounted for in our original estimates.
Part of the mold issue stems from the failing HVAC systems in the upper and lower CLC. They are approximately 25 years old. We were informed the systems have been repaired and patched as much as they can be and still function. We need new HVAC systems. The HVAC systems, mold remediation, new exterior doors, and window modifications to alleviate leaks, puts us at roughly $2.6M which is over our pledge amount. Two HVAC systems with an additional air handler on the lower floor of the CLC to combat mold makes up the majority of the estimate at just under $2M. In order to address these issues and not risk having a 30,000 sq. ft building that is unusable, we have chosen to postpone the ‘enhancement’ phase of our renovation for now; the elevator, the connector between the CLC and the administrative wing, the coffee shop, etc. Our focus, for what will now be called Phase 1, is necessary before we move on with the next Phase.
Our Heart & Home Campaign Chairs and our Finance Committee have been consulted and will work towards garnering the necessary funds to complete this task. We will continue our work with the architect to get a complete set of plans made up of all improvements we hope for, so down the road, we will have a church campus that is comfortable for the members of White Plains and welcoming to visitors.
We continue to be excited for the plans that are coming together. In that light, we continue to ask for your prayers for all involved in this renovation. May we be wise, patient, and transparent as we strive to be good stewards of the task and gifts entrusted to us. To God be the Glory.
An exterior rendering of our projected entrance can be seen here.
We have a Town Hall meeting planned for October 25, 2020. Be on the lookout for notices.
May 2020 Update:
As our Christian Life Center renovation continues to progress, we as a committee would like to thank you for your patience, understanding, and prayers. In an attempt to keep our progress transparent, this is where we stand:
We are presently working with Kristen Osterlund of Osterlund Architects. All contracts have been approved and signed. On March 25th, Kristen and her team visited our church campus to gather necessary photos, measurements, etc. to begin the design process. All phases of design will be submitted to the Heart & Home Project Planning Committee and then to the Town of Cary. Next, we will take construction bids and choose a contractor. Once contracts are approved and signed, the construction phase will begin. The design phase will take approximately 3-4 months. We don’t know what time frame to expect with the Town of Cary permits. The initial drawings are coming along well.
At this time, we have received $2.2 million in pledges, $500,000 of which will be used for deferred maintenance. This leaves us with $1.7 million for updates, ADA compliance, and new construction. We have not yet received the pledges we need for the elevator addition, but we are proceeding with it anyway. In order to have an elevator, it is necessary for it to be included in this phase of the renovation. We have planned a covered walkway from the administrative wing to the CLC to work in concordance with the elevator. Other considerations: 1) adding exit stairs to the back wall of the upper CLC to meet egress code. 2) replace all exterior doors in the CLC.
More immediate improvements will include: 1. replacing damaged carpet tiles in the sanctuary lobby 2. new flooring, paint, and cabinet upgrades in the children’s wing. (4 have been completed) 3. making the small men’s bathroom in the office wing Family/Inclusive/Wheelchair Accessible 4. new paint and lighting in the office wing hallway.
Our renovation will be a multi-step process with various areas of the CLC being closed off at different times. This will impact our church programs…Family Promise, ESL classes, and others that frequently use our facility. We will not be able to access our Sunday school classrooms, so we are proposing one large combined Sunday school class to be held in the sanctuary. Alternatively, classes may choose to meet elsewhere. Access to the church will also be hindered. Please bear with us as we work with our architect to come up with viable solutions.
November 2019 Update:
Our committee has been in the process of interviewing commercial architects for our project. This is a very important part of our CLC renovation, as our architect will not only put designs to paper but will serve an integral part in the entire construction process. At this time, we are focusing on our priority one items which are necessary deferred maintenance projects along with a few updates. We’d like to ask for your prayers in choosing the correct architectural fit for our project and our church, as well as your continued prayers and patience throughout this process. We will continue to keep you informed as we go along.
August 2019 Update:
Your generosity to the Heart & Home Capital Campaign continues to grow! You have pledged $2,172,529 and have contributed $808,763 against those pledges through July 28, 2019.
- The initial capital project list developed during the campaign will serve as the road map. However, should capital needs or priorities change, the Heart & Home Project Planning Committee will review and propose such changes for approval by the Church Council.
- The Heart & Home Campaign Project Planning Committee will prepare a semi-annual report of progress for the Congregation with the first report due December 2019.
The story of Heart & Home:
In 2018 we produced the case statement and surveyed our congregation and found overwhelming support.
Here is the Vision Brochure which provides an overview of the journey and was mailed out to the congregation the second week of February 2019.
Here is the Detail Brochure which explains step by step what this journey is about and how it will be achieved. It was mailed out the second week of March 2019.
This is a journey covered in prayer. All members are asked to pray daily in this season of Lent – “Lord, what do you want to do through me?” There is a 21 day devotional created by our prayer team that runs from March 18 – April 7. The authors of these devotionals range from 9 years old to 70+ and are from all areas of our congregation.
Download Prayer Devotional Guide
Can I still pledge? Absolutely, simply fill out the commitment card below or speak to Nancy or Jennifer in the church office.
