Capital Project: Updated Timeline
Dear Members and Friends of FPC Atlanta,
We recognize that it has been some time since we have updated you on the progress of our capital project. Thank you for your patience. Considering pricing information received from the development team in August and September, we slowed the process to properly consider the impacts. Market conditions are in an unprecedented state of cost escalation and pricing in the construction industry has skyrocketed. These extraordinary conditions resulted in a 12.5% budget overage for our project. Rather than reducing the project quality or the scope, we made the decision to pause construction and enter a period of design validation and discernment to ensure the best opportunity of success given our financial capacity. We believe our number one responsibility is to be good stewards of the gifts that have been committed and shared in our capital campaign; and to make sure those gifts support the realization of Phase 1 of our Campus Master Plan.
Our project kicked off as scheduled with the successful demolition of the first floor of the Smith Building. Since then, we made the decision to break the project into two components: first, the renovation of the Smith Building since it is an interior renovation, and second, the construction of a new Fifield Hall, Commons, and adjacent corridors and gardens. Each is best served by specific expertise not generally found in a single contractor. In Q1 of 2023, we will solicit proposals from a select group of interiors contractors to resume the Smith Building renovations. Fifield Hall and the Commons will begin construction in Q3 2023 after completion of the construction documentation and a comprehensive pricing and market feedback exercise. You can learn more about our current schedule or ask questions by clicking here to visit the project website. Lord willing, the project will finish in time for Advent 2024. We look forward to keeping you informed on a regular and frequent basis about the project progress and details. Please be sure to check the project website (capitalproject.firstpresatl.org) often and to keep an eye out for other updates.
Thank you for your patience and your prayers. We are mindful of the trust you have placed in us, and we do not take it for granted. We’ve applied our gifts and knowledge to this project in hopes that, together, we may create a transformational project for our community and congregation for generations to come.
Advent Blessings,
The Capital Project Committee
John McColl, Chair and Trustee Emeritus
MC Allvine, Trustee Emerita
Craig Anderson, Director of Facilities
Molly Faircloth, Chief Administrative Officer
Jim Hasson, Trustee Emeritus
Ben Hudgins, Elder
Peggy McCurdy, Director of Accounting
Tony Sundermeier, Senior Pastor
