We have received three proposals from regional contractors to work with us and Reynolds/Ash + Associates (RA&A) on the pre-construction phase of the Fellowship Hall project. The Building Engagement Task Force Building Engagement Task Force (BETF) is currently evaluating them and conducting reference checks. We expect to do another interview and to make a selection by Monday April 20.
The Capital Campaign has achieved a very good result, generating $2.4 million in pledges. There is also a $550,000 balance in the Building Fund (a prior gift from the Carpenter family) – and the Board is considering supporting the fellowship hall project with a grant from the Legacy Fund, UUFD’s endowment. Beyond that the Board is currently in conversation about additional funds that could be available for funding construction, specifically considering how much, if any, mortgage the Fellowship can handle and how to fund it, and if any income can be generated from potential uses of Bowman Hall generated by the BHTF.
To that end, the Board has charged a Bowman Hall Task Force (BHTF) and they have started meeting to research potential options and their associated costs for the future use of that building. These include but are not limited to remodeling for enhanced administration spaces, leasing all or part, or selling Bowman separately. This critical work should be completed by early May.
While much progress has been made, there are still a number of moving parts that have to be finalized before we can move to construction. The BHTF will help us with information to decide what to do with Bowman. That decision, along with the Board finalizing our financial capability, will allow us to determine where and how much to build. A reminder here that the preliminary drawings we have seen from Reynolds/Ash are conceptual only. After the BHTF presents its findings, the BETF will get back to work with R&A and the chosen contractor to design as much of the desired campus improvements as we can afford.
Here is a timeline to help put into perspective the direction the BETF is moving regarding our new build:
- Choose a contractor →→→→→ April 20, 2026
- Bowman cost analysis →→→→ May 1, 2026
- Board determines financial capability →→ May 15, 2026
- Annual Meeting →→→→ May 17, 2026
- Begin design development with RA+A →→ Mid May to Mid June
- Congregational Vote on Final Design→→→ Mid June at the earliest
While a specific date for a vote is not set, a formal recommendation will be made to the congregation only after the task force and board reach an agreement on the project’s scope (including Fellowship Hall and Lobby priorities) and its financial impact. This initial full design will be presented to the congregation and will be discussed in as many forums as necessary to reach a consensus on a final design.
The BETF is eager to answer any questions questions and will continue to communicate with the congregation as each step unfolds. Have a question or comment? Click here.