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2010-11-15T11:43:00.001-05:00

Final Construction Update

2010-11-15T11:29:00.004-05:00

It's open! For the past two Sundays we've met together in one service in the new gymnasium / ministry center. The cafe is open as well. Construction - wise, we still have a lot of little details to take care of and will be working on those in the coming weeks. We're also doing a lot of tweeking to things like the sound & video systems, coffee service, chair setup, children's wing, etc. so make sure to let us know if you have some ideas on how we can make the new facilities work well. Thanks for following along as we have gone through this process. 'To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen - Ephesians 3:21"

Update 10.26.10

2010-10-26T16:02:00.004-04:00

And the inspector said...."Approved".... That's it. The entire building has passed it's final inspection. There are still lots of other things to do - the sound system is still being worked on, there is still plants to be planted, lots of other touch-up details - but we can use the space now. The first thing we did was set up the new cafe area and turn on the fireplace. That will be used tonight for a missions presentation. The sound/lighting won't be ready for this weekend in the gym but the youth group will use the gym Sunday night for their dodgeball tournament. We're almost there...

Update 10.19.10

2010-10-19T15:34:00.004-04:00

Contrary to what Tom said on Sunday, the gym floor is actually getting painted today and it's exciting to see because it's one of the final things to do in the gym. Lots of other details getting worked on including the coffee bar counter and sink.

Update 10.13.10

2010-10-13T15:56:00.003-04:00

The stage curtain arrived today and is being installed. The site contractor has been onsite the past couple of days getting the ground smoothed out, debris cleaned up and grass seed planted as well as starting to install our new sand volleyball court.

Update 10.07.10

2010-10-07T12:25:00.003-04:00

It's gym floor time! As I write, the gym floor is being installed. Work on that began Monday with cleaning out the gym and prepping the concrete. On Wednesday, they began to unroll the gym floor material and lay it out so that it could flatten out overnight. This morning they began gluing the floor down. This part will take a couple of days and then they will paint the court lines on the floor. Finish date is Monday with a couple of extra days after that to allow the paint to dry thoroughly. Painters are scheduled to come in Tuesday to do final touch ups and the cleaning crew comes in Thursday to do the final cleaning. Still have some other minor finishing touches to wrap it all up including finish grading the site. A couple of weeks from now and it's basically done!

Update 09.22.10

2010-09-22T13:22:00.003-04:00

Two sweet words... Partial Occupancy. After a day and a half of fire alarm tests and inspections, the county officials gave us the go ahead to occupy the classroom / kitchen / lobby wing of the building! This means that we can begin to use the kitchen, the classrooms and the lobby so make sure to check it out the next time you are at PCC. The work on the cafe and gym continues and we move towards getting occupancy there. The cafe is getting painted today and the floor will be installed later this week. Should be just a couple of weeks from opening that area up for use. In the gym, the wall acoustic treatment is up and the ceiling 'baffles' are being installed as I write. Sound system work continues as well. Once both of those systems are in, it comes down to installing the floor. Outside, the site contractor is fine grading all around the building and the fire lane to smooth out the ground and get ready to plant grass seed at the end of this week. Lots to give thanks over as we get closer and closer to the grand opening on November 7.

Update 09.16.10 - Part 2

2010-09-16T15:22:00.003-04:00

Wanted to add a couple of more pictures so that you can see some of the outside work as well. The rest of the vinyl siding and soffit is being installed this week including the siding on the vent dormers next to the deck. Also notice the missing construction trailers from in front of the modulars. The site constractor is now bringing in piles of topsoil to start leveling off the ground around the outside of the building.

Update 09.16.10

2010-09-16T15:05:00.003-04:00

Looking back just over a year ago, we rejoiced over the arrival of the contractor's job site trailer. This week we rejoice over it's departure - signs of construction drawing to a close. While the gym and cafe are still a few weeks away from being complete, we are on the verge of opening the classroom, lobby, and kitchen wing. Waiting on one final inspection tomorrow that will clear the way for a request for partial occupancy early next week. The contractor's cleaning crew came through last week to get the classrooms ready and after a few painting touch-ups and other tweaks, that area is done! Otherwise, the sound treatment installation continues in the gym and the first phase of that should be complete this week. Still waiting on sound baffles that are hung up in the ceiling to arrive. Stage lighting is being installed as well as the sound system. In the cafe area, the drywall is up and painted, light fixtures are being installed and the doors and windows are finishing up today.

Update 09.10.10

2010-09-10T09:10:00.004-04:00

Lots of good progress as we head into the final stretch. The classroom wing is nearing completion and we are hoping to get partial occupancy sometime next week so that we can use that area beginning September 19. This will include the classrooms, lobby, and kitchen/pantry areas. The work on the gym continues with the biggest item that we are waiting on at the moment being the acoustical treatment (sound absorption material). Once this arrives, it's about three weeks to install it and then the gym floor can be installed - which takes about 8 days. The sound system is being installed as I write. The grand opening of everything is now scheduled for November 7. The work on the cafe area is moving along well with the drywall going up pretty quickly now. Ceiling grid and light fixtures will be installed next week so this space will take shape pretty quickly now. The masons are finishing up the outside brick wall and the exterior door there will be installed soon.

Update 08.24.10

2010-08-24T11:05:00.004-04:00

Alot has happened since the last post. The power has been connected and the lights are on in the new building. The a/c system is in the process of being started up as we speak. This takes several days and includes representatives from both the sub-contractor and the equipment manufacturer participating in the start-up. Work on the expanded lobby continues and we expect to see drywall going up soon. The roofers are here today making the metal roof panels and those will be going up later this week. The classroom wing is almost finished. The carpet is down, the ceiling panels are in and the doors are being installed as we speak. The moveable partitions in those rooms were installed last week. The fire lane is getting ready to be finished up with asphalt coming in early next week - this will also fix the bump in our driveway out front. The flooring in the lobby and kitchen area is coming in later this week and the kitchen equipment will be installed next week.

Update 08.05.10

2010-08-05T15:20:00.003-04:00

Quick update: electrical inspection happened this morning and everything was approved. This gives the go ahead to Dominion Power to hook up the power to the new building. Hoping that this happens early next week. When it does happen, PCC will be without power for a day.

Update 08.04.10

2010-08-04T14:31:00.004-04:00

Just over a month to go and things are progressing well. Biggest snag at the moment is getting York County to sign off on the electrical portion of things so that we can turn on the power. As of today, we should get the go ahead tomorrow on that and if so, we'll be shooting to get the power on early next week. This will allow us to turn on lights and get the air conditioning running so the the building gets climate controlled. Then we'll be able to install things like carpet, doors, ceiling tiles, etc. Good progress on the lobby addition as it is basically dried in now and interior wall work is getting done. We should be ready for drywall in there pretty soon. Toilet partitions and mirrors were installed this week in both bathrooms.

Update 07.20.10

2010-07-20T14:58:00.003-04:00

Back in town now and catching up on posts about the building progress. More steady progress to report on. The lobby expansion is well underway now with the concrete floor slab in place, steel up and wood framing in progress. Trusses are due to arrive any day now. In the rest of the building, the ceiling grid is mostly up with lights being installed. In the gym, light fixtures are up and the basketball goals have been installed. Cabinets have been installed throughout the building. Outside, the concrete ditch work is finished and the new electrical transformer is due to be installed soon.

Update 06.24.10

2010-06-24T15:45:00.003-04:00

We received the additional building permit to build the lobby extension this week so the structural steel was delivered and is in the process of being erected. The paint primer coating process has moved into the gymnasium area as they are painting the ceiling area. The sidewalks connecting the outside doors were poured today and the ceiling grid system got started as well as the form work for the new dumpster pad out back. Had a bit of 'fun' earlier this week as the concrete ditch crew ran into some underground water pipes that weren't expected and ended up cutting off the water to the building for most of the day. Tile is getting installed in the men's restroom extension area this week as well. Lots of great progress and more to come next week.

Update 06.16.10

2010-06-16T14:34:00.004-04:00

Things currently underway or completed at the building site this week include: glass entry doors into the gymnasium were installed; electrical wire is being pulled all over the building; drywall is basically finished - just a few little areas to finish; the concrete ditch along the property got started this morning; tilework in the new ladies bathroom is basically finished; painters are starting this week in the classroom wing; some of our interior renovations are getting painted; and piping for the sprinkler system continues.

Update 06.08.10

2010-06-08T08:51:00.003-04:00

The construction work is becoming much more visible from the inside of the existing building. Lots of modifications going on to get ready for the new functioning of the building. The infant & toddler area has been moved and reconfigured. The attic access stairwell has been moved from the main hallway area so that the hall could be widened. Summit's new office area is almost done. The a/c system is shutdown this week so that they can tie in the new system and get the new cooling tower in operation. The drywall is almost finished and the painters are coming in this week to start painting the classrooms. Lots to see happening and lots to give thanks for.

Update 05.26.10

2010-05-26T15:29:00.005-04:00

Sorry for the late update. I'm having trouble finding time to sit down and write with all of the activity going on...and I'm told that June is going to be worse (but exciting!). Lots going on inside of the building. We're still waiting on the additional building permit to get started on the extended lobby so the contractor decided to go ahead and put up some temporary walls so that they can get the drywall finished in the rest of the building. It's amazing how fast the drywall is going up. With the building exterior getting sealed up, a lot of the electrical work is coming along as well. They start breaking through the wall to connect the new with the old building this weekend and after Memorial Day, we'll see a lot more changes inside the existing building as they take out the attic stair and widen the hallway going into the new building.

Update 05.11.10

2010-05-11T14:24:00.002-04:00

More great progress to report on. The exterior siding is all now in place and the roof is close. The footings for the lobby extension were dug yesterday and the concrete was poured today. Lots of drywall has been installed. Work on the interior of the existing building is well under way in Hall A & C.

Update 05.03.10

2010-05-03T15:24:00.004-04:00

More encouraging news on the progress of the new building! The brickwork is basically finished. The metal roof is not far from being finished. The arch over the stage was framed. Vinyl siding is going up quickly. Drywall has been delivered and is supposed to get started tomorrow. Structural drawings for the lobby expansion have been completed so the footings on that part will get started on Wednesday. The sprinkler system is beginning to be installed. The contractor is ready to start some of the modifications to the interior of the existing building that are needed to make the whole building function well - look for some changes coming soon to Halls A & C and a little bit more dust in the building.

Update 04.22.10

2010-04-22T15:15:00.004-04:00

We have brick! And a lot more roofing! The masons have been here all week and will probably have the brick 95% complete by the end of the week. The metal roof panels continue to go up as they work on covering the classroom wing. Most of the metal stud framing inside the building is done and the main thing left is the big arch over the stage area. The piece that makes the curve is being put together and they think that they will put that up this weekend. The retention pond area is fairly complete now and it has been seeded for grass. Lots of activity inside as electricians and mechanics continue work on the guts of the building.

Update 04.15.10

2010-04-15T11:44:00.004-04:00

Things continue to dry out and progress goes well. The work on the pond area is almost complete. The subcontractor was out today raking up twigs and smoothing out the re-disbursed top soil. Work on the roof panels continues with most of the panels already installed on the gym roof. The vinyl siding has been ordered and is supposed to start going up in a week or so. Still waiting on the mortar for the brick and that will start going up as soon as it arrives. Lots of metal stud work going on in the gym area as workers shape up the tall walls around the gym. Lots of plumbing and mechanical work going on as well.

Update 04.07.10

2010-04-07T11:34:00.003-04:00

Sunny and hot so things are really drying out now. The roofers have been at work this week making the metal roof panels. Basically the roof comes in rolls of metal sheets which are then run through a forming machine that makes them into roof panels. Pretty cool contraption. As I write, the panels have all been made now and sit ready to be hoisted up on the roof for installation. I think they are waiting for a crane to arrive in order to do that. The new cooling tower was installed earlier this week - another big piece of equipment. The roof overhangs are getting framed and the exterior of the building is shaping up nicely. Lots of metal studs going up as well as they try to finish all of the interior framing of the walls.

Update 04.01.10

2010-04-01T13:46:00.005-04:00

It's sunny and warm :).... and that's the forecast for the next 10 days or so. So things are starting to dry out and move along. Some recent progress includes: construction of two dormers above the classroom wing roof that will help ventilate the attic above the classrooms; ductwork has been started in the classroom area; mechanical units (heat pumps) have been delivered and are being set in the attic and mechanical room areas; the concrete pad for the new cooling tower was poured; and most of the exterior metal stud walls are up and being covered with sheathing. The roofers are scheduled to come on Monday and begin the final part of the roof system - the metal roof panels. By the end of next week we should be fairly close to being dried in. We met with the brick masons yesterday and they are just waiting to get the mortar that matches our existing building and then they will start all of the exterior brick walls.

Update 03.25.10

2010-03-25T12:50:00.003-04:00

Lots happening this week. The roofers are working on putting the insulation on the main gymnasium roof in preparation for putting the final metal roofing layer on soon. The roof above the classroom also received some material that helps keep water out before they put the metal roof on that side too. The window contractors are here today putting in the glass that goes in the window frames that was installed last week. The site contractor is making use of dryer weather and is working on the finish grading of the big pond - pushing the top soil back over the entire area. Electricians are running conduit and installing connection boxes in the gym ceiling for the lighting that will be installed there. The exterior metal stud walls around the gym area are going up too and plywood sheathing covers the studs.

Update 03.17.10

2010-03-17T15:58:00.003-04:00

More rain but more progress. Most of the roof sheathing or deck is in place and the roof insulation has been delivered. That should start going up any day now and then the metal roof will start going on. The masons were here today putting wall ties in and will start running the brick exterior walls soon. The window guys showed up this morning and most of the window frames have been installed. More conduit and mechanical pipes are being installed. The steel frame of the stair case up to one of the storage mezzanines was installed. Even with the rain, the site has dried out enough to move more dirt around and we've seen some rough grading being done around the building and the rest of the fire lane laid out. Much to give thanks for.

Update 03.08.10

2010-03-08T15:10:00.002-05:00

The last truss was installed today. A big crane was brought in to pick the last large trusses up off of the ground, swing them over PCC's roof and into place over the new lobby area. The ground has dried up enough to allow the site contractor to come back in and start smoothing out areas around the new building. The last of the metal decking for the roof over the gym was put into place and now they are sealing it up and getting ready for the insulation and metal roofing to be installed over the decking. More plywood roof sheathing is going up now that the trusses are in place. I'm told that the window frame material was delivered last week and we should start to see some windows get installed by next week - mid week.

Update 03.03.10

2010-03-03T14:42:00.003-05:00

The addition is beginning to look more and more like a building. The roof deck over the gymnasium is now about 60% done. After the deck goes down, then insulation is put on top of that and then finished with a metal roof, colored to match our existing shingles. The classroom side now has most of the wood trusses up on that and the roof sheathing is underway. More metal stud walls go up every day and as they go up, the electrical and plumbing parts that go behind the wall surface are being installed. Brick is now stored on site and that will start to go up in the next week or so. We're now hoping to have the building 'dried-in' by the end of the month.

Update 02.22.10

2010-02-22T15:40:00.003-05:00

Milder weather has enabled us to make some good progress over the past week. The floor slabs for the stage area, storage areas and mezzanines were poured last week so that finishes the floor slabs. Metal stud walls continue to go up and door frames installed in the walls. The concrete block walls were finished so the only masonry left is the exterior brick. Plywood sheathing has been installed on the classroom wing and the wood trusses are being installed this week. The roof structure over the gym is getting finished up this week too.

Update 02.09.10

2010-02-09T15:25:00.003-05:00

Over the past couple of days, the building has had some dramatic progress. The steel roof joists over the gymnasium have been installed. The plywood sheathing around the outside of the classroom section is being installed. The wood floor joists that frame the mechanical mezzanine above the classroom section have been installed and the plywood floor will be installed in the next day or two. Once this mezzanine floor is built, the wood roof trusses over the classroom area will be installed. Concrete block walls are going up around the gymnasium. The new boiler and pumps for the heating and cooling system have been placed in the existing mechanical room. The stage area has been prepped to receive the concrete floor that goes there and the adjacent rooms. When we have dry days, a lot gets done. But rain is forecast for tomorrow...

Update 02.04.10

2010-02-04T15:34:00.003-05:00

The elements continue to work against us but there is still progress. Over 5 inches of snow this past weekend has turned into mush and lots of rain is forecast for the coming days. However, interior stud walls continue to go up and are almost complete. Doors and windows are being framed. Bands of wood are put on top of the metal studs where they will be attaching the wood roof trusses over the classroom area. Concrete block walls continue to go up around the gym area. The metal door frames arrived last week and are being installed in the concrete block walls. As the metal stud walls go up, electrical conduit is being installed inside of the wall space. Keep praying for good weather, safety and progress!

Update 01.26.10

2010-01-26T15:13:00.004-05:00

The rain on Monday set us back again but with the sun shining today, several work crews were on site. The masons began building the cinderblock walls between the classrooms and around the gymnasium. As the masons moved upwards, the electricians installed conduit in the walls for wiring. The metal stud wall crew continued work on the exterior walls and framing the doors and windows. Work was continued on building the mezzanine storage area floors with metal decking covering the floor joists.

Update 01.21.10 - Part 2

2010-01-21T16:04:00.004-05:00

All of the concrete planned for today is in place. The smoothing out process is underway as a light drizzle starts to fall and the skies start to darken considerably. The concrete trucks were slow in arriving today so the process took longer than expected.

Update 01.21.10

2010-01-21T09:12:00.004-05:00

The concrete has come... Pray that the rain will hold off today until late in the day. As I write this, the gym floor has been poured and they are starting on the classrooms. A large pumper truck sends a big arm over the tops of the walls and puts the concrete anywhere in the building from one location. It's fun to watch...

Update 01.20.10

2010-01-20T11:14:00.003-05:00

Pray for dry weather! Preparation for pouring the concrete floor slab is going on today with the hope of starting the concrete early tomorrow morning. The stone that goes under the slab was put in last week and the plastic vapor barrier and metal wire reinforcing is being installed this morning. Regardless of the wet weather, the work on the metal stud walls continues and the steel bar joists that frame the floors for the mezzanine areas are being installed. The ceiling bar joists that are the framing for the gymnasium area roof were delivered yesterday and will be installed once the floor slab has been poured. A lot of underground work continues down by the new and existing mechanical rooms as the contractors prepare that area to install the new cooler tower.

Update 01.12.10

2010-01-12T12:17:00.003-05:00

Our contractor walked by my window and tapped on it. He likes to do that when he needs me to look at something. This time I looked up and he was holding two thumbs up. The structural steel frame is basically finished - the crane is leaving. That's not the only exciting news. Metal stud walls are starting to go up as well. They started this morning just outside the back door and will be building the wall that faces the modular buildings this week. The building pad has finally dried out enough and the stone that goes under the floor slab will start going in tomorrow. The first part of the concrete slab will be poured this Friday if all goes according to plan. The roof joists are scheduled to be delivered next Tuesday and those should start going up later next week. Much to give thanks for!

Update 01.06.10

2010-01-06T13:29:00.004-05:00

Can you say 'braced bay'? As the steel continues to go up, braced bays (inverted 'V's) are some of the prominent features of the steel design that stand out in the landscape of the back yard at PCC. These bays are structural features that keep the structure from twisting around under stress. Clear but cold weather persists so I sit in my office looking out at the workers and give thanks for a heated office. Did I say clear weather? The weather looks good for the next 10 days or so which should enable us to get the concrete slab in sometime soon. A lot of work is going on regarding the heating & cooling system for the new building. I spent Monday morning cleaning out our existing mechanical room so that they could start work in there. Now two huge pumps and some other bits are occupying the floor space and a new boiler is on the way. The new cooling tower has been delivered and sits at one end of the building waiting until we can get a concrete slab poured for it to sit on next to the existing cooling tower.

Update 12.29.09

2009-12-29T09:22:00.002-05:00

The structural steel frame of the building started going up yesterday as they started to install the columns in the gym area. It's moving fast thanks to this enormous crane that was brought in.

Update 12.23.09

2009-12-23T11:30:00.004-05:00

As things slow down for the Christmas holiday, there is much to be thankful for on our building project. Despite the huge amounts of rain that we are experiencing this year, lots of progress has been made and we are on the verge of seeing big changes. This past week has been one of getting all of the electrical conduit that goes under the floor slab installed - it's a spider's web of conduit out there now. We intentionally asked for more conduit than we thought we needed so that we had room to be flexible in how we use the building in the future. The building crew will take a break for Christmas but this coming Monday will see quite a lot of activity as the structural steel (columns, beams, etc.) will begin going up.

Update 12.17.09

2009-12-17T14:13:00.003-05:00

When we have dry weather, things move fast. Structural steel started arriving today and the plan now is to start putting that up on the Monday after Christmas. Once that starts going up, things will really look different out back. They've also been able to make significant progress in getting the site ready for the floor slab. Very close to being ready to take that to the next step.

Update 12.16.09

2009-12-16T14:09:00.004-05:00

Sunshine! Yes, it's still wet but it hasn't rained since Sunday and things are moving fast. Go vertical! We received the approval from York County yesterday to go vertical and we are. As I write this, lots of things are happening outside. The masons are on site building the block walls around the stage area of the gymnasium. The electricians are on site too and laying out the conduit that goes underneath the floor slab that will house things like lighting and sound cables. The heating and cooling guys are here too working on the new cooling tower location and getting the piping ready for that. The superintendent of the construction company now tells me that he is expecting the structual steel to be delivered later this week and they are expecting to start erecting that early next week. Inside my office we are also working on things like choosing the gym floor and researching things like door lock systems. Lots of progress and lots to give thanks for! e321 - '...to him be glory in the church...'

Update 12.8.09

2009-12-08T15:11:00.002-05:00

And more rain....yet progress. Seems like we are getting rain every couple of days which is just enough to hinder progress. The contractor has been able to keep moving in some areas despite the lingering moisture and constant rain. The footings have been finished now and the foundation wall masonry is getting close to completion. We just need dry weather to dry out the building pad so that the floor slab can be poured. Structural steel is scheduled to be delivered next week and if things go well with York County this week, we will be erecting the steel next week as well. Continue to pray for dry weather!

Update 11.19.09

2009-11-19T13:46:00.005-05:00

We survived... Last week's nor'easter set us back a few days but thankfully nothing was damaged. Just a very wet building site. With rain coming down from basically Tuesday night to Saturday morning straight last week, you can imagine the amount of water in the new pond area and around the footings. This past Monday was basically a day of pumping water as they tried to get the site dry. Although it was still wet, they were able to re-commence footing work on Tuesday and I'm told now that if the weather holds they will finish the footings tomorrow. Lots of plumbing work has begun as they get all of the piping that goes underground installed. They started yesterday with all of the piping in the new kitchen and bathroom areas.

Update 11.5.09

2009-11-05T09:34:00.003-05:00

The concrete masonry block has begun! Walls are starting to take shape as the footing work continues. Work on the waterline continues today as well. The back yard is a mess but it's all good.

Update 11.3.09

2009-11-03T15:24:00.005-05:00

Wet but still moving along - that about describes the project today. After several days of rain, the footing work continues despite the muddy conditions. Lots of digging in the morning and then the concrete comes in the afternoon to fill up the holes. Loads of concrete masonry blocks were delivered today and I'm told that the masonry work will begin on Thursday morning. The work of putting a new drainage line across the driveway was completed this weekend and the new waterline for a new fire hydrant is underway.

Update 10.22.09

2009-10-22T15:53:00.004-04:00

The digging for footings has begun. Work started yesterday (Wed.) as the footing locations were marked off and the digging began. After preliminary testing, some bad soil was encountered and removed. We had hoped to start pouring the concrete for the footings but that has been delayed a day or two so that the 'undercuts' can be done to get the soil right. This part is so important and we want to get it right. Work continues on the new fire road and modifications to the existing detention ponds that the County is requiring.

Update 10.14.09

2009-10-14T13:33:00.004-04:00

I'm told that we now have the biggest grease interceptor/trap in all of York County. It is big and it got installed this week right outside my window. The building pad passed it's latest test/inspection and we are set to begin footing layout. But the rain is coming - the next few days are supposed to be pretty ugly so we'll see what happens. Give thanks that we recieved the Waterworks agreement today so that work can now proceed. FYI - this work will require us to shut down the PCC driveway on Oct. 30 all day (from 6am to 4pm-ish) so the Chapel will effectively be closed that day.

Update 10.8.09

2009-10-08T16:04:00.006-04:00

We have a new playground! Work was completed on the new playground yesterday and the new equipment is open for play! We are planning to add things like a fence around the area and other play items but this is the centerpiece of our new kids outside play area. Give thanks!

The building pad received an important approval this morning and we are now able to take it to the next phase in preparation of beginning footings. Another inspection is planned for tomorrow morning and if that is good, then work on the footings will begin early next week. Good news from Waterworks on the waterline extension paperwork and that agreement process is progressly well.

Update 10.5.09

2009-10-05T15:28:00.009-04:00

'We have pipes coming out of the ground!' was the comment I heard someone say this past Sunday. The pipes are part of the drainage system that will catch rainwater coming off of the roof of the new building. The landscape continues to change very rapidly as the good weather holds and we're able to keep moving. The fire access road was laid out and graded today and will be graveled in the morning. The hope is that the footings for the new building will be started this week as the new building pad drys out. Our new playground equipment arrived today and our installation contractor is hard at work getting it installed. We should have the equipment in place and ready for this weekend.

Update 9.30.09

2009-09-30T15:18:00.004-04:00

Work continues on the building pad with tons of dirt being brought from the drainage pond area to level out the back yard where the new building will be put. Concrete drainage pipes are being installed at various places in the back area where storm water will be captured and drained away from the property. The bridge over the ditch out front is about complete and we're expected to get the new fire road roughed in during the new few days. The lawn shed is being moved tomorrow to get it out of the way of the new road. The new drainage pond area (where all of the trees were cleared) is rapidly taking shape.

Update 9.24.09

2009-09-24T08:39:00.005-04:00

We have a building sign! The sign company showed up yesterday to begin the installation of our new sign on the side of the building facing Victory Blvd. Today they will be finishing it up and hooking up the electricity to it's back lights so that at night it glows.

Update 9.23.09

2009-09-23T10:22:00.004-04:00

Clearing has been finished and the top soil has been stripped away and stored for later. The sitework for the drainage system and preparing the ground for the foundation of the new building is well underway. Big changes to the back yard! A bit of bad soil in one area that we are replacing but otherwise things are progressing quickly.

Update 9.17.09

2009-09-17T14:30:00.004-04:00

Clearing.... that's the majority of what has been happening this past week. It's been a big machinery enthusiast's dream come true. The humongous wood chipper had to be the most awesome. While the main trunks of the trees were carted away, the stumps, branches and other parts were ground up into mulch over the course of two days. Work also began on the bridge over the ditch from out by Victory Blvd.

Update 9.10.09

2009-09-10T09:44:00.004-04:00

All of the permits that needed to be acquired before we could start clearing were received and clearing began last Thursday (9/3/09). After two days of significant progress and after the Labor Day holiday, the rain set in and work has been at a stand still since. Weather predictions show sunnier days ahead so we're hoping to get back at it soon.

Update 8.31.09

2009-08-31T10:07:00.004-04:00

GROUNDBREAKING! Hopefully you were with us yesterday to celebrate the groundbreaking for Phase 2 of our facilities. What a special time as we focused on our mission to 'go and make disciples' and the role of building in that mission. The first part of the service was in our sanctuary but then moved outside where an excavator awaited. The big machine roared to life and broke ground right in the middle of the area that will be the gymnasium / ministry center just over a year from now. We brought flags to the piles of dirt that carried the names of people in our lives that we are asking God to use PCC to reach and envelope in our community.

Update 8.24.09

2009-08-24T11:37:00.002-04:00

We have a bulldozer! First one on site as we prepare for the ground breaking this Sunday.

Update 8.21.09

2009-08-21T09:59:00.002-04:00

And the banks said....APPROVED! We heard from both banks late yesterday that our request for financing has been approved. This is enough to get the contractor started while we work out the best deal and sign the paperwork. The official groundbreaking will occur next Sunday (Aug. 30) during both morning services. This coming week the site contractor will start mobilizing and getting equipment on the site. All of the playground equipment has been dismantled and we will be closing down the back yard after this Sunday.

A couple of related news items and green lights

we've received a permit to put backlit lettering on the side of our building facing Victory Boulevard that says 'Peninsula Community Chapel'. This is something we've been pursuing for a couple of years and we've needed for a long time - a way for people passing by on Victory Blvd. to identify what we are. These letters will be installed in a couple of weeks.
our new playground equipment has been ordered and we are hoping to have it installed and ready by the home group fair / fall fest on Sunday, Sept. 13. Stay tuned for more on that.

Update 8.12.09

2009-08-12T16:53:00.004-04:00

We have a contractor's trailer on site now! Yes... it isn't pretty... but it's PROGRESS! Financing is the thing that we're waiting on now. Both banks initially projected Aug. 20th as the date that we would hear. After sending some requested information to one of the banks, the reply came back "Thank you, I am trying this week for an approval." Keep praying!

We also had a great work day on Saturday that accomplished a couple of the major things we are responsible to do before the contractor starts: remove the stage section of the deck and move our temporary sheds out of the way. The playground is scheduled to be disassembled and moved this Saturday and the lawn shed will be moved sometime in the near future. Things are happening!

Update 8.6.09

2009-08-06T14:04:00.003-04:00

Approved! In June 2007, we hired a civil engineer to begin work on a site plan for our facility expansion. Today at 9:45AM I arrived at York County's Environmental Services offices to pick up a set of drawings that had the long awaited 'approved' stamp and signature on them. Rejoice with us in this major milestone accomplishment!

Update 8.5.09

2009-08-05T13:12:00.000-04:00

If you missed the services this past Sunday, you missed the good news of the 'green light'. The board of elders met last week to discuss the construction bid prices that we received the previous week from several general contractors. The elders emerged from that meeting sensing God's leading to build the entire structure - base bid and all alternates. This past Thursday we were able to give the contractor, Oyster Point Construction, the green light to build it all.

We are still waiting on the green light from York County regarding the site plan approval but it's close. All of the i's have been dotted and t's crossed. They have been promising that it will come this week - just waiting on York County's head engineer's signature. It's close.

Another green light that we are working on is the financing that we need for the project. Now that we have firm numbers, we are working with a couple of banks to secure the best possible arrangement for this project. Pray for these meetings.

Oyster Point Construction has told us that when we get the green light from York County and a bank on financing, they will be out within 24 hours to start. The next few days and weeks you will start to see signs of the impending construction. Some things will start to get moved around in the back yard as we move things out of the way of the construction zone.

Join us this Sunday (August 9) in room 201 at either 9AM or 10:45AM to hear more about what is going on. Members of the building committee and elders will be there to answer your questions and give you the latest update on the progress.

Update 7.23.09

2009-07-23T10:53:00.000-04:00

While nothing is yet finalized, we've definitely seen positive movement the past week. We heard from York County last week and while we didn't get the final approval yet, the remaining issues are relatively minor. One of the issues regarding adding a deeper section to one of the retention ponds has already been addressed and the other has to do with VDOT (Virginia Department of Transportation). VDOT's approval is separate from York Co.'s so YC won't give final approval until they hear from VDOT. The comments from VDOT were relatively minor so we don't expect any issues there - we're just at their mercy of when they complete their review.

We also received bids from five general contractors last Thursday (7/16) which gave us the cost of all of the work. Again, nothing is finalized but we were very pleased with the bids and feel that God granted us favor in this area. The bids were broken down into a base bid which included the site work (ponds, paving, landscaping, etc.), the kitchen/restroom/lobby areas completely finished and the shell of the gymnasium and then three alternates. Alternate 1 gave us a price to completely finish the gym. Alternate 2 gave us the price to build the shell of the classroom wing and alternate 3 gave us the price to completely finish the classroom wing.

All of these prices have been submitted to the Board of Elders who are prayerfully considering them and what they believe God is calling us do regarding scope of work and borrowing money. Please keep them in prayer - especially this Monday night (July 27). Also be in prayer that we can wrap up the remaining site plan issues by the end of July.

Update 7.2.2009

2009-07-02T14:15:00.000-04:00

As we wait for York County to review the site plan, the bidding process rolls on. Almost daily now we get calls from contractors who need to visit our facilities to see exactly what they are bidding on. Again, the bid opening date is Thursday, July 16 - just two weeks from today. We should hear something from York County next week. Keep praying!

Update 6.25.2009

2009-06-25T10:05:00.000-04:00

Just got word that the date that bids are due from general contractors is now Thursday, July 16. On that date we'll actually know how much the next phase will cost us to build.

Update 6.22.2009

2009-06-22T14:26:00.000-04:00

Steps forward... Over the past week it's felt like things are starting to move more quickly now. A couple of key events took place last week that I'd like to share with you.

One was that the architectural drawings for the building were finished and copies of these drawings and specifications were handed out to a select list of seven general contractors to begin the bidding process. We also met with those contractors on Thursday (6/18) for a 'pre-bid' meeting where they got to meet us, we got to hear their initial questions and we got to explain specifically how we envision the whole process will work. The bid date is not yet established but we should receive prices in early July.

Secondly, our site engineer finished all of the changes to his drawings and our site plan was re-submitted to York County, for what we hope is the final review and approval, on Friday (6/19). York County states that it will complete the review in 15 working days so we should hear something by July 10.

With both items, the ball is now in someone else's court and all we can do is wait. Continue to pray with us that we will find favor in the eyes of contractors and county reviewers.

Update 6.4.2009

2009-06-04T14:29:00.000-04:00

Met with our architect and site engineer this morning to go over the final changes. Lots of dotting i's and crossing t's but nothing major. Plan is to get the changes to the site drawings done and have a final internal review on Monday (6/8) afternoon and re-submit the site plan to York County on Tuesday or Wednesday. We are still on track to start handing out drawings and specifications to general contractors early next week as well.

Update 6.2.2009

2009-06-02T13:46:00.000-04:00

Here we go. We're down to the last week or so of refining the site plan to resubmit to York County. One more change to the shape and size of the drainage area in the far back of the site and we'll be ready to resubmit. Pray as these final corrections are made that we hit on everything that the County is looking for (either known or unknown).

Tentatively (and don't hold me to it!), we are planning/hoping to issue the building plans and specifications to general contractors at the beginning of next week (week of 6/8) and if that happens, we'll receive prices by the end of June / first of July.

A lot needs to happen in the next week or so and we definitely appreciate your prayers and support. Continue to keep the elders in prayer. Lot of decisions ahead in the next couple of months.

Welcome to the e321 Blog

2009-04-29T11:44:00.000-04:00

Welcome! Glad you found the e321 blog. The purpose of this blog is to keep you updated on the progress of our building campaign and construction of the new ministry center. During the next part of the process, we'll post news updates, progress schedules, photos, etc. that will help keep you informed with what is actually happening. Check back often and let us know anything that you'd like to see added to this.