One Life Blog

In answer to a recent question on the website, Executive Director of Special Projects Ron Urice (who is overseeing the project for Immanuel) wrote recently:

The B-Wing (which we are working on now) should be ready to occupy early April 2010, if all goes well. Weather, late supplies and such can delay any building project, but at present, we look to be on schedule.

Once we occupy the B-Wing, work will begin on the A-Wing, Gym and Atrium (Multi-purpose Room). The Gym and A-Wing should take about 11 months, then we will start on the Narthex and Fireside Room areas while we finish up the Atrium. If all of this goes on schedule, we should finish the presently contracted project around December 2011.

Once this project is completed, refurbishment and upgrades to the Worship Center will be considered. That decision will be made by the Elders and the congregation as need and availability of funds would dictate.

Building Committee Chariman Ralph Weitz presented Christmas gifts from Immanuel to construction supervisors during their weekly progress meeting this week. With the building now enclosed, work has progressed rapidly on the first floor renovation and second floor addition.

Much of the construction of the new building has been happening out where everyone can follow the progress. The second floor addition can be seen while driving by on Backlick Road and our webcam chronicles the minute-by-minute progress of the exterior. However, fabrication has also been taking place off site over the past several months.

When the building is completed, Immanuel will have a distinctive new look and a dramatic new skyline. The green mansard roof of the original building has been retained and will cover the roof of the new Atrium. Above the Atrium a soaring white cross will punctuate the skyline creating a new landmark here in Springfield. No longer will the western-style building projection and small cross above the Worship Center announce the presence of a church on our corner. Our new cross will boldly point heavenward, seen through out the neighborhood.