For more sights from this historic event, see photos of our ground breaking ceremony here:
WHAT WE HAVE ACCOMPLISHED Sacred Heart hired Cargill & Associates to assist with fundraising and subsequently sent questionnaires to all parishioners re the new building. The largest percentage of responses in Cargill history was recorded. Cargill said we could expect to raise $2.5 million – we pledged $3.8 million (as of 1/16/07).
WHY THE DELAY In 2003, Bishop Nevins applied for early retirement. He was ill and no longer able to be helpful to us. Several important department heads left, including the Director of Communications and the Diocesan Building Commissioner. The Chancellor ordered all building projects be put on hold. We were at an impasse.
In August, 2006 Fr. Jerry informed Diocesan lawyers that our architect was in breach of contract because his plans were about 110% over budget instead of the stipulated 15% maximum overage. Instead of $3.38 million stipulated in his contract, the Sanctuary was estimated to cost $8.5 million, with a grand total approaching $11 million.
WHAT HAS CHANGED Bishop Dewane (newly assigned to replace Bishop Nevins) became actively involved. Following several meetings, the architect began reworking his plans. For the next 4 months, W. G. Mills representatives, Bob Eshenbaugh, Chuck Floramo, Steve Anderson (newly hired diocesan building official) and Fr. Jerry have been doing value engineering – for example, dropping the roof line 8 ft. to save $1 million.
On 1/14/07 Bishop Dewane toured the Sacred Heart campus, including the recently purchased adjacent property from which we will realize large savings in the cost - not to mention the aesthetics! - of water retention. Purchase of this land delayed progress, but has turned out to be beneficial because construction costs are now dropping. The Bishop also encouraged us to purchase the triangle where 41 splits into North and South, i.e., the site of the old gas station. Dr. Robert Aruta, Sr. has generously agreed to be the parish liaison investigating the feasibility of this further expansion possibility.
The main entry to the narthex from Charlotte Ave. Behind is the church office and temporary sanctuary.
A similar view with the site plan for our first phase of construction: the North parking lot.
THE LATEST DECEMBER 2007
As you all can see, construction of our new church is moving right along. We have had a few hurdles to clear since our Civil Engineer quit before he obtained the
required permits. Currently our new Engineer has all
necessary paperwork submitted that responds to the
few comments we had received from the various
regulatory agencies.
During this timeframe our Construction Manager, W.G.
Mills, has conscientiously continued, working only
those areas where he has received approval. W.G.
Mills is currently laying the masonry block up to an
elevation of 12’8’’. On top of this block they will pour a
concrete tie beam with steel reinforcement that makes
the perimeter of the building a strong structural
element.
Many parishioners have commented that the church
looks small. I can only say that that is because you are
looking at it from a distance. If you were allowed to
stand inside the walls today, you will notice how
expansive the Nave is. Remember, we will be able to
seat almost three times as many people than we have
now in our existing church.
For those of you who still have questions or inquiring
minds, come join us at our next town hall meeting in
January. Father Jerry and his construction team will
update you on progress, upcoming activities and
significant decisions made to date. The next town hall
meeting will be Tuesday, January 22, 2008 at 6:00PM
in the Parish Center.
