Hope South Campus Building Program FAQs
The site is 8.25 acres of prime property located on Meggison Road south of CR44 and northwest of Warm Springs Avenue. It is picturesque land overlooking a pond bordered by the new Village of St Johns and the Florida Turnpike. 7/10/22
In recent years, the expansive growth of the southern portion of The Villages has placed Hope Lutheran in a position to embrace this growth and spread the Word of God and the message of Jesus Christ. We, as members of Hope Lutheran, are messengers of our Mission and Vision to others in sharing our faith. 7/10/22
Because of costs, the construction of a wall or other type of physical sound barrier is not included in the present plans. However, sound barriers involving landscaping, as recommended by Hope’s Landscape Architect, will be installed near the property line adjacent to the Turnpike. 11/1/23
Yes
Yes, there will be no change in this plan; Building Hope will still include projects, as determined by the Church Council, for the Hope Lake Weir Campus and the Hope Central Campus. These improvements provide the opportunity to serve and to grow our Hope Community at all 3 campuses. 6/23
Yes, with Church Council approvals we will hold events at our South Campus, including Picnics, Fish Frys and other similar events.
Hope Lutheran Church is one church with three campuses. Building Hope will include projects, as determined by the Church Council, in the approximate amount of $300,000. which will benefit the Hope Lake Weir Campus (replacement of air conditioners, exterior painting, etc.) and the Hope Central Campus (exterior painting, roof, and air conditioning improvements, etc.). These improvements provide the opportunity to serve and to grow our Hope Community at all 3 campuses. 7/10/22
The Activity Center was envisioned to support several ministries; the plan is to establish “Activity Center like” ministries in the Hope South Campus area by using Villages’ Recreation Centers and other similar facilities that may be available in that area. Such ministries will include study/education, wellness, fellowship and outreach (Hope University programs; Faith and Fellowship meetings; Ministry Team meetings; exercise classes; social meals; game night; lectures; Pastor presence/ meetings). 6/23
Because of the Capital Campaign donation/pledge shortfall, the Church Council reassessed the Hope South Campus building timeline. Current funds and projected funds from the Capital Campaign are not sufficient to support the construction of the Activity Center and the entire Main Building Complex (Worship Center, Administration/Education Center, Courtyard and Bell Tower). The projected funds may be sufficient to support only the Worship Center. Because of the growth of attendance at the worship services at the Everglades Recreation Center, the building of the Worship Center has become the primary focus. Therefore the Church Council will move forward with finalizing the design/building plans for the Worship Center as a greater priority than building the building the Activity Center first. 6/23
Visit the Hope South Campus Building Project webpage. Questions can be submitted on that site as well. 7/10/22
At the present time there are no plans to build a Columbarium; however, there is an area located north of the proposed Activity Center which would be a good site for a Columbarium and preliminary discussion have occurred as to the use of this location for a future Columbarium. 11/1/2023
Time Frame
Because of this exciting potential, in 2016 Hope Lutheran began discussions with The Villages about purchasing a parcel of vacant land in the southern portion of The Villages to enable Hope Lutheran to expand its ministry with the vision of building a permanent church campus. These discussions were comprehensive and involved many alternatives.
After extensive negotiations, Hope Lutheran and The Villages executed an Exchange Agreement in January 2019, through which a 28-acre parcel of land owned by Hope Lutheran and known as the House of Hope property would be transferred to The Villages and an 8.25 parcel of vacant land in the new southern area of The Villages would be transferred to Hope Lutheran. The value of each of the exchanged properties was two million dollars.
The transaction was finalized on July 31, 2019, at which time Hope Lutheran became the legal owner of the 8.25-acre parcel, the South Campus property. At the time of this closing, a Post Closing Agreement was executed between the parties in which The Villages agreed to complete certain improvements for the benefit of Hope Lutheran, including the constructing Meggison Road, extending the golf cart path to the property line, and connecting utilities to the property.
In March 2021, all the obligations of The Villages to Hope Lutheran under the Post Closing Agreement were completed, giving Hope Lutheran full access to the 8.25-acre South Campus site.
a. At the Congregation Meeting on October 7, 2022, the congregation authorized the Church Council to obtain design/engineering contracts for the Main Building Complex (Design Phase).
b. In January 2023 the Church Council approved the AIA Architectural Contract for the Main Building Complex with Dickerson Architects, Inc. of Leesburg, Florida.
c. As the result of the Church Council modification to the project timeline at its May 2023 meeting and as presented to the congregation through the Church Council’s OUR PLAN FORWARD at Congregation Information Meetings at all 3 Hope Campuses during the June 3-4, 2023, weekend, Phase 1 of the Hope South Campus Building Project is now the building of the Worship Center, before the construction of the Activity Center.
d. Thereafter, Judd Dickerson of Dickerson Architects, Inc. was directed by the Church Council to complete the design/engineering plans for the Worship Center based upon recommendations from the 4 Subcommittees of the Strategic Planning Committee as approved by the Church Council.
e. These design plans were presented for review by the congregation at the Town Hall Meeting conducted at the Hope Central Campus on October 6, 2023.
f. A Town Hall Meeting to review the financial aspects of the project, including loan and mortgage proposals, is scheduled for November 15, 2023.
g. A Special Congregation Meeting will be held on December 17, 2023, to approve the building and financing of the Worship Center and related site development (utilities, drainage, access roads, parking, landscaping, etc.)
h. If approval is obtained from the congregation on December 17, 2023, it is anticipated that groundbreaking for the Worship Center will occur in late Spring 2024 with completion of construction by Summer 2025. 11/1/23
As part of the Exchange Agreement with The Villages, Hope Lutheran was given the right to use a Villages Recreation Center for conducting worship services. Hope Lutheran first started holding worship services at Rohan Recreation Center; subsequently, The Villages permitted Hope Lutheran to conduct worship services at the Everglades Recreation Center when it opened. Hope Lutheran will continue to hold services there until the Worship Center (part of the Main Building Complex) is constructed. The Activity Center is not large enough to accommodate the number of people attending at Everglades as it is planned for groups smaller than 50 such as Bible studies, Hope University, fellowship, and other activities. The Everglades Recreation Center is near the Hope South Campus site. ~7/10/22
Process
The Villages must determine that the design drawings meet The Villages Development Design Criteria presently in effect. When Hope Central Campus was built, Hope Lutheran had to meet The Villages Development Design Criteria in place at that time. ~7/10/22
The City of Wildwood must approve the overall site plan for the entire project (all phases). The application for Site Plan Approval was filed with the City in February 2023 after the Design Review Committee of the Villages had given preliminary design plan approval to Hope’s design plans in 2022. During this process 3 important permits were obtained, which included water management, water main extension and environmental resource permits. Because of the modified footprint of the Worship Center, some changed exterior building elevations and Phase 1 now being only the Worship Center, an Amended Site Plan Application will be filed with the City of Wildwood and the revised plans for the Worship Center must be approved by the Design Review Committee of the Villages. 11/1/2023.
These other buildings, as part of the overall Hope South Campus Master Plan, will be built in the future as the need arises and as funds are available, as determined by the Church Council and the congregation. 6/23
In August 2021, the Church Council approved a new committee structure to supervise the Hope South Campus Building Project. The Hope Strategic Planning Committee was formed, consisting of an Executive Team that reports to the Church Council, five primary committees consisting of the Publicity Committee, the Finance Committee, the Growth/Program Committee, the Fund Development Committee, and the Design/Construction Committee. The Chair of each of these 5 committees comprise the Steering Committee; this Steering Committee reports to the Executive Team. All the committees in this new structure are now actively operating.
In addition, the Church Council has established 4 Subcommittees under the Hope Strategic Planning Committee structure to provide “subject matter” expertise in reviewing design plans produced from time to time. These 4 Subcommittees, consisting of approximately 30 congregation members, are Worship/Music, Fellowship/Recreation, Administrative/Education and Outdoor/Maintenance. These 4 Subcommittees have been actively involved in the review of the revised plans for the Worship Center. 11/1/23
Because of the anticipated shortage in capital campaign funds, the Church Council decided to build the Worship Center of the Main Building Complex first, before the Activity Center and before the Administration/Education Center, Courtyard and Bell Tower of the Main Building Complex. The Master Site Plan for the Hope South Campus Building Project remains the same; it still includes the Activity Center and the Main Building Complex consisting of the Worship Center, Administration/Education Center, Courtyard and Bell Tower. Therefore Phase 1 of the Master Site Plan is the building of the Worship Center first. 11/1/23
Financial
Worship Center Preliminary Cost Estimate
Building Cost (18,372 sf): $4,225,000
Site Development (utilities, drainage, roads, parking, landscaping): $1,700,000
FF&E (furniture, fixtures, and equipment) costs: $800,000
Fees and Permit costs: $150,000
Architectural/Engineering Services: $275,000
Contingency: $700,000
Total: $7,850,000
These preliminary cost estimate for the Worship Center will be adjusted, if necessary, for the Town Hall Meeting on November 15, 2023 and the Special Congregation Meeting on December 17, 2023.
These cost estimates are based upon recent information, including projections from Judd Dickerson Hope’s architect and from Stephen Campbell of CFB, Hope’s civil engineer. The cost per square foot for the construction of the Worship Center has been increased to $230 per square foot to anticipate rising costs for construction projects. 11/1/23
Payment will be made from money raised from the Capital Campaign and funds received from new loan proceeds. 6/23
a. Current pledges/donations as of October 30, 2023: $2,800,000
b. Anticipated pledges/donations by Worship Center completion: $350,000
Total: $3,150,000
11/1/23
Additional loan proceeds of $4,700,000 will be required to cover the estimated costs associated with the construction of the Worship Center:
a. Estimated Capital Campaign pledges/donations by Worship Center completion: $3,150,000
b. New loan proceeds: $4,700,000
c. Worship Center Cost Estimate (18,372 sf): $7,850,000
11/1/23.
a. Anticipated loan balance 2025: $1,400,000
b. New loan proceeds: $4,700,000
Total projected mortgage December 2025: $6,100,000 11/1/23
No, we are One Church with three campuses; we represent One Hope, all working together to spread our Mission and Vision to all.
The original building (2002-2003) and land cost approximately $2,950,000. The Ministry Building constructed in 2013-14 cost approximately $3,700,000.
The cash in the South Site Building Fund as of November 2, 2023 is approximately $1,500,000. 11/2/23
After interviewing several firms, in July 2021, the Church Council approved a proposal from GSB Fund Raising Group to conduct a Feasibility Study for the Hope South Campus Building Project. Mike Ward, a Lutheran Pastor of GSB, had worked with and is still working with Hope Lutheran relative to the Stewardship Campaign fundraising activities therefore Hope Lutheran is familiar with his firm’s services and quality of work. The purpose of a Feasibility Study is to evaluate the potential amount of money that can be raised through a Capital Campaign. The Feasibility Study was conducted April 3-11, 2022, by Mike Ward and Paul Marsh from GSB Fund Raising Group who hosted a series of interviews and cottage meetings to gather the Congregation’s thoughts, feelings, and potential support for the project. Additionally, all members were asked to complete a survey to gather additional thoughts and feelings of the Congregation. The report was presented to the Church Council in early May 2022. The Feasibility Study Report is posted on the Hope website. In May, 2022 the Church Council contracted with GSB to facilitate the Capital Campaign. The Soft Phase of the campaign will begin in early Fall 2022, and the Public Phase will occur January-March 2023. ~7/10/22
A Capital Campaign is the fundraising portion of the building program. The Church Council has chosen GSB Fundraising, the firm that conducted the Feasibility Study, to conduct the Capital Campaign with the assistance of many volunteers from the Congregation. Rev. Mike Ward, a partner in the firm, will be the primary consultant along with his team of experienced fund development professionals. During the Capital Campaign, the Congregation will be asked to make gifts to the building program. ~7/10/22
This Building Project will be paid for primarily from the money raised through the Capital Campaign. Financing will be used to the extent acceptable from a long-term debt perspective of Hope Lutheran’s financial situation.
Design
The multipurpose space will perform the two major functions of worship and fellowship. Fellowship may take the form of a structured meeting or lecture, education, entertainment, or the sharing of a meal to mention a few. The space will be a fully accessible one-level area with an elevated stage on one side. Seating will be movable chairs and tables depending on the function. ~7/10/22
The Activity Center could be used as presently planned (multi-purpose meeting area, administrative/education/ministry support), retreat center, chapel or any other function needed at that time. 6/23
As shown in the preliminary plans, the Worship Center will provide worship, fellowship, and activity space with one level seating for 450 with the look and feel of a church sanctuary structure, but with the flexibility to use as a multipurpose space. Some modifications will be needed to provide administration, education and ministry support. 6/23
It creates an outdoor courtyard that can be used for gatherings and outdoor worship opportunities.
The Worship Center will have the look and feel of a church/sanctuary structure in appearance with the flexibility to use the Worship Center for many functions, including meetings, fellowship, and other community-related activities. With this flexibility, the Worship Center can be used every day of the week, and not only on the weekend for services which makes it more cost-efficient. There will also be a Cross/Bell Tower structure near the Worship Center. The site plan allows for the construction of a separate Sanctuary Building if the need arises. The proposed seating of 450 was determined, in part, based on several factors, including projected future attendance, use for functions, and multiple church services.
The 2003-2003 Building provided for: 71 people on the Chancel; 46 seats on the choir loft; and 359 seats in the pews plus spaces for 5 wheelchairs. There was a curtain wall when opened allowing for about 100 chairs. The 2013 Building added 137 seats in the nave and 46 in the choir. The Chapel was designed to hold 40 chairs but realistically 30 people is the maximum; The Fellowship Hall is designed for 300 at round tables. ~7/10/22
Choir Space: For the space on the chancel (drawing calls it a stage), the seats shown are for illustrative purposes and are not a choir loft. The chancel can hold significantly more than the 40 people shown but there will not be a dedicated choir loft. As a multi-purpose space, the area needs to be flexible so the choir will sit off the chancel and come up to the chancel when they sing. The Choir Room: It is the opinion of the director of music ministries (DoMM) and the worship team that the proposed area will fill the needs of the choir in that location. There will not be robing, therefore robe storage and changing areas are not necessary. ~7/10/22
In January 2021, the Church Council approved a proposal from Judd Dickerson of Dickerson Architects to prepare a Preliminary Design Plan. In May 2021 Dickerson Architects developed a preliminary design, including a rendering (illustration or conceptual visualization of the architectural design) based on the project scope of work provided by the Building Committee. This preliminary design included two design schemes that were of the same approximate size and cost. The total project square footage was approximately 37,000 sf, a sanctuary seating capacity of 600, and a building construction cost of $7.5-8 million, with a total building cost of approximately $12 million
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The Church Council reviewed this preliminary design and rendering developed by Dickerson Architects. It was determined that the proposed design schemes were not realistic from a size and cost perspective. The Building Committee was asked to develop some additional guidelines for a project smaller in size and scope than the initial project scope. The Building Committee was reorganized into the current Design and Construction Committee which is part of the current Strategic Planning Committee.
In September 2021, the Design/Construction Committee presented a revised conceptual preliminary plan for the Hope South Campus Building Project which involves 2 initial building phases. The first phase consists of the construction of a small building of approximately 1500 sf called the Activity Center. The Church Council approved up to $30,000 for design fees and other related expenses for a topographic survey, a Master Site Plan, and the schematic design of the Activity Center to include a rendering. From the input of the Congregation, the size of the Activity Center has been increased to 2036 sf with a porch area of 811 sf in the rear of the Activity Center, all with an estimated construction cost for the building only of $500,000. The second phase (Main Building Complex with the Worship Center, Administration/Education Center, Courtyard, and Bell Tower) is a reduction in size and cost of the original scope of the preliminary renderings completed by Dickerson Architects in May 2021. The current proposal consists of a church building(s) of approximately 22,300 sf, a worship seating capacity of 450, a projected building cost of $5 million, and a total project cost of $8 million. ~7/10/22
The Activity Center
- 1. Increased size to 2036 sf
- 2. Capacity for meetings increased to 50 people
- 3. Additional restroom
- 4. Porch size increased to 811 sf and moved to the rear of Activity Center
- 5. Dedicated areas for refreshments, receptionist, and office/counseling
- 6. Additional storage area
The Main Building Complex (Worship Center, Administration/Education Center, Courtyard and Bell Tower)
- 1. 50 additional parking spaces on the east side of the front entrance of the Worship Center
~7/10/22
Judd Dickerson of Dickerson Architects, Inc of Leesburg, Florida is the architect for the project and Stephen Campbell of Clymer, Farner, Barley, Inc. Wildwood, Florida is the civil engineer. Pape Landscaping will provide the landscape design for the entire project. 6/23
a. Modifications were made based on the recommendations received from the 4 Subcommittees of the Strategic Planning Committee and approved by the Church Council; and
b. Modifications were required to provide space for the administrative functions that would have been performed in the Activity Center or the Administration/Education Center, both of which are not being built at the present time. 11/1/23
Limited modifications were made for functional and use purposes and approximately 1200 square feet were added to the footprint of the Worship Center (total square feet of 18,372). These modifications include:
a. Administrative space for on-site support in the front part of the Worship Center which required the restrooms to be relocated to the left side of the front part of the Worship Center. This space includes a reception area, Pastor’s office, private office, and work area. Included in this area is a family/cry area which also can be used as a multi-purpose meeting room.
b. Additional storage space for building supplies, ladders, equipment, workbench, and usher supplies.
c. Kitchen space expanded to incorporate the exterior covered porch area from the initial design and the present kitchen space configured as a warming kitchen that can be converted to a commercial kitchen if desired in the future. This area also includes multi-purpose space for dining or educational functions.
d. Dedicated space for audio/visual operations added above the vestibule area. 11/1/23
There have been only minor modifications to the worship area/multipurpose room of the Worship Center and the seating capacity remains at approximately 458. 11/1/23
The cost estimate is approximately $200,000-$225,000. 11/1/23
There will not be a stop light but there is a left turn lane on Meggison Road that provides left turns into our property entrance. 11/1/23
On the Master Site Plan, there is an area designated Future Expansion for a Sanctuary; it is anticipated that if a Sanctuary is built in the future, the Worship Center would be used for multi-purpose and fellowship functions. Additionally, there is also an area for Future Expansion for the Courtyard, Bell Tower, and the Administration/Education Center as part of the Main Building Complex. There is also the same area for the Activity Center if the need arises for it. 11/1/23
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