All Manheim Township permits are in place and as I like to say "Game On." We have a muddy mess but excavation, footers, and the laying of block will all begin this week. Next week we are anticipating under slab plumbing and stone backfill. Framing of the actual structure is scheduled to begin the middle of April and take about a month. By the middle of May we should be under roof.

I think I have mentioned before that the construction process is full of surprises!  The Blossom Hill project has been no different. Manheim Township has now had our required Architect and Engineer stamped construction and structural drawings for over a month.  The design team has reviewed and responded to five pages of comments from code officials. We are currently waiting on soil borings to be done in order to measure the suitability of our soil for the construction of our addition. It is my understanding that these soil borings have not always been required but in our case we are being asked to provide them.  Once we receive these soil tests the Township will give us the permit and vertical construction can begin.  We continue to anticipate five or six months of construction for the addition and another two months for the renovation of the existing building provided we have the funds to complete the project.

The geo-thermal wells are finished, all storm water infiltration pits have been installed, and hook up to city water along Delp Road is complete.

At our last building committee meeting on February 27 we approved the proposed exterior colors, reviewed our anticipated income and expenses for the project, discussed various interior finishes such as carpet, tile, trim, energy efficient lighting, and reviewed various options and changes to the original scope of work.  We are putting together proposed color schemes for the interior and those will be reviewed and approved at our next meeting.  Over the next month or so we will be attempting to form three sub-committees to help us identify our needs relative to an audio and video system, playground equipment, and furniture.  We will also be thinking of ways in which congregational attendees will be able to get involved with items such as landscaping and painting during the renovations to the existing building.

We have seen significant increases to the cost of our project, however, the good news is that we have also seen significant increases in giving.  These increases in cost have been due to above budget design fees, requirement of a commercial kitchen vs residential, soil borings, upgrade of a PP&L transformer, larger HVAC units for the future balcony, acoustical requirements, etc.  We continue to hope that we can complete the entire project within the limits set by the congregation.

The building committee continues to be grateful for the amazing work that is being done surrounding fund raising for our building.  We truly have a first class fund raising operation!  I have received several comments at my office about the good looking Ethiopian Feast poster.  I may even get some of my colleagues to show up!!  

Thanks to the many people who have participated by offering advice in focus groups, designing brochures, writing letters, distributing posters, selling tickets, attending fund raising events, and praying. 

Andy Dula