Programming & Planning
Prior to engaging an architect to design the buildings, decisions on what goes into each room, where the room is placed and how large it needs to be, must be finalized. Although this has taken place before, now that our dreams are becoming a reality, the vision must be refreshed.
Architect & Engineer
Although the engineering was provided by the Seller, we will need to have some interaction between our architect and engineer. As such the selection process is a critical step. They can play many more roles than simply drawing plans, in some cases they are more effectively a counselor between differing opinions of their client. They will take the programming and planning form the abstract to conceptual and then to working drawings.
Building Permit
The final drawings from the architect and engineer will be submitted to the City of Fort Myers and reviewed for every aspect of “Code Compliance”. This will likely take several rounds of review and revision but will result in a Building Permit being issued. That is the green flag to start the tractor.
Site Development
The initial phase of construction is the earthwork needed to prepare the land to receive the planned improvements. Clearing is followed by grading and the remaining soil is then shaped and contoured based on the design. Lakes are dug and the soil placed where needed and fill materials are imported to bring the building and parking areas up to the desired height. This initial phase also includes construction of the drainage system allowing the site to retain and release water in the permitted fashion.
Building Construction
At anytime after the fill materials are placed and compacted, foundations and footers can begin and the buildings will rise from the mess. Typically the sitework is coordinated to be completed as the exterior shell of the building(s) are completed. As the exterior receives a roof the interior improvements begin and the project takes on a new look.
How Long Does This Take?
This answer is as arbitrary as how much does it cost but to some extent we control both answers within a reasonable range. The availability of funds will control the speed at which each step in the process can proceed.
Programming and planning will likely be two to four months and can begin anytime. The architect and engineer will require six months to design and require many meetings with a committee along with presentations to the congregation. The resulting permit drawings have a long shelf life, if not submitted but will require more revisions if they sit for long. However the permitting process is another six months.
Construction will take a year including the sitework, if run concurrently.
How Much Does It Cost?
The phasing of the project will dictate velocity at which we spend the monies but everything in our wish list, excluding land, will take approximately ____. This may be divided over many phases or a few and therefore spread over a number of years. Thankfully we have sufficient land to accommodate the dream that was described.
Where Do I Fit Into This Process?
There will be many committees needed to get from the beginning to the end of this and will include many levels of input. The communication between committees and with Session, the congregation, to the various professionals that we will hire and supervision of the overall process will require everyone willing to play a part.
If you are ready to be part of this exciting stage in our journey, please contact our office, or make a gift to our Stepping Out in Faith campaign.
