Building Update December 2009
November 30, 2009It is a pleasure for me to write to everyone and let you know of the progress that has been made over the past month. I know that without actual construction taking place, it may not seem as if much is happening, but believe me, we are making progress every day. Activities accomplished during just these past few weeks have brought us closer to our ultimate goal.
As was reported at the High Holidays and in last month’s Shofar, we were to receive a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMAX) contract from Hammen Contracting in October. We did receive this contract and at the November Board of Directors meeting a motion was passed which allowed the President to enter into the contract. This contract calls for the construction of the entire building—with the permanent sanctuary and chapel areas shelled in. This means that the sanctuary and chapel space would be constructed, but it would neither be finished to the level of drywall, painting, flooring, light fixtures, etc. nor would we have access to the space. The contract does allow us to finish the interior space for an additional $190,000 while we are still early on in the project. Therefore, efforts are underway to raise this additional money as well as needed funds to furnish our sacred spaces. We are confident that our members and others will come forward to make this effort a success!
As part of the motion to enter into the contract with Hammen Contracting, it was noted that the contract was contingent on obtaining and closing on a bank loan and obtaining all permitting.
Our Loan Committee has submitted all requested documents to our lender at this time. The bank’s loan committee was to have met by the time you are reading this, but I do not have the results of that meeting to report at the time of this writing. However, we are optimistic that the loan will be approved.
We submitted the completed architectural plans and all site plans to the various reviewing agencies in Montgomery County. As of this writing we have not heard back yet from the Department of Permitting Services (DPS) on the building permit, however, Bob Hammen has been in contact with our County plan reviewer weekly to keep the process moving along. We expect to get comments from DPS in the next week or so. In partnership with our builder and architect, we will then review and submit a response along with any modifications that may be needed to the construction drawings. Regarding the site plans, we have obtained approval on our forestation and conservation plans. Other site plans for WSSC, grading, and sediment control/storm water management are in review. Under the leadership of Max Kantzer, our civil engineering firm is following up with these agencies. I am pleased to report that we are on track to have all approved permitting by the end of this year, which will enable Hammen Contracting to start construction in January 2010. The dream for our new home is becoming a reality!
Judy Carroll
Building Design Project Manager
10881 Lockwood Drive, Silver Spring, MD 20901 P: (301) 593-3410 F: (301) 593-0280
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