In Sugar River United Methodist’s first four years, worship attendance and financial giving both grew by double-digits. The church was founded by members of a Methodist church in Madison who lived in the metropolitan suburb.
Having moved to Verona’s former library building after outgrowing the banquet hall they first held services in, the church once again needed new space. But they knew they couldn’t afford to build the square footage needed to carry out their ministries.
Founding Pastor Gary Holmes and a member committee turned to NCI-Roberts Construction right away, knowing first-hand the quality of their work and depth of their experience.
The firm helped with initial planning and design, working with Sugar River to identify their needs and goals. First and foremost, the church wanted to create a large fellowship space and open sanctuary to promote an interactive, welcoming experience that would attract people who were new to church going. They also needed to find space compatible with phased construction that would lower costs and allow them to eliminate lease payments on their current space as soon as possible.
NCI-Roberts drafted plans and budgets for several sites, including Verona’s former Wildcat Lanes. The bowling alley had been for sale for four years and was conveniently located just west of the fast-growing suburb’s downtown.
After NCI-Roberts made minor improvements, Sugar River was able to hold services in the existing second floor while construction continued.
A master plan for a complete renovation was developed and split into phases to fit the church’s budget.
Phase one included extending the foundation from the existing lower-level entrance to create a new vestibule; EIFS (stucco) work on the exterior; and construction of the stairway and elevator. Phase two focused on construction of the new sanctuary.
Concrete and steel structures had to be modified in phase one, and demolition proved challenging, especially removal of the heavy, solid wood bowling lanes and a large amount of concrete.
Features of phase one and two include:
The church held an open house to celebrate the completion of phase two, which was well-attended and covered by local media. The pastor said that an increase in visitors and other factors point to continued growth for the congregation.
NCI-Roberts completed a later phase that included renovation of the fellowship hall with modern lighting and finishes. NCI-Roberts also modified the existing HVAC system, added a new sprinkler system and electrical, and more.
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