As information is communicated regarding the beyond campaign and the new facility, we want to share the related numbers as accurately as possible. While the final costs of several of the major components are still unknown (precise numbers will not be confirmed until construction begins), the tables below reflect the costs we are estimating and are asking God to provide. Several scenarios are included to help us get a view of the related costs. The property on Veterans Parkway is 14.3 acres surrounded by wetlands, and we have streamlined our new building plans down from 43,000 square feet to approximately 33,000 square feet, with two large venues and one smaller children’s venue.

Option 1 Scenario
33,000 square foot facility
@ $144/square foot cost to build
= $4,752,000
+ $2,000,000 (debt carryover after current facility sale)
= $6,752,000
+ $200,000 for furniture, fixtures, and equipment
= $6,952,000 total project costs

Option 2 Scenario
33,000 square foot facility
@ $138/square foot cost to build
= $4,554,000
+ $2,000,000 (debt carryover after current facility sale)
= $6,554,000
+ $200,000 for furniture, fixtures, and equipment
= $6,754,000 total project costs

Option 3 Scenario
33,000 square foot facility
@ $125/square foot cost to build
= $4,125,000
+ $2,000,000 (debt carryover after current facility sale)
= $6,125,000
+ $125,000 for furniture, fixtures, and equipment
= $6,250,000 total project costs

Option 4 Scenario
33,000 square foot facility
@ $120/square foot cost to build
= $3,960,000
+ $2,000,000 (debt carryover after current facility sale)
= $5,960,000
+ $290,000 for furniture, fixtures, and equipment
= $6,250,000 total project costs

Variables that are still unknown:

  1. Building costs per square foot: Costs are very favorable to us now, but they could go up the longer we delay.
  2. Sale price of current facility: Proceeds from the sale of the Lily Cache facility will directly reduce our debt; however, it is impossible to project when this will happen and what the final sale price will be. We’re committed to keeping you updated as this component of the process develops.
  3. Interest rates on a loan: Like the building costs, this is also very favorable to us right now.
  4. Amount we raise in this campaign: If we raised enough, we’d have no debt! The success of the campaign directly impacts Westbrook’s future financials.
  5. Future growth after removing barriers in a new facility: While this is still an unknown, historical averages can provide an indication that growth could be substantial (as much as 20% per year).

What we do believe:

  1. Barriers at our current Lily Cache facility severely limit our effectiveness to reach our mission field.
  2. God is calling us to go beyond where we’ve ever been. This means some of us will be outside our comfort zones.
  3. This whole effort is a faith journey – which means we don’t have all the answers.
  4. God specializes in things that are beyond our control and complete understanding. While it is imperative to “count the cost,” we also strongly believe that it is imperative that we proceed in faith and trust as we carry out His work.