Expansion Team Update

Well, we had hoped to have the building under roof by the end of the year. That now looks to be some time in January, but that is not a major set back. We hope to make up some time by manufacturing some of the outside walls off site then installing them and of course our Gateway folks can help with the interior work. Still planning on a summer completion date with a very slim chance of our next Easter being in the new worship facility.

Sign from Heaven!

Look what showed up on the work site today.

Updated News From The Expansion Team

It's beginning to look a lot like a worship center. With most of the main beams in place it is easy to see the shape of the new Worship Center. In the center of all of the steel will be a 100' X 100' area that will actually be the worship area. The stage will measure out at 50' wide and 24' deep but will appear much larger because it will be flared out on both sides at the front and a removable platform will connect to the front giving the feel and appearance of a stage approximately 65' wide and 40' deep. The main floor will easily allow for seating up to 650 but we will start out with under 400 seats that will be arranged to feel roomy but not empty. It is fun to walk around the site imagining where everything will go. You are encouraged to grab a member of the expansion team and ask for a guided tour.

Also, get your hammers ready. We can help save time and money by being part of a work crew in the evenings and on weekends. Let us know if you will help!

Dan Cooper
727-8919
dan.cooper@gatewaychurch.net

News From The Expansion Team

Okay, so we now know that construction worker types are also deer hunter types. Of course, the wet, cold weather makes this phase of construction somewhat difficult, but my money is on the hunting. Anyway, we aren't likely to see much progress this week but next week should be pretty exciting. So far, only the steel work that can be done with one sky track and a scissor lift has been going up, but, next week we should see the second sky track come in and the large overhead beams going up. These beams span 125 feet across and will peak at approximately 32 feet at the center. The building will seem to get bigger as this phase progresses. Let's keep the project in prayer and let the excitement grow higher than the beams!

Remember, we can save a lot of time and money if we can create work groups to do the interior wall work. I've only heard from a couple of interested Weekend Warriors. If you can be available for a work group let me know.

Dan Cooper

727-8919

dan.cooper@gatewaychurch.net

Inspired Art

Once in a while, we get feedback that just needs to be shared with everyone and this is such an occasion. Former Worship Minister, Jeff Bush (remember him? Art's boy?) apparently had some extra time on his hands. Jeff keeps track of the construction progress though the "steeplecam" and was inspired by a recent picture of the concrete and felt the need to share it. After being impressed with his artistic skills, photoshop prowess, and deep imagination, his works of art demand to be shared with everyone.  Enjoy!

If anyone feels the same inspiration as Jeff and creates works of art, please share it with us. As you can see, we only accept the highest of quality!

The Last Pour Begins!

It is 7:00 a.m. and the concrete pump truck just pulled up. Seven to eight truck loads of concrete  are on the way to finish the slab. 

The Longest Yard

How much concrete is needed?

The dimensions of the new building are 145 feet by 125 feet and the slab is going to be 4 inches thick. Doing the math, that turns out to be just under 224 cubic yards of concrete. If the average cement truck can hold 10 yards, then 23 truck loads are needed to pour a slab of those dimensions. Since the floor is divided up into 3 sections, that turns about to be about 7 to 8 truck loads of concrete per section. 

Weather is Holding - Concrete Is Flowing

At 6:55 a.m.,  the first concrete truck backed up to the concrete pump truck and so begins "the pour".  

Construction Update - October 15 2008

Preparing for Concrete!

What a difference a few days of good weather makes. As the picture shows, the crew is placing a plastic vapor barrier down with steel screen to follow.  Providing good weather holds, the first concrete slab pour begins tomorrow.  This means that all the utilities that needed to go under the slab are done. 

The concrete pour will be completed in three sections and once the concrete has had time to set, the steel will be erected.  The goal of having the building under roof and enclosed still is on target. 

Introduction: Gateway's Building Blog

This blog is a new channel of information to help everyone stay up to date with the construction process of the new worship center. If everything goes as planned, new posts should be added at least once a week.

Should there be a question about the construction, or a comment, just add a comment to the post. Questions will be answered as soon as they can be. Just keep your comments positive and constructive.

Construction continues as the bathroom rough pluming is completed. The picture shows where the restrooms will be, although right now, its a forest of PVC.

Question Topic: Concrete Pillars

Q: Will an imperfection in the concrete immediately adjacent to the form edge on the piers cause a problem down the road? 

A: The strength of the pillar resides in the center of the pillar which contains the rebar.  During pouring, the mix may not have flowed around the edge.  The foundation contractor has assured us in writing that the blemish that was seen near the B Street pillar is cosmetic and is covered in the workmanship guarantee.