First Presbyterian Metuchen -- Social Center Renovation FAQs

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Social Center Renovation

Q: Why do we need to make renovations to the social center?

A: When the building was constructed in 1948 it was meant to serve the congregation and the community at large. It was built for the purpose of bringing people to the Christian faith. The Social Center has served this purpose for the last 60 plus years. The renovations are necessary at this time to deal with deferred maintenance of the building so our church can continue to serve the congregation and community for the next 60 years. A renovated Social Center will allow us to further expand our mission work and better serve the congregation and community.  

Q: Since we are renovating the entire building and adding a large all-purpose room, why don't we just knock it down and build a new one?

A: The cost associated with that approach would be in the $4- to $5-million range. We would need to raise the entire amount at one time to complete the project. The "phased" approach allows us to raise the money over multiple capital campaigns.

Q: If we do not move ahead with the project, are there immediate needs for the building which need to be addressed anyway?

A: There are many deferred maintenance items which need to be addressed. Floors, windows, bathrooms, kitchen plumbing and acoustics are on the top of that list.

Q: Shouldn't the new kitchen be located further from the new bathrooms?

A: Locating the kitchen and bathrooms in the new addition concentrates the new plumbing in one area, saving on construction costs.

Q: Why can't the existing kitchen be renovated in the same location?

A: Renovation the kitchen in the same location would require the kitchen to be out of service for six months. Also, the plumbing work required would mean digging trenches through the existing floors, which costs more than the new plumbing in an addition. By moving the kitchen, it will no longer be a main thoroughfare, thus increasing sanitary conditions. Additionally, the new kitchen can be properly secured thus eliminating unauthorized use.

Q: Do we really need showers?

A: By adding showers we greatly increase the mission possibilities for the building, as it would allow us to host groups like Habitat for Humanity on a local mission. 

Q: Do we really have to get rid of the stage?

A: Removing the stage allows us to complete Phase I of the project, 80 percent of our goals are met through Phase I.

Q: How would contractors be selected? 

A: Contractors would be selected by competitive bid

Capital Campaign

Q: The economic recovery is still weak, shouldn't we wait until the economy has recovered before we begin?

A: We are planning to begin the capital campaign during the first quarter of 2011. It is anticipated the economic recovery will be in full swing at that time. Also, since the construction industry is still in a slump, we will be in a better position to negotiate with builders.

Q: What is included in the cost of Phase I?

A: The cost of Phase I includes all construction and renovation costs. Additionally, all construction drawings and site plan approval costs are included. The cost associated with a capital campaign ($40,000 to $60,000) is not included.

Q: What do we do if people don't pay what they pledged to the capital campaign?

A: We currently collect about 97 percent of what is pledged for our annual stewardship campaign. Capital campaign consultants believe we should collect at the same rate as annual giving.

Q: Will we wait until all the money is collected before we start construction?

A: Ideally construction would begin shortly after the completion of the capital campaign. This would require a construction loan to be paid over a three-year period. The debt service for this loan would be paid with the proceeds of a capital campaign.

Q: What is the potential for securing donations from local businesses and corporations or seeking grants as a source of funding?

A: Based on meetings with multiple consultants and their experience with capital campaigns, these traditionally have not been reliable sources of funding.

Q: What does a capital campaign consultant do? 

A: The consultant creates a customized capital campaign plan based on the type of project and funds required that is consistent with the mission of the church and its congregation.    

Q: Why do we need to pay for someone to help us run a campaign?

A: To raise the funds required for the social center renovation requires a professional with fund-raising experience. It is common practice within church communities to engage a professional because it allows a congregation to reach its fund-raising potential that it would be unlikely to reach without assistance.