Phase III On The Horizon

This may not come as a big surprise, but beginning in the spring of next year, we will be kicking off our capital campaign to add on to the building. I wanted to lay out the framework of Phase III. Two years ago, we received an extension of our variance from the city of Ankeny for the portable classrooms that will extend to August of 2027. The plan is to continue to do some soft fundraising that we have already been doing, and then to do a more active fundraising in the spring. Also, in the spring we will be getting a building committee together and getting bids for architects. Shortly after that, we will get bids from builders, the process has not been finalized on whether or not we go with a design of the building and then out to bid for contractors, or to do what we did in phase II which is to have an architect and builder work together to design and then build. The goal is to be done with gathering pledges next summer with payments continuing through 2028; then we can break ground spring of 2026 with a completion date of winter of 2027.

The plan is for six or more classrooms, and five more offices. Both of these will have their own challenges during construction, but we will deal with that when we get there.

Here are the numbers, inflation adjusted costs for Phase III is estimated at $4.5 million! But, here is the good news, with our soft asks, between pledges and donations, we already have just under $2 million raised, and the cash assets are being invested in safe and stable investments, and we are earning interest and other income on those assets as well. So right now, we still need to raise $2.5 million and I have every confidence that we can achieve it. However, if we raise more than our goal, we would like to build a new rectory that is more suitable for two priests, the current one works but is just a bit too small. We would estimate that it would cost $200,000 more than we could sell the current rectory for. The other thing we would like to add is a dedicated cafeteria and it would cost around $1 million. This would allow for us to more easily have funeral dinners here, as well as also be able to have P.E. classes while lunch is going on.

So, with that, if you would like to make a donation during this tax year, we have our “Future Phase Fund” currently open though our donation site and that is a great way to help us out. But for those who have to take required minimum distributions from an investment account, there is a great way to donate to the Church and minimize and you can talk to your tax advisor for options. We have a couple of people who already do this. I wanted to thank you all for your past and continued generosity.

God bless,
Fr. Ken