BOT Approves Renovation of Burlington Office

The Christian Reformed Church Board of Trustees has approved a $2.1 million renovation and expansion of the CRC’s denominational office in Burlington, Ont.

The renovation is necessary to address insufficient office space, a lack of meeting and common space, a shortage of parking and deferred long-term maintenance issues, said Terry Veldboom, CRCNA controller, in a presentation to the BOT.

Currently, a third of the work stations and half of the offices are shared by two or more staffpersons.

 “As an example of the lack of sufficient space, staff have had to on occasion work in their car out in the parking lot as a way of finding room,” said Rev. Darren Roorda, Canadian Ministries director.

Since the last renovation of the office was completed more than 15 years ago, says Veldboom in the presentation, “significant maintenance projects (carpet, climate control, soundproofing) have been postponed in deference to future anticipated renovations.”

The renovation and expansion will:

• Add about 7,600 square feet to the building, which includes 14 additional offices and 18 work stations
• Increase meeting space
• Increase parking by 50 percent
• Relocate and expand the main entrance
• Update the existing facility and improve common areas
• Meet current accessibility requirements.
• Maintain general attraction of the building for any potential future sale

“In order to cover the cost of the renovation, we will essentially be borrowing from ourselves by accessing funds available through the CRC’s pooled cash management program with the CIBC (Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce),” said Veldboom.

Cost of the renovation will be amortized over 20 years.

Capital gifts to help fund the project would be appreciated, said Roorda. At the same time, he said,“targeted solicitations will be pursued in order to mitigate the long-term occupancy costs for ministries.”

Originally, a renovation plan was presented to the BOT in 2009. At that time, the BOT deferred action on the plan due to the economic downturn. But it was revived and re-presented at the September 2015 BOT meeting.

In September, the BOT asked for the formal proposal, which the board reviewed and approved when it met in late February in the CRC’s Grand Rapids, Michigan office.

Maple Reinders, the project manager, will be submitting plans for the work to the City of Burlington for site plan approval and building permits.

Works is anticipated to start in September 2016 and to be complete by February 2017.

To see all of the BOT highlights from the February meeting visit The Network.