Update
From Nativity Tidings, June 1999
Nativity's Building Committee met April 27 and unanimously approved the plans that
architect Victor Latavish has submitted. The committee so reported to the May meeting of
the mission committee. "Victor has done what we've asked him to do," committee
chairman Bruce Simington said. "We need to approve the plans and then we can
talk about the cost, contractors and what we want to do with the current sanctuary."
Victor reported that he had completed the preliminary design and that it was time to go
into the design development stage. And he added that he was happy to see all of his
drawings on the hallway walls. "We should be able to get some pretty good prices (on
the new church), but we don't need to get into details like the carpet, tile, etc. until
we are further along," Victor said. "I have spoken with three different
contractors for some rough prices, but Sarasota County government keeps the impact fees a
deep dark secret until all of the plans are in."
Bob Mostertz expressed concern over the cost, which is estimated at $1.2
million, without furnishings or impact fees. "Is it feasible to do this project in
phases?" he asked. "What if we just built the sanctuary?" Victor replied
that he had not thought of it that way, but added that the time schedule is an option. The
architect went on to say that he wants to have some serious discussions with at least one
Sarasota contractor.
However, according to Victor, there is a Fort Myers contractor who is very interested
in the project and he comes very highly recommended. Still he wants to check with some
other builders so he can work on the budgeting. Victor reiterated that he would prefer to
work with contractors who are really interested, bondable and have done work in the area.
"I need to pre-qualify all bidders," he said. "Of course we may go with the
low bidder or negotiate."
Karla Porter commented that it looked like "we received what we asked him
(Victor) to do. Now we have to get going on the finances." Bruce also brought up the
question of what to do with the current building. Some people mentioned a fellowship hall,
a larger kitchen, a bigger music room and space for the deacon who will be coming this
month. Bruce asked that the committee members request suggestions from the congregation
and report back. Father Jim said that renovating the present structure might be another
phase to the overall project and added that he was meeting with people to discuss the
building fund project. "It helps to discuss these things like this," he said.
"But we need to focus on the total mission of our church and step out in faith."
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
Bill Price, who owns a campaign fund-raising firm, met May 3 with church officials to
discuss the possibility of running Nativity's building fund drive when the time comes. A
former Baptist minister and businessman, he currently attends an Episcopal church in
Mobile, Ala., but will be moving to Franklin, Tenn. Bill said it would be a three-year
campaign, but that 40 percent of the funds would come the first year. "You need a
good follow-up, or you will lose up to 20 percent," he said. "With a really good
follow-up, your drive could total more than 100 percent."
Bill, who has worked with 70 churches in the past five years, went on to say that
churches are more successful when there is a large percentage of retired people in the
congregation. Timing is important, according to Bill, and Nativity could conceivably have
a combination capital and regular pledge campaign. He added that they must be spiritually
based. "The four key words are inform, involve, pray and sacrifice," he said.
Father Jim commented that a capital campaign often increases pledging. Others at the
meeting were Bruce Simington, Jabbo Gordon and Dick Wernick.
Holliman Associates of Harrisburg, Pa., was scheduled to meet with Nativity
representatives on May 27 to discuss a similar presentation.
See Victor Latavish's Nativity page
for more information about the building plans.
