It’s been more than 25 years since River Terrace Church has upgraded its facility and more than 30 years since the sanctuary has been touched. It is time to not only fix the things that need fixing, but also ensure that our facility enables River Terrace Church’s future ministry. We ask you to prayerfully consider making a special gift toward the facility upgrade plan so that we can complete these changes while maintaining a strong ministry and prudent annual budget.
- In 2019, the RTC Council formed a Facility Design Team and in 2021 they engaged the architectural firm Elevate Studio to help us plan for the future. After a period of study and input, the following conclusions were drawn.
- The importance of flexible, multi-purpose use of space, including the sanctuary’s ability to accommodate varying and blended styles of worship.
- The need for more intergenerational spaces for the congregation to mix, especially on the upper level, so that every age feels welcome in all spaces.
- The desire to create a greater sense of welcoming, gathering, and community-building both inside and outside the building.
- The importance of supporting our families with engaging spaces for children and youth and a more casual and comfortable overall feel.
In November 2022, the congregation approved moving forward with the following Five Areas.
Sanctuary, A/V, tech, and seating ($461,000)
- Replace the fabric covering the organ pipes with fabric that can also be used as projection screens
- Purchase two new high-resolution projectors
- Install acoustic paneling below the fabric
- Update the overall aesthetic of the “Cross nook” and install new lighting
- Improved speakers around the sanctuary
- Install a distributed video system to provide a live feed to the gathering space • Create a curved stage extension and hide visible cords and boxes
- Install new LED lighting fixtures
- Replace pews with flexible seating
- Install new flooring
Building Exterior ($183,000)
- Extend the canopy at the main entrance
- Install new lit signage at the entrance
- Install cladding and stain the existing bricks to update the look of the exterior of the building SITE CHANGES ($242,000) • Open up the main office to create a larger gathering space with café seating
- Reconfigure the entrance to the church office
- Install a half wall with glass near the church entrance
- Remove/open up front half of library for the coffee service area
- Move part of the library collection to the café
- Install new flooring throughout the entrance, hallway, and gathering space/café
- Purchase new tables and furnishings for the café and gathering space
- Convert existing shower room to an accessible family bathroom
Cafe, furnishings, office entry, serving, and family toilet($389,000)
- Mill and repave parking lot to fix wear and tear due to age
- Reverse flow of traffic around the building
- Create a circular drop-off area at the main entrance
- Create handicapped parking up by the building for better accessibility
- Clean up areas of deterioration on the sidewalks, the stairs on east side, and the decaying planters on the south side
Site Changes ($242,000)
- Mill and repave parking lot to fix wear and tear due to age
- Reverse flow of traffic around the building
- Create a circular drop-off area at the main entrance
- Create handicapped parking up by the building for better accessibility
- Clean up areas of deterioration on the sidewalks, the stairs on east side, and the decaying planters on the south side
Repairs ($189,000)
- Replace flat roof over the east side of the building
- Repair masonry on the gymnasium
- Conduct preventive maintenance on masonry around the entire building
As part of the redesign process, a building audit was performed and further needs budgeted for coming years: all roofing repaired or replaced in 8 years, new possible AC/Heating unit for fellowship hall, new boiler 5-8 years, resurfacing south parking lot, maintenance of the elevator.
Fundraising goal
We ask that you prayerfully consider contributing to the RTC Facility Update Fund. Gifts to this fund will allow us to update RTC’s building to reflect the vibrancy of our ministries and community. You can contribute to the fund in a number of ways:
- One-time gifts can be made via check to the church office (please put facility update in the memo line) or online
- If you would like to contribute to the fund through monthly payments you can set up a recurring gift for 12 or 24 months
- If you would like to set up a pledge to contribute over the next two years please contact the church office