Construction Update 8/1/2024
Construction Updates as of July 15th, 2024
We’re thrilled to share the progress we’ve made with our ongoing capital campaign! While we still have some distance to cover, we want to keep you informed about the latest updates on our construction efforts, in addition to the financial news shared by Tom Denio.
On behalf of 2U’s finance and SCOPE teams and the Board of Trustees, we apologize for the oversight of not including the capital campaign information during the annual meeting. This was clearly an oversight, which we do not intend to repeat.
Now, for the update! Here’s an overview:
Sanctuary Work: The sanctuary work is nearly complete. The elevator shaft is in place, and the elevator installation will follow. The fire alarm work is ongoing. The redesign of the east entrance will begin soon, and the new ramp will bring the majority of this project to conclusion.
Phase 1: We have completed almost all of Phase 1 work, totaling $111,106.00, with $11,140.64 outstanding. Major tasks for Phase 1 included the replacement of the original flooring in the sanctuary, the redesign of the chancel, the addition of electrical and A/V wiring in the sanctuary, and the installation of two TV screens in front of the sanctuary. There are still a few unfinished items that will be completed before the final payment is made.
Phase 2: Phase 2 has commenced. The elevator shaft is essentially complete (minus the roof). The plywood structures inside the building keep the area dry and safe until the elevator project is finished. The elevator will be manufactured to ensure a perfect fit upon installation. When completed, it will serve all three levels of our building.
East Entrance: The east entrance has been completely closed, except for construction access during the day. The east garden, sidewalk, and ramp, which were previously home to construction materials and equipment, remain less than safe but will continue to be used for material staging. Work to redesign the east entrance, raising it to the level of the sanctuary, will begin soon, and that entire area inside will be secured with plywood to ensure safety. We will continue to use the west entrance until the work is completed.
East Ramp: The ramp on the east side of the building will be replaced near the end of the project. It will start closer to the street and rise to the level of the sanctuary floor, allowing access for individuals who cannot use steps, even when there is no electricity.
Fire Alarm System: Work on the fire alarm system resumed on Monday, July 8th. When finished, all areas of the building will be alarmed and connected to a central panel, which will also coordinate with the alarm in the elevator. The system will be monitored in real time by an off-site company. The first part of the work on this system was completed last summer before the new flooring was installed. The total cost for the fire alarm system is approximately $53,000.
Costs and Funding: Phase 2 will cost $465,012.80. Significant increases in costs, due to the 500-plus day delay caused by the City of Chicago in approving the permit, are primarily for concrete and the elevator. These costs will be absorbed from budgeted contingency funds. The contractor also negotiated some cost savings, which are reflected above. So far, 2U has not paid anything for Phase 2. Work is continuing and will be billed in installments. Most of the installments will be paid using cash on hand, thanks to the generosity of 2U members who have fulfilled their capital campaign pledges. Phase 2 payments will be processed through Greater Illinois Title Company, as required by Devon Bank, the lender and mortgage holder for 2U.
If you have not yet made your capital pledge, if you are behind in fulfilling it, or if you would like to make a new contribution, please contact Brandon Nicks, Tom Denio, or Mary-Helen Steindler.
