Our Building Project Committee includes volunteers from Blacknall who have professional backgrounds in engineering and construction. Meet the committee members. They are partnering with our architect, DTW Architects & Planners, along with engineers and contractors, to review proposed work, understand the scope of construction, and report back to the Session with recommendations for how to move forward at each step.

We’re still learning what the final project will include, but we now have a clearer picture of the possibilities. As of June 2026, members of our Building Project Committee have met with four engineering firms to better understand a range of construction options. Based on analysis from engineers, it appears increasingly possible that our roof could be repaired rather than fully replaced. This would be the preferred option because it would likely cost less and take less time, though additional evaluation is needed.

In addition to roof work, we would use this time for previously planned upgrades to the Sanctuary and other areas of the building. Potential projects may include repointing mortar, installing new windows, updating four HVAC units, and making aesthetic improvements such as paint and finishes. Additional needs may also be identified as we move closer to construction, including items outlined in our five-year plan.

Yes. Architects and engineers have said we can continue using the Sanctuary as usual and will keep monitoring its roof structure. Because it takes time to finalize design plans, secure permits, and complete work, they recommended beginning the planning process now.

Parts of this project were already included in our five-year plan. Like many churches built about 100 years ago, regular maintenance and renovation are expected parts of caring for this space.

When renovation work was completed on the Sanctuary roof structure in 2018, engineers did not identify issues with the load-bearing beams supporting the roof. However, as weight has redistributed over time, new pressure points have developed on the existing beams. During an initial review earlier this year, engineers recommended beginning the planning process for repairs.

In spring and summer 2025, engineers assessed our roof structure before we sought bids for construction. The Session approved hiring DTW Architects & Planners in August, and contracts were signed in October. We are working with Paul Young, DTW’s president and principal architect.

We won’t know the full timeline until late 2026, when our architect presents a finalized scope of work. We do know there will be three phases:

• Initial design work: General measurements by the architect and a first round of conversations about design ideas and options.

• Detailed drawings and engineering review: Electrical, mechanical, lighting, and structural engineers will conduct detailed reviews of the building to refine measurements and finalize the scope of work.

• Licensing and permitting: Once designs are selected and the scope is finalized, the architect will secure approvals, permits, and licensing from city and county officials.

The expectation is that these phases will take eight to 12 months to complete.

Based on estimates from our architect, we expect work to begin in 2027.

We won’t know the final cost until architects and engineers complete additional reviews and the Session selects a design. Because options range from repairing the roof to fully replacing it, projected costs vary widely: approximately $1 - $4 million. As with most construction projects, we’ll have a clearer understanding of costs as planning advances.

We expect to hold a capital campaign to raise funds for this project. Pastor Goodie and the Session have assembled a capital campaign team, and we hope to share more information once the Building Project Committee finalizes a scope of work.

Because the property is held in trust, Presbytery approval would be required before securing a loan to help pay for the work. Since this project focuses primarily on structural needs, we are confident we can collaborate well with the Presbytery throughout the process.

Because construction will focus on the roof structure and other aspects of the Sanctuary, we expect some disruption to our normal rhythms. While it is too early to know specifics, we anticipate the Sanctuary may be unusable for at least four to six months once construction begins.

As the Session has discussed this project, members have viewed it as an opportunity to reaffirm our call to this longtime neighborhood, which has shaped the identity and mission of our congregation for generations. While construction will be disruptive and costly, we continue to feel called to this place.

We will continue sharing updates on our website and in our weekly newsletter, Life Together. If you do not already receive the newsletter, sign up here. You are also welcome to email buildingproject@blacknall.org with questions.