Bobbitt Solves Budget Issues to Proceed with St. Luke Church Project
October 27, 2009
COLUMBIA, SC – October 27, 2009 – Bobbitt Design Build has completed the design and permitting process for St. Luke United Methodist Church in Lancaster, S.C. The project is now well underway, despite previous budget concerns due to the sluggish economy.
St. Luke officials had reservations earlier this year about the $2.6 million project that had already gone through the design phase. Rather than postpone the church expansion indefinitely, Bobbitt helped St. Luke address their cost concerns with a redesign approach.
We looked at the criteria again with the goal of helping our client feel comfortable with the scope and cost of the project, said Steve Baird of Bobbitt Design Build in Columbia and member of the Chester Economic Development Association. We were very pleased to move this project forward in order to keep workers on the job and contribute to the local economy.
To maintain new budget requirements, the existing sanctuary will be renovated and increased in size by 20 percent, instead of doubling the size as was previously planned. In the new building, all other additional spaces were accomplished per the original plans, including a new choir area, classrooms and administrative offices. Elevators will be added and parking expanded. Anticipated completion is spring 2010.
In the end, Bobbitt was able to reduce the total cost of the project by 30 percent, so St. Luke was comfortable moving forward, said Baird.
We understand the importance of working with our clients during these tough economic times, and we value a trusting relationship, said Vic Englert, president of Bobbitt’s Columbia location.
Located on Providence Road in Lancaster, St. Luke was formed in 1859 and is one of the oldest Methodist churches in S.C.
Bobbitt was one of many contractors that were part of the interview process in 2008 for St. Luke officials to select a design-build contractor. Bobbitt was selected for the job because of extensive experience building churches.
About Bobbitt Design Build
Established in 1946, Bobbitt Design Build is the Carolinas’ largest design-build contractor for commercial construction, which provides control of architectural design, engineering, permitting and construction services under one roof. The employee-owned company has built more than 3,000 commercial buildings throughout the Carolinas. http://www.bobbitt.com/
