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Questions about our building program

When will you move to the new location?
We plan to move in August of 2008. Our timeline is driven by fund-raising at this point. We have acquired the land debt-free, so all funds raised now are for the physical buildings. When we raise $2 million, we will break ground if our construction estimates do not change. We must break ground in early fall of 2007 to move in by August 2008.

When will you be moving out of your 42nd street facility?
This is unknown at this time.  Our full campus will take time and money to build.  If we are unable to raise the funds needed to complete the new location, we may use both campuses for some period of time.

Why are you moving?
Put simply, our mission is compromised by our present facility. For example, we do not have facilities suitable to high school needs (fields, a science lab, showers, or assembly areas). We are grateful for the Lord’s provision and our hosts at CCC in our current location. However, our lease is limited and we have filled every square foot of our current facility. We have no options for expansion in our present location.

In addition to this, schools, like other organizations, are identified with their facility. In order to establish our school’s presence and our perception as a permanent part of the community, we believe we need a facility of our own. The vision of our board has been to establish a school that will stand the test of time, becoming an historical part of the valley.

Why did you choose the new location?
After a 3 year search, this property was a Godsend. Finding any affordable land within 7 miles of our present facility is nearly impossible. It is within 3 miles of the population center of the valley. It is near one of 3 east/west corridors (Chinden Rd.). It is on a north/south route (Locust Grove) that is being improved to 5 lanes and will cross the freeway for south Boise/Meridian access. It borders 3 towns– Eagle, Meridian, and Boise. It provides easy access from most of Boise, Meridian, Eagle, Star, and west Nampa. Studies show that it is within 20 minutes drive from most of Ada county. It is shaped ideally for our use and has the appropriate utilities, access, and zoning. No other option came close in suitability, location, or access.

How were you able to obtain this location?
Our previous arrangement near 10 Mile and Chinden was delayed due to utility access. During the delay, our Real Estate broker entered negotiations with the owner of the site we eventually purchased. Due to arrangements between the broker and the owner, the owner was willing to gift part of the land, and we purchased part of the land. Presently, the land is under contract. We expect it to close as of ???

Did you look at existing commercial buildings?
Briefly. It soon became apparent that a retrofit would be more costly than building new, unless the facility had been previously used as a school. Codes, traffic, and grounds access restricted most commercial buildings from consideration. As recently as the spring of 2006 we were investigating commercial buildings.

What about public schools for sale?
We have been unable to find existing schools that we can afford. Typically, they are sold via sealed bid, requiring at least the appraised value in cash upon closing. The amount of up-front cash required is beyond our means. For example, West Jr. High was up for bid. We estimated that it would require between $7 and $10 Million to purchase.  We could not access that much cash, even with debt.

Why did our design change from Greek Revival to Tudor?
There were two reasons for the change. The developer wanted something that would fit into the development aesthetically. He felt that the columns and bold front would not fit as well. Secondly, we wanted all classrooms to have windows. A box design like our previous one required interior rooms with no windows.

What inspired this design?
This design is considered Tudor, inspired by much of the architecture at institutions like Oxford and Princeton. It’s gothic arches may appear “church-like”, but its scale and varied porticos will create a more traditional academic appearance when complete.

Can I volunteer to help with construction?
We will need many volunteers to help with the building project.  Presently, we are forming a building committee and a fundraising committee.  If you would like to help with either, please call our offices at (208) 323-3888

Why are the phases labeled 1A, 1B, and 2?
We hope to build phase 1A and 1B at the same time, but may not have the money.  Phase 2 will come several years later when we have established a strong financial support base.