---
title: Building for Tomorrow Progress - University Reformed Church
canonical: "https://universityreformedchurch.org/building-for-tomorrow-progress/"
pubDate: "2026-05-31T17:15:41"
updatedDate: "2026-06-24T14:21:35"
description: "Campaign progress and planning A three-year campaign (July 2026 – July 2029) investing in URC’s building and the Fellowship Program. $0 $650,000 stretch goal $600K…"
categories: [page]
---

![bft-logo-white](https://urchurch.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/31172901/bft-logo-white.png)

## Campaign progress and planning

    A three-year campaign (July 2026 – July 2029) investing in URC’s building and the Fellowship Program.
        $0
        $650,000 stretch goal
          $600K goal
          $650K
        $0
        Committed
        0%
        Of $600K goal
        $600,000
        Remaining to goal
      $60K – Fellowship Program & Church Planting
      $600K – Building Savings Fund
      $650K – Playground / Courtyard

    History
    Building Improvements
        2026
          April 2026
            Easter Flood Response
            Complete
          Pump rentals, carpet remediation, and emergency supplies to defend the building against major rainfall and a city sewer backup event.
          May 2026
            HVAC Unit Replacements
            Complete
          Installed two new HVAC units serving the back hallway, rooms, and Chapel.
          Cost: $53,720
          June 2026
            Wetlands Clearing
            Complete
          Removing felled trees and brush from the wetlands area. Will improve water retention capacity, sightlines into the woods for safety, and reduce wildlife and insect concerns.
          Cost: $1,700
          June 2026
            Manual Sewer Isolation Valve
            In Progress
          Allows us to temporarily isolate the church from the city sewer system when East Lansing’s system is over capacity, preventing backflow into the building.
          June 2026
            Basement Mop Sink Closet
            In Progress
          Addressing a known vulnerability: breaking up concrete to investigate a leak, installing a sump well and pump, and possibly adding a shutoff valve.
          Cost: ~$6,000
          June 2026
            Drainage Strategy & Permitting
            In Progress
          Initial surveying and contractor proposals for new drainage strategies and required permitting.
          Cost: ~$20,000

    Planned Work
    Upcoming Improvements & Maintenance
    All items are best estimates and will change in both cost and timing. Our orientation is toward prudent maintenance and extending the life of our systems as long as we can without undue risk or any threat to the safety of our occupants.
      Next 1-2 Years
          Flood Prevention
          ~$50,000-$100,000
          Handicap Ramp
          ~$100,000
          ?
          Installing a handicap ramp to provide an accessible entrance for guests in wheelchairs, walkers, or for whom stairs are a challenge.
          Elevator Upgrade & Code Compliance
          ~$27,000
          ?
          A mandatory state-required update due in 2027.
      2-5 Years
          Carpet Replacement
          ~$140,000
          ?
          Likely batched into phases: (1) Sanctuary, (2) Foyer and Fellowship Hall, (3) Chapel.
          HVAC Units
          ~$100,000
          ?
          Contingent on unit failures. The sanctuary unit is likely next in line.
          Lighting
          ~$50,000
      5-10 Years and Beyond
          Roof – Membrane
          ~$350,000
          ?
          Replacing the EPDM rubber membrane roof covering most of the building. Likely executable in 3 phases or sections.
          Asphalt / Parking Lots
          ?
          Both lots will eventually need re-grinding. The main west lot also needs re-grading for better water management and new light pole installation.
          Kitchen
          Roof – Shingle