Building Plan - Frequently Asked Questions

When is construction expected to begin and end?
Phase I of the Master Building Plan includes the building of the gymnasium/community center and a new parking lot driveway onto Kings Avenue. Phase I is expected to start May 2010 and will take approximately 9 months to complete.

What revisions are being made to the Master Site Plan and why?
Revisions include the location of the gymnasium/community center, the relocation of the church building pad, reconfiguration of parking and a new driveway onto Kings Avenue. The gymnasium/community center will be located at the current blacktop area which will allow the school to retain as much green space as possible. The church building pad is being relocated for theological reasons to accommodate an east/west orientation, to promote a more visible and prominent entrance, as well as create better traffic flow for the school and parish. These revisions will also allow for a more unified campus.

What is the phasing and anticipated timeline for the building project?
Phase 1 will be the building of the gymnasium/community center and new driveway onto Kings Avenue. Phase 1 is to start May 2010 and will take approximately 9 months. Phase 2 will be the relocation of the church pad, the building of the church, the expansion of the parish office and the reconfiguration of the parking lot. The design process for the church will begin in spring 2010. The design phase of the church building will take approximately 9 to 12 months. Construction will begin once sufficient funds have been raised. Phase 3 will be the addition of the second stories on the multipurpose and administrative buildings at the school. Phase 4 will be the renovation of the parish hall. Phases 3 and 4 will begin as soon as sufficient funds are raised.

How was this order of building determined?
Prior to the incorporation of the school into St. Bernadette, the school had already developed expansion plans and established a substantial building fund. The gymnasium/community center will also provide the parish valuable space for Christmas and Easter Mass, social events, as well as youth and other ministry activities. The gymnasium/community center will also provide important transition space during the time of construction of the second stories at the school.

How will the construction of the gymnasium/community center affect school and parish operations?
As with any large construction project, there will be some disruption of normal operations. It is anticipated that most of the heavy construction work will occur during the summer in order to minimize the impact. Because construction will continue for several months, the school and parish are working on plans to ensure the safety of the school children and parishioners during construction, to create alternate traffic and parking plans, and provide alternative sites and venues for events until the gymnasium/community center is completed.

Who has been involved in this project on behalf of the parish and the school?
Fr. Pete has brought together representatives from the parish and school administrations, the building committee, parish finance council and school finance committee, parish council and school advisory board and the parish community. The Buildings and Property department for the Diocese of Phoenix also provides guidance and technical assistance.

What is the anticipated cost for each of these phases of the Master Plan?
The gymnasium/community center will cost approximately $2.1 million to build. The building fund for the gymnasium/community center currently has more than 50% of this amount. Although it is difficult to estimate the cost of building the church, or any later phase of the construction without preliminary designs, it is likely to cost approximately $6-8 million to construct a church building that will seat an estimated 1100 people. After having paid off the debt on the current parish hall and buildings, the building and maintenance fund for the church has approximately 10% of this estimated cost.

Is any money from the building fund for the gymnasium/community center being used for the church, or vice versa?
No. As promised, all funds designated to each of these funds will be used for that purpose

How do I get my questions answered or find more information?
If you have any questions about the building plan for the new gymnasium/community center building or Master Building Plan, contact our School Principal, Christina Bernier, at cbernier@diocesephoenix.org.  We will continue to update this page with additional answers and information.