From the Ground Up: First Baptist Church of Bolivar

Owner/developer: First Baptist Church of Bolivar
General contractor: Branco Enterprises Inc.
Architect: Hood-Rich Architecture Inc.
Engineers: Anderson Engineering Inc., civil; Mettemeyer Engineering LLC, structural; and CJD Engineering LLC, mechanical, electrical and plumbing
Size: 4,800 square feet
Estimated cost: $1.5 million
Lender: OakStar Bank
Estimated completion: Nov. 5
Project description: First Baptist Church of Bolivar is adding a second-floor space of 4,800 square feet for a choir room and adult classes, and renovating another 4,800 square feet to expand its nursery and library, said church administrator Tom Stanford. He said the project is funded partially by an OakStar Bank loan as well as a capital campaign. The $3 million construction loan also covers renovations of a 100-year-old building a block away for administrative offices, upgrades to the auditorium’s sound system and stage lighting, and other campus improvements, such as paving the parking lot, Stanford said. With average attendance of 875 people a week, the church also is creating a new glass entry/gathering space.