Welcome to Expansion News – the source for updates on our building project!
(4/2/26 email)
From Conceptual Design to Development Design
The Building Design Team has been working diligently in partnership with Rodwin Architecture to take our conceptual design that was finalized in November into the development design (DD) phase. During this phase, the Building Design Team has built on the input of the all-congregation visioning sessions last spring and the specific needs gathered from nearly 30 committees and affinity groups at UUCB last summer. We have refined the chancel design, changed to all-gender bathrooms, refined the sanctuary and atrium layouts, and reviewed and approved detailed plans.
Rodwin Architecture has been doing the detailed design on the building, including the engineering systems, code requirements, and construction materials. On March 9, we submitted our building expansion package to Boulder County for their planning and zoning review, which is required before submitting our permit application. In the meantime, the Interiors and Aesthetics team formed in late 2025 and has selected a color palette and made decisions around lighting, doors, flooring, and finishes.
Development Design (DD) Cost Estimate
Our work over the past months brought us to the DD Estimate last week. It was an important milestone: a more refined cost estimate based on the specifics of our developed design. Rodwin worked with Skycastle Construction (the building side of their design-build firm) to gather competitive bids from multiple subcontractors and determine the cost of our building design.
Though we thought we were on track with costs, the DD estimate came in significantly higher (>50%) than our expected construction budget. This budget will be determined by our fundraising in the Capital Campaign and the amount of debt service that we can afford in our operating budget once the loan converts to a long-term mortgage – a fairly fixed total without much wiggle room.
Next Steps
We have big dreams and wishes for our new space. And we are committed to living within our financial means. The gap between the cost of the DD estimate and what we can afford is just too large. So we are embarking on a process of right-sizing our initial expansion project to our target construction budget.
Our goal remains to build a new sanctuary with more and flexible capacity that is a beautiful, natural space. Our design needs to be functional and welcoming and give us the ability to meet our future needs in phases. We will be spending the month of April to evaluate the cost estimate, adjust the design, and develop a viable solution for the budget we have. Rodwin is helping us get a second opinion on the DD estimate from a commercial builder that they trust, as there might be cost savings there.
Know that we are working thoughtfully and responsibly to develop a refined project plan and are considering all options. The Board and entire Expansion Team are committed to delivering on our vision, staying focused on our mission, and building for us and for the future.
Expect another communication in early May that presents our revised plan based on our April findings. In the meantime, the Board will hold listening and Q&A sessions on Sunday, 4/5 at 10:15 and 12:15 in the Emerson Room. You can also email any questions or comments to president@uuchurchofboulder.org, and we will make sure to answer your questions when we communicate our plan.
Yours in faith,
UUCB Board of Trustees (Kaitlin Abbitt, Cathy Edwards, Robin Miller, Rachel Peterson, Joe Polman, Pat Walters, Whitney Wheeless) & Rev. David Schwartz
Also, check out the bulletin board in the Sky Room labeled Expansion News. It’s another way for us to keep you up-to-date on what’s happening.
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