The weekend of November 15-16, we’ll celebrate the completion of Phase One of the Building Belonging Campaign projects, and we’ll look ahead to Phase Two. Following each worship hour that weekend, we’ll hold an in-person Congregational Vote to approve Phase Two plans.
Building Belonging Update, November 2025
Nativity’s building is a tool for spiritual growth and community gathering. A safe, accessible, hospitable building helps us to connect with God and each other in significant ways. We are called to be good stewards of our building, which—after 68 years—needs critical repairs and upgrades if it is to be a beacon of belonging and hope for future generations.
Nativity expects to receive $1,660,000 for the completion of repairs, energy upgrades, safety improvements, and disability access. As of September 30, 2025, Nativity has received $778,442 for the Building Belonging Campaign. Nativity Council formed a Building Committee in January 2025, and on June 28-29, 2025, the Congregation voted to move forward with Phase 1 construction.
Phase 1 Building Construction Accomplishments
The following items have been completed:
- The flat roof replaced and extra insulation added
- Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning upgraded, including energy saving heat pumps for the Commons, offices, and classroom areas
- HVAC units moved to the roof, opening up prime space in the Commons with its use TBD
- North parking lot drainage improvements (drain work, cement work, new black top, seal coating and restriping) to mitigate against pooled water and dangerous ice in the winter.
Phase 2 Building Construction
The following items are proposed to be included in Phase 2:
- Replace 1985 wood windows in office and classroom areas;
- Replace 1964 vintage worship space windows ;
- Replace 1964 windows on either side of main entry door;
- Replace lower-level hallway carpeting;
- Replace 1990s 40-ton heating, ventilating, and air conditioning unit that services the worship space;
- Reupholster pews and chairs in worship space;
- Reorient worship space seating to provide more flexible seating to accommodate more activities and more access for people with disabilities ;
- Add new disability accessible bathroom close to worship space;
- Rework the Welcome Desk area and the library/gift shop wall.
Next Steps
Nativity Council has authorized Nativity’s Building Committee to begin work on Phase 2 design with BWBR Architects.
Congregational meeting and in-person only vote November 15-16 to approve contract with BWBR Architects and Zeman Construction to finalize Phase 2 scope, complete detail design, secure firm construction bids, execute a construction contract, and oversee this phase of construction to completion. The cost of Phase Two will be solidified in the coming months as the design is finalized, but initial estimates range from $760,000 to $900,000.
If the congregation votes ‘yes,’ Building Committee will hold informational meetings for the congregation and provide 3-D drawings of proposed designs.
Building Committee will report a final proposed detailed design and project cost estimate to Nativity Council for review and approval in February 2026.
After communicating final design details and associated costs with the congregation, the congregation will vote on the project in February 2026. Phase 2 construction would begin after Easter in April 2026.
It is not too late to make a gift to the Building Belonging campaign. If additional monies become available, we would like to do other critical updates, such as remodeling the upstairs kitchen, improving lighting in the SE parking lot, providing new carpet and paint in the Commons, and replacing carpet in the Fellowship Hall.
The Building Committee consists of Beth Schuman, Glenn Seefeldt, Angela LaMoore, Brent Lease, Tori Setterholm, Matt Arndt (architect and member of Nativity), Doug Wild (Principle with BWBR Architects now retired and former member of Nativity and key leader in the 2019 Building Team), and Paul Frederickson (Chair).