A Building Project Update from
Great Plains Lutheran High School
May 2020
What Happens Next?
Building Committee Activities

The building committee has been very active, meeting with our builder and architect to make decisions and move our project forward. The basic design plans have been completed, and work has begun on the construction documents that will be a part of the sub-contractor bid process.

This update includes several renderings, showing exterior views based on the design plans.

We are very grateful to our building committee for their tireless work. Members of the committee are: Doug Arndt, Matt Bauer, Gerald Geiger, Paul Fick, Mike Haugly, David Maertz, Eric Martens, and Christian Weselow (chairman).
Project Time Line

The current project timeline calls for construction documents to be completed by June 12, a bid window of June 15 through July 9, with construction beginning in early August. We anticipate a 15 month construction time frame.

When bids are opened and actual costs are known (mid-July), the building committee will prepare a recommendation for the board, and the board will prepare a recommendation for the delegates.

There will likely be a special delegate meeting to approve a project plan; the probable date is July 18.
How Did We Get Here?
November 2019 Delegate Decision

Last November the Great Plains Lutheran High School Association delegates unanimously approved the board of directors’ recommendation to complete all the components of our facility expansion plan. This meant moving forward with plans to construct:
  • a fine arts addition which will include space for worship, concerts, performances, rehearsals, lessons, and fine arts storage
  • a classroom addition which will provide the classrooms we need now and into the foreseeable future
  • an auxiliary gym which will relieve scheduling tension and provide new utilization opportunities
  • a link to the auxiliary gym which will contain a new kitchen and dining area
Capital Campaign Committee

After the November delegate decision, our Capital Campaign Committee wrapped up its work. We thank those who served on this committee: Christian Weseloh, Rev. Paul Lindhorst, Janine Pluger, Bryant Polzin, Eric Raasch, Gene Jaeger, and Rev. Ken Brokmeier.

Campaign efforts in early 2020 included inviting support from former board members, alumni parents, and the parents of current students. Going forward, we will make an effort to connect with our alumni. This will include the opportunity to offer support for specific items on a wish list of furnishings and equipment. Congregations and other groups will also have the opportunity to fund wish list items.
Money Matters
Financial Plan

The basic financial plan associated with the November recommendation included the following components:
  • United in Praise capital campaign gifts/pledges/in-kind gifts of $2.5 million
  • a one-time lump-sum distribution from the Kannegieter Fund in the amount of $1 million applied to the project
  • finance $2.5 million, with the goal of keeping monthly mortgage payments at or near their current level
  • use additional campaign gifts for expenses not included in the project cost
United in Praise Wish List

The Building Committee is currently compiling a wish list of items needed to furnish and equip our new facilities. The list will include everything needed to furnish our new classrooms, equipment for our kitchen and expanded dining area, as well as items we will need for worship and performances – such as sound, lighting, and stage equipment.

Watch for more information about how you can fund a wish list item in the months ahead.
1200 Luther Ln. NE • Watertown, SD 57201 • 605-886-0672 • gplhs.org