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Construction Plans

2026 – 2027

A House of Prayer for All Nations

Reflecting Our Calling

Aspire Church is beginning Phase 2 of construction so our campus can better reflect our calling to be a house of prayer for all nations.

Making Room for People

This work will help us welcome people more clearly, move through our campus more safely, and make room for the ministry God has placed before us.

Improving the Spaces People Use Every Week

We are improving our entry, restrooms, parking areas, exterior walkways, plumbing, and internal wayfinding. Some of this work will be easy to see. Some will happen behind the walls. All of it helps Aspire serve people better.

Renovation Breakdown

  • New Entry – Better Guest Experience

  • New Restrooms on Floors 1-3 (by elevators)

  • New Plumbing Stack

  • Safer Parking and Exterior Walkways

  • Better Internal Wayfinding

Phase 2: Timeline

Anticipated July/August

Construction Begins

Desired December/January

Completion

Facilities FAQ

What is the scope of the project?

Phase 2 of The Bridge campaign will consist of a new lobby entrance, hallway renovation from the lobby to the sanctuary, and renovated bathrooms on all three floors of the building.

Where will I enter if the portico entrance is under construction?

We will be opening a new Sanctuary entrance on the San Marco Place side where the double doors currently exist further South on San Marco Place. Other points of entry will include the SMCC entrance and the Atlantic sanctuary doors.

Will the Portico Parking Lot be accessible during construction?

No, the parking lot is being redesigned to have compliant handicapped parking spaces and will be inaccessible for the duration of the project.

Where can I park during construction?

The large parking lot behind the fire station, the SMCC Parking lot, and street parking are all available. On Sundays we also have access to parking on the other side of Hendricks Ave at Group 4 Design, Chase Bank, and the Dentist office.

What professional companies will be helping us with this project?

Jaycox Architects and Associates, a highly-rated architectural design firm in Jacksonville, has been involved in our planning from the beginning. Auld & White Constructors, LLC will managing the build out. 

Financial FAQ

How much is the estimated loan?

The estimated loan is $4,290,074, plus closing costs, for an estimated total loan of $4,351,927.

What is included in the loan amount?

The estimated total includes:

  • $1,007,221 for the CGIF loan
  • $302,613 for the loan from Karen
  • $2,980,240 for estimated construction costs
  • $61,853 for estimated closing costs

The estimated total is $4,351,927.

What are the repayment terms?

The loan includes a 12-month construction draw period, followed by a 10-year term with a 20-year amortization.

At the end of the 10-year term, the bank would work with Aspire to renew the loan for another 10 years. Renewal conversations would begin several months before the loan term ends.

What is the interest rate?

The current interest rate is 5.95%, locked at closing.

The bank uses the 10-year Treasury rate as a guide when setting interest rates. If rates drop significantly in the future, the bank may contact Aspire about reducing the interest rate.

What are the estimated closing costs?

The estimated closing costs are $61,853.

Closing costs would normally include intangible tax. Aspire may be exempt from the intangible tax because it is a 501(c)(3) non-profit religious corporation. The title company handling the closing should be able to help with that exemption.

Will Aspire need a new appraisal?

Aspire had an appraisal completed in 2024.

The church has asked whether the bank will accept an updated appraisal instead of requiring a new one. Darren has provided the 2024 appraisal, and the bank will respond about whether an updated appraisal can be used.

Will payments be interest-only during construction?

Yes. The loan currently includes 12 months of interest-only payments during construction.

That period can be extended for 6 months if necessary.

What will be used as collateral?

The bank would require a first mortgage on the subject church property.

The bank will not require the three houses or the parking lot west of the church property to be included as collateral, as long as the church property appraisal supports the loan.

Will anyone have to personally guarantee the loan?

No. The bank will not require a personal or corporate guarantee.

Can Aspire pay the loan off early?

Yes. The loan includes a 3-year declining prepayment penalty, structured as 3%, 2%, and 1%.

There is no penalty if Aspire makes prepayments during the first three years from internal funds. This is important if Aspire receives a large gift or legacy gift.

How will construction draws be monitored?

The bank has a construction unit that will work with Bill Ware and Allen Davis throughout the construction process.

Is wind or named storm insurance required for the loan?

No. Wind coverage or named storm coverage is not a requirement of the loan.

What is the approval process?

Aspire explained to the bank that approval is needed from the Council of Trustees and the church before moving forward with the loan.

Aspire will continue working with the bank to provide due diligence information during the approval process.

Support Phase 2

Help Aspire prepare our campus to welcome people, serve families, and be a house of prayer for all nations.

Your gift helps move this work forward.