Construction Update: The Big Three Projects

At our most recent Construction Town Hall, President & CEO Andrew Applegate and other senior leaders shared updates on what we often refer to as “the Big Three” projects: Francis Asbury Extension, Welcome Center Expansion, and Womble First Floor Renovations. Across all of this work, our focus remains the same: making steady progress while minimizing disruption to residents and keeping our community informed along the way.

Construction on the Francis Asbury Extension is underway and has made steady progress over the past 30 days. The parking lot extension near Asbury Place is complete, framing and plumbing and electrical installations have begun, and utilities have been installed throughout the site. Over the next 30 to 60 days, crews expect to finish the earthwork needed for the new road, complete the concrete foundations, and frame the remaining homes.

Work continues on the expansion of the Welcome Center at our campus entrance. During the past 30 days, selective demolition of the old gate house took place, underground electrical conduits were relocated to accommodate lane widening, and site elements—including fencing and landscaping—were removed to make room for the larger building. In the next 30 to 60 days, framing for the new building will begin to take shape, underground utilities will be installed for the new gate features, and the entrance-side drive lane will be widened. Throughout construction, the Susanna Wesley entrance will remain closed, and all incoming and outgoing traffic will use the Aldersgate Drive Entrance.

The renovation of the first floor of Womble is scheduled to begin in the coming weeks. Preparations completed during the past 30 days include installing temporary barriers to identify construction zones, adding fencing for construction parking areas, and securing the necessary building permits. During the next 30 to 60 days, a window mockup will be installed on the first floor, first-floor demolition will begin as the project moves into active construction, and roof replacement will get underway.

While construction can bring temporary inconveniences, these improvements represent an important investment in our community’s future.