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(Go to Updates)

"God continues to use Blackhawk to reach the community of Madison with His message. Our services have grown so full that we are finding it challenging to serve everyone effectively. After much prayer and discussion, we have decided to move to a location where we can better minister to the community.

"In July of 2002, the Blackhawk congregation voted to relocate to a new site on the west side of Madison. We are updating these pages of our website to make information on the relocation process available. We hope you find everything you'd like to learn about the new site, the history and decisions leading up to this point, and what's next. If you have questions or comments after reading through this section, contact Rick Smith.

"Please continue to pray for God's guidance in our relocation process. As we move through the multiple phases of this project, we hope these updates will guide your prayers and praise."

Rick Smith,
Relocation Team Leader

Relocation Updates (Most recent first)

Enjoying our New Space! March 2008

After four months at Brader Way, we are enjoying our wonderful new building and all the extra space. God has continued to bless our congregation in many ways. This month, as we again face space and parking issues at our morning worship services, two new evening Video Cafe services have been added. If you haven't seen the new Blackhawk building yet, we hope you'll stop by and visit us!

Ready to Move?

Our last services on Whitney Way will be on October 28, and our first services on Mineral Point Road will be November 4. Visiting the building this weekend, we noticed that they've made a lot of progress! We also noticed lots of little things still to be done (hopefully) by the 4th. As Chris emphasized this Sunday, our first few weeks at the new location will be an adventure. Within a couple months things will smooth out a bit. Exciting! Here's more information about the move, along with a guide (.pdf) to parking and room locations.

We're Almost There! September 2007

With a projected move-in date of late October, excitement is growing, and the site workers are very busy with all the final details. Carpet is being laid, chairs delivered, equipment installed, sidewalks paved, trees planted... the list goes on. Check out current photos for weekly photos from the site.

January 2007 Construction Update

Progress on the new church continues to speed along. To view the latest site photos, just follow this link.

Since the last update, the contractors have:

• Completed all structural work on the church itself. This means all the masonry, steel and concrete that hold the building up are in place.
• Enclosed the building. The building is now completely roofed and all exterior walls are in place. The building is now being heated and work can continue inside throughout the winter unaffected by weather. Much of the exterior-finish brick and stone work has been completed and the remainder will be completed next spring.
• Erected the Parking Deck. The large parking deck has been erected and most of the concrete work associated with it is complete. The remainder of the work will wait for spring.
• Started interior rough-in. Much work has been completed on the mechanical and electrical systems, the parts that heat and power the building. Wall framing has started. With the building now enclosed, this work will continue throughout the winter and next summer.

The architects, engineers and contractors have all been terrific to work with and are pulling together to make this project a success for all. The design of the building will amaze you when you see it and the quality of the work is second to none. No major problems have been encountered and the project remains on schedule for completion early next fall.

September 2006 - Amazing Progress

Since the last update there has been amazing progress made on the new church. The structure, the bones and muscle of the building, continues to rise out of the ground. Important work that is occurring includes:

• All the foundation work for the church building has been done
• Most of the pre-cast concrete planks that make up the 2nd floor have been installed
• Masonry walls have been started on the second floor
• Structural steel for the roof has been started
• Foundations for the parking deck are almost complete.

Face brick, the exterior finished skin of the building, will be added in the coming weeks. The contractors are doing an excellent job, doing high-quality work and keeping the project on schedule. We anticipate having the building enclosed sometime around Thanksgiving. Once the building is enclosed, we can begin the mechanical and electrical work and finishes.

August 2006 - Photos

We have photos!

To view the latest site photos, just follow this link.

August 2006 - Twists and turns

This past week, the expected buyer of the Whitney Way facility informed us that they are not able to secure funds to meet the contingency in their offer. As a result, although they remain interested in the property, they needed to rescind their offer.

So the church property on Whitney Way is again available for sale. As Chris encouraged the congregation on Sunday August 13, please pray for God's continued guidance in our work in identifying prospective buyers.

July 2006 (2)

Have you tuned in the Relo Update?

Our own Chip Harper provides an educational and entertaining look at the building progress - don't miss it!

July 2006

So.... when do we move?

Great question. The good news right now is the we are on schedule, perhaps even a bit ahead. That schedule puts us in a Fall 2007 timeframe for moving. Will we move then? Well, - it depends. Depends on weather. Depends on materials. Depends on people. Depends on a lot of things outside of our control. Hey, one more great opportunity for us to depend on God!

Here are some things to be thankful for through July:

• The many skilled and dedicated planners and contractors that are working to construct the building
• Closing of financing with the bank on July 17
• Favorable discussions on schedules with the expected buyer on move dates
• Great weather for making good progress

June 2006

Have you seen the progress?!

The building is beginning to take shape as the team of tradespeople install utilities, pour foundations, assemble bricks and install steel. Take a short drive west on Mineral Point and pause along the roadside (carefully, please) to see our future home.




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April 2006

Groundbreaking!

On April 9 we held a groundbreaking ceremony to dedicate the site and church to God's purpose for Madison. Several hundred people joined us in prayer and recognition of this milestone.

I'm starting to receive photos from the participants - here are the first:

• Norris Carden's photos

March 2006

The city department approvals are at the final stage for signature. Check the status of the GDP and SIP on the city's web site.

Spring is arriving and there will be activity on the site very soon!