Building Renovation Updates
Follow the seismic retrofit, the next phase of building improvements, and the ways our church family can pray, give, serve, and stay informed.
Three ways to stay connected.
Video Updates From Dale
Dale will share short video updates as the project moves forward. Each update will explain what has changed, what is next, and how you can pray, give, or serve.
The latest video will be added here as it becomes available.
Current Phase: Seismic Retrofit
Background: As you may be aware, Living Waters received funding from MURA (Medford Urban Renewal Agency) to retrofit the building for seismic modifications. This retrofit will bring approximately 50% of the building up to current building codes to withstand an earthquake. When the building was built no seismic requirements were required.
Funding: MURA is tasked with improving the central core City of Medford area and we have been working with them for multiple years. This funding ($350k) was approved and disbursed specifically for seismic upgrades. MURA also reviews other improvements within the City of Medford and is heavily involved with the motel being constructed next to us.
Current Project Status:
- The project specifics have been defined by a local engineer and engineering plans drawn up.
- The General Contractor for this job is Trevor Bruce Development. They have coordinated with several subcontractors to get bids and timelines for the project. Trevor has provided both a timeline (appx. 4-6 months) and budget ($340K) for the project.
- The main bulk of the project is to build 8 new “shear” walls that will be connected directly to the existing block walls. The excavation for these new walls has begun and you can see an example at the back of the Great Room. This is the only shear wall that will be directly in the Great Room.
- The project financials and timeline are both on track at this time.
What Comes Next
Background: As part of the overall vision for this building and the role of the Living Waters Community within the downtown Medford area, the next phase is either underway or being planned. These steps will bring us closer and closer to the full realization for what Giod has dropped into our hearts.
Components of the next phase:
- Establishment of a Food Bank focused initially on our internal community needs but could spread to meet other needs. This is underway. Eric and Ashley Southmayd are leading this effort.
- More bathrooms are being planned! Yes, 8 bathrooms (4 Women & 4 Men) bathrooms are in the final stages of determining budget requirements and possible timeline. Included in the design are ADA bathrooms. This component is dependent on receipt of funding.
- Moving some current storage spaces: In preparation for the bathrooms, we need to move some current storage areas and possibly move the coffee bar area out to the main lobby. This design is currently in discussion with more info to follow.
- Moving the current kitchen prep area: We are growing! We are in discussions about getting more seating space in the Great Room. This means moving the current kitchen prep area. And, we can make this move with a future full kitchen facility in mind. This specific step is also in current discussion.
- Creating a portico area for potlucks and informal gatherings: This is also in discussion with more info to come. Timing: Except for the food bank, which is coming soon, the other components of this phase have the general timing of beginning in early 2027. But there is a lot of work to accomplish prior to that date. Summary: There is a lot of activity occurring as we move forward. There is a team in place to keep you updated and informed, so expect more info! It is also probably obvious that all of this will require a level of funding that is not currently available. We are so so thankful for the deep generosity of this Community, and we commit to stewarding funds well and openly. As more specifies about funding requirements are determined, they will be passed along
Ways to Participate
Pray for wisdom, safety, provision, and good stewardship. Give through the secure building fund. Watch for volunteer days and practical needs. For faster updates, join the private project group; the public page remains the authoritative home for project information.
Living Waters is grateful for the generosity of this community and is committed to stewarding funds openly and well as the project moves forward.
Stewardship and transparency.
We will keep this page current as milestones, budgets, timelines, and next steps become clearer. Each update will show what changed, what is still being planned, and how you can pray, give, or serve.
Thank you for helping Living Waters care for the building, the church family, and the life of the Rogue Valley with faithfulness and wisdom.
