UPDATE ON THE SMBC CAMPUS MASTER PLAN TASK FORCE

from The Fount, Volume 9, Spring Edition

MISSIONS

BY CLINT PASCHE CAMPUS MASTER PLAN TASK FORCE CHAIR

On December 3, 2022, during a called Business Meeting, South Main approved a resolution to move forward with creating a campus master plan with planning costs not to exceed $2.1 million, which may be obtained via loans. The motion also stated that the Campus Master Plan Task Force will use these five tenets as the basis of such plan:

1) Be the best stewards of the campus entrusted to us

2) Develop our campus to generate income for future campus improvements and Kingdom work

3) Increase our effectiveness and our visibility to the community

4) Embody the gospel in the context of our time and place

5) Remain focused on our strategic need of numerical growth in an organic way

Over the past year, the Campus Master Plan Task Force has worked on behalf of the church, responding to the rapid growth and development of Houston’s tech ecosystem in and around our neighborhood. We are located across the street from an innovation boom that has increased our land value, brought in many new businesses, and will bring future residents to the immediate area. In response to this, South Main has decided to invest in planning to ensure that we remain relevant and inviting to the changing Midtown Houston. Through this work we have learned more about the master planning process and how that would create a roadmap for how we can be the best stewards of the campus God has entrusted to us.

Theapproved motion also stated the church will hire HR&A Advisors as South Main’s client-side advisor and representative to help prepare for and shepherd us through the campus master planning process. Lastly, the motion authorized the church to hire Transwestern Development Corporation to serve as master plan manager and develop the campus master plan document.

It is important to be proactive and intentional in responding to the changing needs of our community, especially as Midtown Houston is evolving so quickly. By investing in planning and making meaningful changes to its programs and facilities, South Main is positioned to be a vital and relevant part of the vibrant community that is growing around it. Thank you for your continued support for future generations of South Main members.

In response to conversations with our church congregation about the master plan process, we have created a webpage with a wealth of resources including: