Architect/Engineering Contract

On December 4th 2009 we signed a contract with an architect/engineering group to be in charge of the New Islamic Center Designs, planning, permits, and construction administration.

How did we make the decision?

• First we obtained plans from other Islamic centers (Raleigh, Bowling Green, Chattanooga, Knoxville, Augusta, Lexington, Elizabethtown, Evansville, Springhill, Eastern KY and Somerset, to better understand the needs of an Islamic center.
• Next we talked to several of them and visited few as well to collect information about how they did it, cost, steps and what were the ups and downs of the whole process.
• Next we studied the architected work of several groups (each of which except one has built or is building at least one mosque).
• Based on the recommendations we decided to go with a firm that can be with us through out the way and be in charge of: Planning, full engineering work drawings, permits, construction designs, job bidding and contracts and construction administration. Accordingly we researched several and and the board decided to contract a firm out of Chattanooga.

The Contract

• The company is Neuhoff Taylor Architect group in Chattanooga http://www.neuhofftaylor.com/
• The contract will cost us $4.77 per square foot build divided to payments based on the progress of the job per the steps outlined below:
  • Schematic Design – During this phase, information would be gathered and preliminary plans developed in coordination with Islamic Center of Murfreesboro. Deliverables would include Schematic Site and Floor Plans, Elevations, Construction Estimates, etc.
  • Design Development & Contract Documents – During this phase, the preliminary site plans developed would be developed into contract documents. Deliverables would include Site Grading & Erosion Control, Site Utilities, Site Electrical Drawings and Specifications.
  • Bidding & Negotiations – During this phase perspective contractors would be identified and issued plans for bidding. Permitting agencies would be consulted and plans approved. Bids would be evaluated and negotiated. Construction Agreements would be awarded.
  • Construction Consultation – During this phase construction for the Site Work would be coordinated between Islamic Center of Murfreesboro and the Contractor. Activities include of Submittal Approval, Site Visits and Construction Coordination.

What will the site include?

This will be the first stage to be done of the project and it will include:

• Full site grading.
• A multi purpose 1 acre open field.
• A basketball court.
• A 1 acre cemetery
• A multi age playgrounds with about 60 kids capacity.
• A covered pavilion with 200 people capacity.
• A parking lot for 200 cars expandable.
• Full utilities of the building and site.

What will the building include?

It will include 4 sections, the order of which they will be built will be decided later on.

 The contents of each section were driven by the other Islamic centers and the feedback from the community survey.

1. A lobby with around 15 bathrooms and 20 wudu areas, offices, conference room and multi-age library with attached babysitting area.
2. Prayer area.
3. Gym with catering kitchen and foldable stage.
4. Islamic Cultural Center with dinning area, exercise/game rooms, funeral room, consignment shop room, and swimming pool.
5. A school with about 10 classrooms each has around 30 students capacity.

Who is in charge of the planning?

A planning committee has been formed and Dr. Esam Fathy has been assigned as its head, its job is to be in charge of the entire plans development for the site and building.

How much will the site design cost?

• The full site design and floor plans for the building will start next week enshallah and will cost a total of $27,000.
• They will conclude have ready for us in 60 days. After which we will have full site plans and permits and the basic floor plan for the building.

How can you help?

• Financial help is most needed, we need $27,000 in 60 days. Please let me know if you can make a pledge or contribute to this number.
• If you would like to help with the planning please let us know and what it is time we will share the plans with you for your feedback.