Ryan Brennecke / The BulletinConstruction continues Friday on the future home of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Oregon at Skyline Ranch and Skyliners roads in Bend.

Owner: Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Oregon

Architect: THA Architecture, Portland

General Contractor: Kirby Nagelhout Construction Co., Bend

Contact: 541-385-3908

Details: The new home of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Oregon on Skyline Ranch and Skyliners roads is about 60 percent complete.

The project, which started in October, is expected to be finished in four to five months, said Chris Prahl, project manager with Kirby Nagelhout Construction.

“The roof is just about on,” he said. “Next will come interior mechanical, electrical and plumbing, followed by finishes.”

The 17,833-square-foot building is aiming to achieve Earth Advantage platinum certification, a green building standard, Prahl said.

“Platinum is the highest level available,” Prahl said. “You use local recycled products. The lumber is (Forest Stewardship Council) certified. It’s a highly efficient building envelope. It is being constructed to receive solar electric power.”

Michael Marino, owner of M. Marino Consulting, said the project is expected to cost about $5.6 million.

“The ambition is to become a net zero building,” said Marino, who is the construction project manager. “They’re conservationists. They want to make sure they’re leaving as small of a foot print in the community as possible.”

The congregation has leased space at the Old Stone Church on NW Franklin Avenue since 2006, according to The Bulletin’s archives. The property was given to the congregation by an anonymous donor and members raised about $560,000 through a capital campaign.

“It’s something they’ve been looking forward to for a very long time,” Marino said.

Under one roof, the church will have adequate room to house the 150 members of the congregation with room to grow in the approximately 220-seat sanctuary, both large and small gathering spaces, a multipurpose room, classrooms for church school programs, a fully equipped kitchen as well as room for administrative offices, said Larry Price, president of the church’s board of trustees.

“What it means to the congregation is a beautiful and modern new facility that will fit the needs of the congregation in a way that we never have had before,” Price said.

— Rachael Rees, The Bulletin