Pinkard Tops Out Foothills Unitarian Church in Fort Collins

Pinkard Construction has completed the external structure for the $6.5 million, 16,600-square-foot expansion and remodel of Foothills Unitarian Church’s existing facility in Fort Collins. A topping-out ceremony was held at the site, with representatives from the project team, congregation, community, and local government in attendance.

“Pinkard is a community-driven organization, so working with clients who are such a vital part of the community is important for us,” said Tony Burke, president of Pinkard Construction.

Pinkard’s preconstruction team was vital in the project’s progress, despite unprecedented complications due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “I am proud our team could work together to get a budget and design to make this project feasible and fulfill the church’s vision,” added Burke.

Ewers Architecture completed the schematic design in the summer of 2019. After a COVID-related project hold, the design resumed in 2021 with value engineering and savings measures to reduce the budget from the initial $9 million plan. Construction documents and fundraising were completed in line with the new budget, and the project is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2023.

“The expansion results from years of visioning, planning, and the tremendous generosity of the congregation. It will allow us to be an even greater resource to our wider Northern Colorado community, especially to our partners, the BIPOC Alliance, Homeward Alliance, and the Food Bank for Larimer County,“ said Peg MacMorris, member of the Foothills Unitarian Building Expansion Team. “We are grateful Ewers and Pinkard were able to collaborate with us in reworking our design and budget to ensure the new space facility meets the needs of our nearly 600-person congregation and aligns with our vision for a growing future.”

The phased project consists of 13,200 square feet of additional space and 2,900 square feet of remodeled space. It includes a new 390-seat worship center, additional gathering spaces, classrooms, and office space to enable Foothills Unitarian to better serve its 120-year-old progressive faith community in Fort Collins.