Tomorrow First Week 6: Insulation Begins, Mechanical Room Ready

Six weeks into the Tomorrow First HVAC project, the pace continues to build. This week marks a turning point as multiple work fronts advance simultaneously — new equipment is being installed, insulation work has begun, and the mechanical room stands cleared and ready for the infrastructure that will serve our building for decades to come.

What's Happening

The mechanical room in the basement has been completely cleared of old equipment, and concrete crews are on-site this week forming and pouring new pads for the boilers and pumps that will power the new system. Insulation crews have also arrived, beginning their work on all the straight piping and supply duct that has been installed over the past several weeks. Fan coil units — the individual heating and cooling units that will serve each room — are being mounted throughout the first floor offices and east area of the building. Nearly all of the second floor units are in place.

The new chiller is at P1 Service's facility, ready to be delivered and set on site once the basement preparation is complete. Meanwhile, sheet metal deliveries continue at full pace, with trucks arriving on three consecutive Mondays to keep the ductwork installation moving as fast as possible.

What to Expect

If you're visiting the church building this week, you'll notice the east side ceiling tiles have been removed — this is normal and part of the construction plan. Concrete work in the basement may generate some noise, particularly on Monday and Wednesday through Thursday. The construction team continues to work Monday through Thursday, 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM.

Looking Ahead

Electricians return full-time the week of April 6 to begin connecting fan coil units throughout the building. First floor west area piping and Rooms 205–208 ductwork also begin that week. Hot water pumps and rooftop energy recovery ventilators are scheduled to arrive around April 15. The second floor ceiling should begin closing back up in approximately three weeks, starting with the gymnasium once piping is pressure tested. The conservative target remains to have the new system fully operational by end of June.

By the Numbers

As of this week, 110 households have committed to the Tomorrow First campaign, with $1,844,683 pledged. We have received $893,821 — 51% of our $1.75 million goal. Thank you for your continued generosity in making this investment possible.

How to Give

Give online at mcphersonfirst.org/give (select "Tomorrow First"), by mail to 1200 E Kansas Ave, McPherson, KS 67460, or place gifts in the worship offering plate marked "Tomorrow First."

Every pipe hung, every unit mounted, every pad poured brings us one step closer to a building that will serve this congregation and community faithfully. Thank you for investing in what's next — together we build toward the future God is preparing for us.