Week 5: Picking Up the Pace
Five weeks into the Tomorrow First HVAC project, the pace is accelerating. P1 Service added two more sheet metal crew members this week to compress the construction timeline — a sign that the project is moving fast enough to push for an even earlier finish. Fan coil units are going up on the second floor, ceiling tiles are coming down across the east side of the building, and major equipment continues to arrive. The building looks different every day, and that's a good thing.
What's Happening
The crew began hanging fan coil units on the second floor this week — these are the individual room units that will distribute heated and cooled air through the new duct system. If you've seen the long silver units laid out on the second floor, those are the same pieces now being mounted in the ceiling spaces above. Second floor ductwork in Rooms 209–216 is about 80% complete on the supply side, with installation in Rooms 205–208 scheduled to begin next week.
On the east side of the building, ceiling tile and grid removal began Tuesday. The church office area went first, followed by other east side spaces. This work opens up the ceiling so the crew can route new ductwork and piping through these areas. Meanwhile, all concrete core drilling is now complete throughout the building — a milestone that means no more dust and vibration from that particular phase of work.
The exterior electrical line replacement, originally scheduled for Monday, was pushed to Tuesday after an additional part was needed. Power was restored by midday, and the new lines are now in place to support the upgraded HVAC equipment.
What to Expect
Construction continues Monday through Thursday, 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM. The east side ceiling work will continue through next week, so expect open ceilings and some dust in office and east side hallway areas. Rooms 209–216 on the second floor remain unavailable for Wednesday evening activities as ductwork installation continues. Rooms 205–208 will join that list starting next week as new duct runs begin in those spaces.
In the coming weeks, the hot water piping will be disconnected to begin demolition in the mechanical room — which means heating will go offline from that point forward. The timing depends on weather, but the building holds heat well and we've ordered handheld church fans for anyone who wants one as warmer days arrive.
Looking Ahead
The new chiller arrived at P1's shop this week — it will be delivered to the church site once the old exterior chiller is removed and the pad is prepared. Large air handling unit sections are also arriving this week. Insulation work on the long duct runs is expected to begin the week of March 30. The project remains on track, with the target of having the new system fully operational by the end of June.
By the Numbers
As of this week, 110 households have committed to the Tomorrow First campaign, with $1,844,683 pledged and $891,505 received — 51% of our $1.75 million goal. Every gift, whether given all at once or spread over time, moves this project forward.
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."
Watching the crew expand and the timeline compress is encouraging — it reflects both the quality of the work and the momentum of a congregation investing in what comes next. Every opened ceiling and mounted unit brings us closer to a building that will serve this community well for generations. Thank you for your generosity and patience as the work continues.