The outskirts of Bridgeport and even the city’s downtown and Main Street corridor aren’t the only areas that are seeing substantial growth. In fact, you can now add Philadelphia Avenue to the list of city sections to see six- and seven-figure projects.

 

This one, however, isn’t your standard fare. However, it will have a huge impact on a large section of the community.

 

On July 25, a building permit for a $1.5 million project at Simpson Creek Baptist Church was filed at the Bridgeport Community Development office. Director Randy Spellman said the project is for a 7,046 two-story addition to the existing building that is a fixture within the community. The addition will feature 3,523 feet on each floor.

“It’s an expansion of what they call the fellowship hall that will include a number of new meeting rooms, classrooms and will be done in a really nice design,” said Spellman. “This will be a great addition for the church as well as the city. It’s a first-class upgrade.”

 

The project has been designed by MSES Consultants out of Clarksburg. Lombardi Construction will be the contractors.

 

“We looked at several options on expanding, including a separate building. With the other options, there were too many strikes, not the least of which was cost,” said Simpson Pastor Mike Hopkins. “Basically, we’re punching out the back of our present building and going to make it a much larger fellowship hall area.”

 

The reason for the expansion project is related to ongoing growth at the church. Hopkins said there’s been substantial growth, particularly involving the children’s ministry, that helped lead to the decision.

 

“We have a very active youth and children’s ministry with adults involved that has seen tremendous growth,” said Hopkins. “A lot of the project will focus on that, but the building will allow for many other things.”

 

The space can be used for banquets. It will include Sunday school rooms. It will include classrooms for religious learning. And other uses as well.

 

“The rooms and space can be used for many different things. The good news is that the church is growing and we need the space,” said Hopkins.

 

Hopkins said the cost of the project won’t impact any existing programs. In particular, he said the mission outreach and local expenses involved with operations are in good shape and has even seen the church actively involved with flood relief.

 

Work is expected to begin soon on the project, Hopkins said.
 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows Randy Spellman looking over plans, while the church is shown below.