In August 2006, Our Savior’s Lutheran Church (OSL) moved its congregation from its 46 year old home on Cunningham Lane in South Salem to an 11-acre campus on Baxter Road, off south Commercial.  The congregation wanted to share use of this beautiful property with the community and gifted the land to be used for a gathering and meeting facility on the location.  This would be an innovative partnership with the community with OSL providing the land and facility management and the community providing volunteers, funds and labor to build the project. 

An OSL men’s study group first recognized that the property needed to support its sports field with outdoor restrooms.  This concept expanded into a greater vision of a community hall.  The group, with the help of volunteer architects and engineers, created a design for a meeting facility for youth clubs, church and community groups.   The idea was proposed at a summer congregational meeting and was approved. 

Planning, architecture, engineering, landscaping, concrete cutting, heating/cooling and electrical design have already been donated.  They have gained the proper permits, but are seeking donations for other aspects of the project. 

Groundbreaking is planned for the spring 2007.  The team is seeking community donations for materials and labor. 
 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS – BAXTER HILL COMMUNITY HALL 

What is the size of the facility?

The facility will be 3,750 sq. feet.  Architectural renderings are available on the OSL website at www.BaxterHillCommunityHall.org . 

What amenities will the facility include? 

Currently, it is planned that the facility will have a large meeting room (seating up to 175), kitchen, office, small conference room and storage along with large roll-up doors and a combination indoor-outdoor fire place.  Outdoors there will be a soccer/softball field and restroom facilities for youth using the fields. 

Who will manage the facility?  Will there be a fee for use?

While all the details are not finalized, it is anticipated the church will be responsible for the scheduling of meeting space and the upkeep of the facility. They may charge a small facility fee for use to offset clean-up. 

Who can use the facility?

The committee has just started to work on its facility use policies, but it is anticipated that it will be most attractive to youth groups such as scouts, sports teams, study groups, or community and neighborhood groups. The site would also be suitable for outdoor weddings and picnics. 

What will be the cost to build this facility?

Preliminary estimates to build the Community Hall are $300,000-$350,000.  This does not include the interior furnishing. 

What types of donations are needed for the facility?

Ideally, a very large one!  Fortunately, the planning, architecture-engineering, and permit costs have already been donated.  The group is looking for companies or individuals who would be willing to supply construction materials, labor or financial support for the project.  A list of needed materials is available on the website at www.BaxterHillCommunityHall.org. 

What is the timeline for the project? 

It is planned that a groundbreaking can take place in the spring 2007 and the foundation can be poured.  The group hopes to have the donations and funds in place for the entire project before the walls go up. 

Who is supporting this project? 

The team has good support from the City of Salem and city leaders.  Leaders from the faith and business community, scouting, neighboring schools, youth sports programs as well as neighborhood residents are excited about the project.  It means more opportunities to gather together in their own neighborhood.  A list of all the generous companies who have donated is available on the website at www.BaxterHillCommunityHall.org/Contributors.html . 

How can I get involved? 

No donation is too small!  Donation forms are available on the website at www.oursaviorssalem.org and your contribution is tax deductible.  If you are part of a community group that can help procure materials or work on the project, please contact Donation Coordinator, Ed Merzenich at edmerz@comcast.net or by calling 503-371-7262.  Excellent community service opportunities exist for this project.