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Pastor asks Opelika CRA for help restoring 1926 building; architect estimate far exceeds grant
Summary
Ranzer Thomas, senior pastor of New Generation Missionary Baptist Church, asked the Opelika CRA for financial support to renovate a 1926 landmark building as a community performing-arts and cultural space. Staff said an architect estimated roughly $1.52 million; the church holds a $100,000 grant with about $60,000 remaining.
Ranzer Thomas, senior pastor of New Generation Missionary Baptist Church, told the Opelika Community Redevelopment Agency during public comment that his congregation seeks CRA funding to renovate a 1926 landmark building downtown for community use.
"We have a vision for the building… We have entitled the project, the Nehemiah Project," Thomas said, describing plans for a performing-arts and screening room that the church would make available to the city. He asked the CRA to consider additional financial support once the church and architect produce firm estimates.
Jason Walker, the CRA director, told the board the church applied for a commercial rehabilitation grant that is capped at $100,000 and that the CRA has already paid about $35,000 to remove debris so an architect could inspect the structure. Walker said the architect returned three design options and gave a construction estimate that he expects to be "probably gonna be the number $1,520,000," a figure board members called substantially larger than expected.
Board members repeatedly expressed support for the project's aims but said the CRA cannot commit large sums without clearer contractor-level cost estimates and protections for public investment. Chairwoman Russell told the pastor the board would need written assurances about community access and said she would be reluctant to approve a multi‑million dollar project if the CRA had no stake in the property: "Whatever conversation we have… we need a written something in writing as to how the community is going to benefit. That would have to be in writing for me to move forward."
Directors and board members asked staff to return with two options: (1) a "bare bones" exterior option limited to roof, doors, windows and basic systems that would create a safe, walk-in building the congregation could outfit, and (2) a completed build-out estimate. The board also encouraged the director and pastor to meet outside the public meeting for more detailed review of estimates and potential agreements.
Next steps: CRA staff will produce clearer cost options and a scope for a minimal exterior/structural option and a full-completion option; the board will not decide on additional CRA funding until those figures and a proposed community-use agreement are presented.
