Faith West still on track to open this summer

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - It's a multi-million dollar project that is expected to serve the West Lafayette community. And construction isn't slowing for the cold weather.

A gymnasium, fitness center, meeting and conference rooms, a day care, it has it all. The project may only be half way complete, but Faith West is well on its way to becoming a center for the entire community.

Construction on the Northwestern Avenue project began in August of last year. Since then, Faith West has seen lots of progress, including work on the public restaurant.

"That might sound a little odd but that was not on our radar screen at all. But a lot of the neighbors said they would really love to see that happen," Paster Steve Viars said.

That restaurant will be operated by John Christos, owner of Red Seven, Camille's Sidewalk Cafe and Christos New City Grill. Viars said it will most likely have the feel of an espresso cafe.

Above the restaurant? Housing units for Purdue students, as well as any other member of the community.

"There's 40 different apartments, some of them 2-bedroom all the way up to 5-bedroom. That's covenant housing for people who would like faith to be part of their life," Viars explained.

Viars said 40 of 120 leases have already been signed. He said Faith West is expected to open in late July or early August, which  is looking more and more likely.

"The good news about this project is the two things you always want to say about a project, it's on-schedule and it's on-budget and we're really thankful for that," Viars said.

What is the budget exactly? $11.5 million. You may remember in a sharply divided vote, West Lafayette officials issued a 30-year low interest rate bond to help fund $7 million of the project.

Viars said Faith West will also bring 10 to 20 jobs to West Lafayette.
    
He said seeing the building go up is a dream come true for him and everybody else at Faith Church.

The church will also be offering a service on Sunday mornings at Faith West. He believes a couple hundred people will start attending Faith West, many coming from the current church on the east side of town.