Dear Ivywood Community,
As we navigate the complexities of our building project, the Ivywood Board remains steadfast in our commitment to excellence and transparency. We are pleased to report progress, yet acknowledge significant challenges that have emerged since our last update. We have attempted to write and publish this letter for the past four weeks but with variables changing, sometimes daily, we have held off until a plan has been finalized. We can wait no longer and owe it to our committed community to provide these updates knowing they will continue to evolve. The bottom line is that our new building project at Ridge Road is progressing as intended but our path continues to take twists and turns.
Our journey began with securing the Ridge Road property in October, 2022. Despite many unforeseen hurdles, we have achieved significant milestones:
The property is under contract, awaiting transfer.
The school design is finalized and remains consistent with the schematics and renderings found here http://ivywoodclassicalacademy.com/new-building/
Final budget and builder contract have board approval.
Regulatory approvals are in place, pending Wayne County’s final approval for road improvements.
The current challenges include the prolonged Wayne County permit process and the push back of our closing date by the Michigan Finance Authority. Due to these delays, it is unlikely we will be able to start excavation prior to the winter season, which in turn, delays our construction timeline. Rising interest rates and project costs are affecting project financing adding additional complexities. As recently as this week, interest rates have ticked down which works in our favor. Our financial team is diligently exploring optimal solutions, and we anticipate finalizing financing soon and closing on the property in mid December.
Upon closing, our contractor will mobilize to begin preparations on the construction site. In early spring, we plan to host a community-wide groundbreaking ceremony at the actual location of our forever home to celebrate the official start of Phase 1 of the construction project. We are eager to celebrate this exciting milestone with our dedicated community!
We are actively working on ways to prevent further delay and we have had the support of advocates who have helped to encourage Wayne County in moving Ivywood’s request forward.
We are grateful for the partnership with Plymouth Township, which has been supportive of Ivywood’s expansion and has been instrumental in helping to maintain the momentum of our building project. Despite setbacks, we remain confident in the project and focused on Ivywood’s future.
Due to the aforementioned delays, we anticipate that the revised timeline will not allow for occupancy of the upper school building at the start of the 2024/2025 school year, as was our original hope. Early in the planning process, a contingency plan was developed to allow the school to continue to grow and expand independent of any potential delay in the completion of the new building. As part of that plan, we are very fortunate to have formed a partnership with Risen Christ Lutheran Church in Plymouth, located at 46250 Ann Arbor Rd, Plymouth, MI 48170. Risen Christ has a school facility in their building which will provide classroom space, gym and cafeteria facilities while the construction team works to complete our new building. Quite fortunately, Risen Christ was previously utilized by our authorizer CMU as a charter school location and, as a school facility, already possesses the required regulatory approvals. At this time, the Ivywood leadership team is analyzing several factors to determine which student groups will utilize the classrooms at Risen Christ in the fall of 2024. As plans for the upcoming school year are finalized, additional communication will be provided as soon as possible. We thank you in advance for your ongoing support and understanding as we navigate the changing timelines and the implementation of this contingency plan. Risen Christ provides a true school facility, in close proximity to our current location, with the necessary governmental approvals, and is available for occupancy at the time we need it. It is truly a needle in a haystack for our needs and we feel very fortunate to have found it.
Looking ahead, we are planning to host community events throughout the duration of this project, including our first in-person informational meeting on November 28th at 5:00pm. Additionally, the Board and administration will continue to provide regular updates as we have them. Your feedback, questions, excitement, and investment are invaluable, and we invite you to get involved in fundraising efforts and volunteer opportunities.
We are driven by the lasting impact that our forever home will have on our students, prospective families, and the entire community. Nevertheless, the Board recognizes the temporary challenges and inconveniences that this update may cause to our students and families. We thank you for your ongoing support and patience. It will certainly be worth the wait! The Board will not stop or waiver until this project is complete.
In partnership,
Ivywood Classical Academy Board of Directors