For the City

Whatley Chapel Updates and FAQs

Canaan Group & Congregational Input

  • CGChurch is a consulting firm closely associated with the PCA that assists churches in evaluating and implementing capital campaign fundraising. They will conduct one‑on‑one interviews and a church‑wide survey to gather feedback.

  • All responses will be confidential. Canaan Group will compile the feedback into a final report summarizing the results. This report will guide the Session, Building Committee, and Capital Campaign Team as they discern whether to launch a capital campaign, and if we do so, how we can go about it in the most prudent manner.

  • The interview and survey questions will cover a wide range of topics, including Whatley Chapel, the lease agreement, the capital campaign, design and construction considerations, and DPC church life and leadership.

  • Yes. All answers will be kept confidential and anonymized in the final report. We intentionally partnered with a third‑party group to encourage honest, candid feedback.

  • Yes. Upon completion of the study, we will share a comprehensive summary report with the full congregation. The report will include what we learned, what it means, and how we plan to move forward based on the results.

  • While we don’t know exact figures, we expect the remaining need to be between $3 million and $4 million. Until we come to the end of the feasibility study, we do not presume to know exactly what the capacity for a campaign may be. Before moving forward, we must be confident in the congregation’s willingness to support the need. All goals will be shared transparently in the context of a possible campaign.

Whatley Chapel Lease

  • The lease consists of four 10‑year terms, totaling 40 years. The school district may cancel at the end of each term but would incur a significant financial penalty. They must notify DPC at least 36 months before a term expires if they wish to cancel the lease.

  • DPC will fund the renovations (estimated at $5–6 million). Rent will then be offset at $8/sq ft (approximately $16,400/month) for the first 10 years, increasing by 11–12.5% in each subsequent term. We anticipate rent will be fully offset for 20–30 years. After the renovation cost is fully offset, rent will shift to market rates.

  • If the district chooses not to renew during the first two renewal periods (the first 30 years), they would incur a $4 million penalty.

  • Yes—DPC may exit during the due diligence period or if required permits cannot be obtained. After due diligence is complete, the lease terms become binding.

  • Rent abatement begins once construction is complete and the certificate of occupancy is issued.

  • DPC will be the sole occupant and may use the building throughout the week. The school district retains the right to use the upper level and amphitheater for up to 30 days per year, primarily for student performances.

  • We would like to, but the school district is not currently interested in selling. This lease positions us well should that possibility arise in the future.

  • DPC has had a property search team since 2016. For the last few years we have hired real estate professionals to help us find and vet properties. During that time we have inquired and vetted dozens of properties.