The cost of doing business

[_harmony]

I was visiting the FLAK forum and found this post that Cap't Jack had brought from RfM (thanks, Cap't):

I just came from a meeting at our corporate headquarters where the subject of instruction was the current building projects and projected projects in Utah and SLC and how we (my company) are going to meet the needs.

Some interesting facts that came from the meeting.

1. The City Creek Center:

a. Our company estimates that the true cost will be $6 – $8 billion dollars. This is based on the following facts.

1. This is a fast tract project. The construction of one 22 story tower and two 18 story towers would normally take three to five years alone. Add in all the auxiliary buildings, infrastructure (sewer, waterlines, communication lines, etc. - oh yes and the mole people tunnels), street level improvements, etc. It costs a lot of money to keep a project like this on track for the short amount of construction time available. After all they are destroying two city blocks and replacing them new in 48 months (project end date to be 2011). As the presenter stated “Imagine if two city blocks in Manhattan were to be removed and replaced, oh that’s right, the “Freedom” towers and complex are. Could that be done in 48 months? NO WAY. The “Freedom” tower alone is projected to take six to eight years.“ (by the way, the Freedom tower is only one city block).

2. Competition from current construction projects for labor. Legacy Highway, Draper Temple, South Jordan Temple, TRAX expansion, Commuter Rail, Housing projects like Kennecott Day Break, Retail and Commercial construction to service the current construction projects etc., all have placed a demand on available man power and crafts. To compete with these projects the City Creek Center construction companies (Jacobson, Oakland and Big D) are going to have to pay premium wages and salaries. This means no more day labors at $5.25 per hour. Our company projects that a helper is going to be paid $14.50 per hour. Can you say Hurricane Katrina prices?

3. Competition from current construction projects for materials. To compete with the current projects the City Creek Center construction companies (Jacobson, Oakland and Big D) are going to have to pay premium prices for materials. Even with the Mormon church buying direct from the manufacturers, the materials will be more expensive as the delivery dates will cause the materials to be rush orders. The Mormon church is notorious for waiting until the last minute to purchase materials (maybe they think that construction supplies will be found on-site every morning like “manna” from heaven?). This fact of delayed buying caused the conference center costs to rise from the projected $315 million estimate to the final cost of $1.1 billion.

4. There currently is a shortage of qualified workers. Our company estimates that when started City Creek Center will demand an extra 25 000 to 35 000 workers. Our company estimates that mid project there will be over 100 000 construction workers needed. These individuals will have to come from out of state. (So, if you can swing a hammer and bend a nail, head to SLC, hell if you own a hammer come to SLC). Funny side note, unless they make construction of the City Creek Center a mission calling, the influx of workers are not going to be Mormon. So not only are they going to over pay for the workers, they will loose 10% more of their money.

5. The cost of just getting to “zero dirt” our company estimates will be between $450 - $650 million. This includes demolition of the current buildings, moving and relocating (breaking leases) tenants out of the current buildings, removing all current utilities and replacing with new that meet up to date requirements (seismic, materials, etc.).

One of the presenters expressed the biggest concern. FAST TRACK = FAST CRAP. What he means is that the City Creek Center will be built on 7 day cures for the concrete (7 days is the minimum allowed, whereas 28 day is the best cure), hastily constructed supports, minimum welds, and every other short cut that can be done to save time.

He pointed out that the Conference center was a fast track and it is already having major problems (leaking roof, panels falling off, interior wall are wet, etc.).

Yes kiddies, believe it or not, there is more. Part 2 is coming soon.

Some comments:

1. $1.1 freakin' billion for the Conference Center? That's 3 times the cost they estimated! and what's up with the leaking roof, panels falling off, wet interior, etc? Why are we never told about this stuff?

2. $6-$8 BILLION for a freakin' SHOPPING MALL?!?!?! What the hell? Why aren't people freaking out? Is it because we've been lied to, once again?

3. Shoddy construction, for $8 billion? I'm definitely in the wrong business. When that puppy comes tumbling down, will the church's pockets be deep enough?

I can hardly wait for Part 2.

[_Bond...James Bond]

It's a bad combination when you have a bunch of guys:

1) with pretty much unlimited monetary funds (50 billion? 100 billion? More?)

2) with little to no oversight

3) looking to create a legacy (what better way than a bunch of buildings)

4) a mandate from God (at least in their minds and the minds of the core followers)

Thus you have the LDS Church organization and leadership. Tons of money, itchy fingers, and delusions of grandeur.

Bond

[_maklelan]

It's not tithing money, so what do you care?

[_Mister Scratch]

It's not tithing money, so what do you care?

Since the books are closed, you cannot rule out the possibility that tithing money in some form was used.

[_maklelan]

It's not tithing money, so what do you care?

Since the books are closed, you cannot rule out the possibility that tithing money in some form was used.

They said it was not. I've been a part of the church financial sytem, and I know how fiercely they protect whatever moneys are considered sacred. That's a bold accusation to make, and without any evidence too.

[_rcrocket]

Mister Scratch operates by the rule that the absence of evidence for a proposition is evidence for that proposition. More foolish, unread posters exist on this board, but not many.

P

[_Mercury]

It's not tithing money, so what do you care?

Considering the only source of revenue comes from tithing directly or indirectly your incorrect on many levels.

[_harmony]

It's not tithing money, so what do you care?

I don't care where it comes from (and you can't prove it's not tithing, as Scratch just pointed out). It's gonna cost one whale of a lot of money ($6-8 billion!) Do you know how many hospitals could be built in Africa with that kind of money? How many homeless shelters? How many children could be fed and clothed with that amount of money? ARGH!!!!!

[_Mercury]

It's not tithing money, so what do you care?

Since the books are closed, you cannot rule out the possibility that tithing money in some form was used.

They said it was not. I've been a part of the church financial sytem, and I know how fiercely they protect whatever moneys are considered sacred. That's a bold accusation to make, and without any evidence too.

Everything comes from tithing. Directly or indirectly. You can fool yourself and say that it is not tithing if its been "spiritually laundered" nbut when it comes down to it, tithing money spent on something that is then turned into an assett, lets say a real estate endeavor or stock purchase, is still tithing money.

Pootard, give me ten thousand dollars and then I can invest that in something. I don't have to pay you back because, well, that's not your money any longer. Of course, people voluntarilly give up their money for tithing so this is a bad analogy but you get the point.

[_maklelan]

It's not tithing money, so what do you care?

Since the books are closed, you cannot rule out the possibility that tithing money in some form was used.

They said it was not. I've been a part of the church financial sytem, and I know how fiercely they protect whatever moneys are considered sacred. That's a bold accusation to make, and without any evidence too.

Everything comes from tithing. Directly or indirectly. You can fool yourself and say that it is not tithing if its been "spiritually laundered" nbut when it comes down to it, tithing money spent on something that is then turned into an assett, lets say a real estate endeavor or stock purchase, is still tithing money.

Pootard, give me ten thousand dollars and then I can invest that in something. I don't have to pay you back because, well, that's not your money any longer. Of course, people voluntarilly give up their money for tithing so this is a bad analogy but you get the point.

You're not considering the GA's who live the law of consecration, as well as other donations made by wealthy members purely to build up the kingdom.