News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Mustard Seed Ranch must wait for the completion of the revised building plans before moving forward with the construction of two new homes.
Executive Director Tammy Depperschmidt said the Mustard Seed Ranch has one portion of the revisions to complete for the state fire marshal.
Mustard Seed Ranch must send in building plan revisions to move forward with two house constructions. (Photo: Mustard Seed Ranch Facebook)
“We are right now at the latter part of our engineers plugging in the structural designs into this package,” Depperschmidt said. “So that we can send it back for approval. ”
Depperschmidt said the revisions require better fire safety for the new homes.
“The more important revisions were in regards to needing a different fire entrance,” Depperschmidt said. “And having to kind of create a new entrance, if you will, to meet the code.”
Depperschmidt said she hopes the fire marshal approves the revisions so Mustard Seed Ranch can move forward with construction.
“Once we have everything completed and we are ready to move forward, we are going to start the excavation process. And then we will be able to start the building process, which is wonderful,” Depperschmidt said. “And as soon as we are finished building these two new homes, we are going to be able to bring on additional 16 children.”
After Mustard Seed Ranch completes construction, the nonprofit can support approximately 38 children in total. The addition of two homes is a part of Mustard Seed Ranch’s capital campaign to raise $1.8 million.
Depperschmidt said Mustard Seed lacks about $500,000 to complete the capital campaign. Depperschmidt said the ranch will continue to fundraise for the latter portion of the campaign.
“Well the fundraising plan is that we continue to reach out to folks,” Depperschmidt said. “And we are going to speak in front of groups and organizations and foundations that might be willing to join in our capital campaign”
Depperschmidt said the $500,000 will specifically fund sustainability of the homes for the next three years.
“So basically that money will help sustain the homes,” Depperschmidt said. “Until we are able to find another fundraising opportunity to help us continue to maintain our homes. ”
March 2019 will mark the third year of the capital campaign.
