New Building Project: History and Overview

Project history:

Almost 10 years ago, the community collected $1,800,000 towards the project. So far, we have spent half of that ($900,000):

• $520,000 for purchase of the site at 29th and University, in 1997
• $70,000 for demolition and removal of the previous structure at site in preparation new building
• $275,000 for architectural work
• $35,000 for fundraising activities

Right now, we have $900,000 in the bank, and another $400,000 outstanding in collectable pledges.

Meetings throughout 2005

Over the last year, the New Building Steering Committee has held a number of open meetings seeking community input into the location, design, and feasibility of moving forward with our new building plans.

At the May congregational meeting, we learned that the community consensus was to move forward as soon as possible with the University Street site. However, TBI members also agreed that the existing design was beyond our current financial means, and did not match our aesthetics.

Design Revision

Based on direction from the community, action was taken to develop a revised conceptual plan for the University Street site. Patti Barkin, Jan Fillinger, Rabbi Yitzhak Husbands-Hankin, Nina Korican, Nathan Philips, Janet Yood, and Sean Hoar, with input from Yedida Bessemer, Rabbi Maurice Harris and others, worked with John Lawless of TBG Architects to develop a preliminary redesign of the new building.

This process produced a design that reflects our community values:

• Accessibility
• Sustainability
• Community Involvement (art, construction, landscaping, etc.)
• More affordable
• Northwest contemporary style

The redesign also addresses our varied program needs. It will accommodate all community members for all purposes, including the High Holy Days.

What Comes Next?

• Community endorsement to continue with design and construction
• Design Development phase where details are fleshed out
• Construction Documents phase where final plans are developed for permitting, bidding and construction
• Start site development and foundation construction as early as June of 2006 (before September Conditional Use Permit deadline)
• Remember that many details, such as colors, finishes, window placement, sustainability features, etc., will be fleshed out in Design Development and Construction Document phases.