In October 2009 UUCSS contracted with the architectural firm of Balzer, Hodge and Tuck (BHT) to complete a feasibility study of the potential for building a new church with 250-300 worship seats on our present site at 624 North Broadway. Our Long Range Planning Committee provided BHT with Program (specific space) Requirements based on a survey conducted two years ago. The design guidance provided to BHT was minimal other than that the new building should be well integrated into the architectural styles currently present on North Broadway.
BHT concluded that while area and parking variances would be required,it would indeed be possible to erect a new church building on this site.Based on the Program Requirements, BHT recommended a new building with about 15,000 square feet of space. The usable space consists in an enlarged basement and two additional floors. A two dimensional layout of the various spaces is provided in the first Figure below. In addition to the worship space for about 270 people and an after service social area on the first floor; five RE classrooms, a nursery area and a large Library/Boardroom are included.There are three offices for minister, administrator and a potential assistant minister. The second floor contains ample space for a meeting hall and kitchen.
The initial building design envisioned by BHT is shown in the second Figure below. This sketch was first shown at our Stewardship Reception on October 4 and was enthusiastically received by all. BHT also provided a preliminary cost estimate for the building.While we all recognize that we are in no way financially able to undertake a new building at this time, we do a least have a vision of a possible new building. This vision may help us in launching a long term Planned Giving and Endowment Program. In the coming year Long Range Planning will continue to evaluate other new building options such as space sharing.