What is the project? The Legacy Campaign of the First Unitarian Church. We are going to restore our present historic chapel, remodel or refurbish the rest of the current building, add a new 350 seat chapel on property the church owns to the north, and make the entire church complex seismically safe.
Why is the church undertaking this project? With more community use of our building, more expensive social action programs, and a growing congregation, we have run out of room. We have to turn away community events and our current chapel only seats 185, so for Sunday services we add chairs in the aisle and vestibule and about 50 to 80 people watch the service by closed circuit in the social hall.
If the progressive voice in Salt Lake City is to succeed, we must expand our facility.
Are there any special features in the project? The project is designed to create the first totally Green church in Utah, with a solar power system that generates more power than the church uses in a year, and LEED-Platinum certification for the use of green materials and environmentally sensitive design.
How much will it cost? $6.2 million. The economy and lower current construction costs have brought this down from the original estimate of $7.5 million
How much has been raised so far, and from whom? Members of the congregation have contributed almost $2 million so far, with 120 more families still to be asked. We are also approaching many foundations and individuals, both in Utah and nationally, and we are planning a public campaign for after we raise most of the needed funds.
What is the schedule? The design work is just about completed and we plan to begin construction in the spring of 2010.
Who is the architect? AJC Architects in Salt Lake City. They have excellent experience in historic preservation and designing green buildings. Jill Jones is leading the team. The church’s Building Committee is chaired by Myron Willson, Director of Sustainability at the University of Utah.
Who is raising the money? The Capital Campaign Committee is composed of congregation members chaired by Judy Barnett and including Margaret McGann, Steve Grizzell, Gaylan Nielson, Sal Monaco, Julie Swaner and Gay Cooksin. We also have other members of the congregation who are initially contacting local foundations and a contracted writer who is preparing the grant applications.
What is the time frame for pledges? Pledges can be made over four years as long as they are completed by 2012.
Who else has expressed support for this project? Both Salt Lake City and County have written letters of support, as have individual community leaders like Ted Wilson, Norm and Barbara Tanner, Paula Julander, Jane Marquardt and Mike Thompson, and community groups the church has supported.
For additional questions about the Legacy Campaign, please contact Judy Barnett at judybarnett63@gmail.com
