New Building Progress Report

New Building Committee Progress Report

April 27, 2003

The purpose of this report is to inform the Beit Am community and friends of Beit Am on the progress of the New Building committee. The New Building Committee was formed by the Beit Am board to move forward the building design process, gather input from and inform the membership, and launch the necessary capital funding campaign.

What is the current status of the new building?
Several years ago Doug Parker led a committee which surveyed the community about our preferences and needs in a new building. Feedback included location preferences, building 'feel' and space needs. After an initial capital campaign, the land was bought and a road and small parking area were installed. Subsequently, Ken Krane and Linda Sarnoff led a summer of Sunday meetings with members, which included trips to the land and gathering of additional input. They were then ready to expand the new building committee, consult with an architect, and get started on conceptual designs to use for community input and to launch a capital campaign. The New Building Committee now consists of: Ken Krane, Linda Sarnoff, Larry Plotkin, Joni Plotkin, Ed Tuttle and Nadine Davison.

Who is the architect and how did you pick him?
Chick Gerke is a local architect who has worked with Linda Sarnoff on various city and university projects, has a strong interest in religious spaces, and worked very hard with the new building committee for a price that was within our budget. Mr. Gerke was selected to do the conceptual design. An architect for the final design work has not been selected.

Why aren't we taking better advantage of the view - isn't that why we bought this land?
The beautiful view to the west is at odds with having the ark on the east end of the sanctuary, toward Jerusalem. We are still considering alternatives - but most dictate having the ark on the west end. We would like your opinion on this matter.

Please call a member of the New Building Committee if you have comments or Questions.

How much will the project cost?
We estimate that the project will cost about $1.8 million dollars, with about $1 million for the actual 10,000 sq. ft. building and the rest for site preparation, parking, furnishings, architect, permits, utilities and etc.

How are we going to raise the necessary funds?
It will take a concerted effort by the community to make this building happen, especially if we hope to break ground within 5 years. We plan to raise the money through a variety of means, but most will come from us, the Beit Am community and we welcome your comments:

We want feedback about the idea of a capital commitment request of Beit Am members for a one-time 10%-of-gross-income obligation spread over 5 years (2% a year). New members would also be required to make this capital commitment. Estimated revenue: ~$500K

Naming opportunities for the various spaces in the new building - we have put together a proposed dollar amount for each major space. Estimated revenue: $0 - $800K

Sale of Bricks, tree-of-life, benches etc. Estimated revenue: $10 - $50K

Solicitation of major donations from individuals and foundations (though most foundations will look for a significant community commitment before they will donate money). Est. Rev: ~$500 - $700K

Sale of current building. Est Rev: ~$250K

Mortgage. Estimated Amount: $0 - $300K

please contact us if you have any questions, or want to help with the capital campaign.