Town Hall Meeting 9-2-26

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Executive Summary: Town Hall & Building Project Update

Date: September 20, 2026 Presenter: Elizabeth (Architect / Project Representative) Host: Building Engagement Task Force

1. Project Overview & Priorities

The Building Engagement Task Force presented an update on the proposed new Fellowship Hall and overall campus updates at Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Durango (UUFD).

Primary Priorities (in order of importance)

  1. Multi-Purpose Fellowship Hall: ~2,800 sq. ft. new building (50’ x 33’) with capacity to seat up to 128 people using stacking tables/chairs.
  2. Accessible and Welcoming Lobby: 410 sq. ft. lobby area providing seamless access to both the sanctuary and the new fellowship hall.
  3. Safe & Accessible Campus: Integrated wheelchair access, smooth exterior pathways, and consolidated lot lines.
  4. Dedicated Space for Spiritual Growth & Ministry: Dedicated spaces for youth, toddlers, and ministry activities.
  5. Environmental Responsibility: Passive solar orientation, durable polished concrete flooring, and acoustic ceiling treatments.
  6. Administrative Spaces in Bowman Hall: Relocating/maintaining administration on the 2nd level of Bowman Hall with enhanced accessibility.

2. Key Site & Architectural Details

  • Fellowship Hall Features:
  • 250 sq. ft. commercial-capable residential kitchen (includes double dishwashers, center prep island, electric cooktop, double oven, and two single-bay sinks).
  • Storage for tables and chairs, a janitor’s closet, and a coat nook.
  • Direct double-door access to the outdoor patio/courtyard.
  • Sanctuary Modifications:
  • Minimal interior manipulation to control costs.
  • Addition of a ramp connecting upper/lower levels, a toddler room, an AV control area, and chair storage.
  • One existing restroom converted to an accessible restroom; another converted to storage.
  • Bowman Hall Adjustments:
  • Admin offices remain on the 2nd floor.
  • Proposed new secure entry addition featuring a 4-foot-wide clear stair and a vertical platform lift.
  • Removal of two existing exterior staircases to streamline wayfinding and campus security.
  • Bottom floor of Bowman Hall remains as-is for flexible meeting space, secondary kitchen, and extra storage.
  • Site Constraints & City Regulations:
  • Lot Consolidation: Combining the main sanctuary lot with the Columbine lot to adjust the 30-foot rear setback line.
  • Parking: 38 parking spaces required; discussions ongoing with the City of Durango regarding exact stall counts.
  • City Lot: Incorporating or paving the adjacent city lot is not financially feasible and has been excluded from project scope.
  • Public Improvements: Reduced square footage may exempt the project from city-mandated sidewalk upgrades and street tree additions.

3. Financial Status & Value Engineering (VE)

  • Original Budget Target: $3.3 Million
  • Initial Cost Estimate: $4.7 Million
  • Savings Achieved to Date: $763,000 (via preliminary Value Engineering)
  • Current Estimated Cost: ~$3.9 Million (~20% over target budget)
  • Remaining VE Gap Needed: ~$677,000

Budget Inclusions & Cost Breakdown

  • Bowman Hall Stair/Lift Project: Included (~$290,000)
  • Columbine Door/Access Improvements: Included (~$26,000)
  • FF&E (Tables & Chairs): Currently included in the project budget.

4. Member Questions & Answers

  • Q: What is happening to the bottom floor of Bowman Hall?
  • A: It will remain as-is for supplemental meeting space, hospitality support, and ongoing storage needs.
  • Q: Is the Spiritual Growth Ministry’s recommendation to cancel the $26k Columbine door being considered?
  • A: Yes, it is on the radar for potential cost elimination following final discussions.
  • Q: Can the kitchen support commercial or commissary prep for extra revenue generation?
  • A: The current target is residential-grade appliances under a set allowance. Layout refinement is ongoing in coordination with hospitality teams.
  • Q: Can FF&E (tables/chairs) be cut from the budget to save money now?
  • A: Yes, removing initial FF&E purchases is under consideration as a delayed expense option.
  • Q: Can we add more glass along the east wall or remove the exterior wall bump-out to save money?
  • A: Walls are significantly cheaper than glass. Architectural offsets/bump-outs are currently used to satisfy City EN4C neighborhood design guidelines regarding roof/wall lengths, though simplified geometries will be explored.
  • Q: Is the congregation interested in having better exposure, visibility, and flow between the FH& the patio?
    • BETF will explore other options
  • Q: Where will coats and historical items go in the back of the sanctuary?
  • A: A coat nook is planned near the janitor’s closet; additional storage is integrated into converted existing spaces.
  • Q: Will main Sunday service entry be restricted to the new main lobby?
  • A: Yes, to create a singular, secure entry point for the entire campus.
  • Q: Is an operable room divider still included in the Fellowship Hall?
  • A: No, the partition wall was removed during Value Engineering due to high structural and product costs. Bowman Hall will serve as secondary meeting space instead.
  • Q: How will wheelchair users reach the courtyard from the sanctuary?
  • A: Accessible routes proceed through the main lobby directly into the Fellowship Hall, out through the level double doors, or around the exterior ramp path on the south side.
  • Q: How can we close the remaining financial gap?
  • A: Through continued Value Engineering, potential DIY labor contributions (e.g., landscaping/pavers), additional capital gifts/pledges, or low-interest financing if necessary.