Open Hearts—Open Spaces: MZMC's Building Project
Background
In June 2019, we celebrated the unveiling of our "Open Hearts — Open Spaces" campaign at MZMC. This was the public kickoff for our campaign to better share the dharma through renewing and revitalizing our building by the shore of Bde Maka Ska. Architect Rick Okada shared his aesthetic philosophy and vision for the renovation. Co-guiding Teacher Ted O'Toole shared thoughts on current progress and goals for the capital campaign to raise funds for this effort, as well as how the campaign will contribute to a solid foundation for helping people to transform their lives through meditation for generations to come.
Due to the great generosity of our members and friends, we have now raised $584,000 in the capital campaign to make improvements to our building and better serve the sangha. This is the most money that ZC has ever raised. It will enable us to meet our three goals of stewardship, expansion, and accessibility.
Update
We have great news about our building addition! After such a long process of visioning, planning, and fundraising, it's almost hard to believe that we have reached the point when construction can actually begin. The changes to the building will allow us to better share the dharma, and many beings will benefit! There is unlimited gratitude, on behalf of all beings, to the many folks who donated to this effort financially, or gave their time and effort.
On October 18, the MZMC board decided to proceed with the project as soon as possible. Barring unforeseen circumstances, we will be breaking ground before the end of the year, and construction will occur over the winter and into the spring. We will have a new, larger zendo to meet in when we return to the building, on the other side of the coronavirus pandemic.
The new zendo will have a fine view of Bde Maka Ska and the back yard, as well as a simple, elegant design, and good light and ventilation. The plans also include adding a basement area under the new zendo, adding two handicap-accessible bathrooms, redoing the front entrance, and replacing the stucco and windows in the existing structure. Problems concerning parking spaces have been resolved, and the changes that will be needed to our parking footprint are fairly small. In the video below, Architect Rick Okada take us through the renovation and building plans.
In June 2019, we celebrated the unveiling of our "Open Hearts — Open Spaces" campaign at MZMC. This was the public kickoff for our campaign to better share the dharma through renewing and revitalizing our building by the shore of Bde Maka Ska. Architect Rick Okada shared his aesthetic philosophy and vision for the renovation. Co-guiding Teacher Ted O'Toole shared thoughts on current progress and goals for the capital campaign to raise funds for this effort, as well as how the campaign will contribute to a solid foundation for helping people to transform their lives through meditation for generations to come.
Due to the great generosity of our members and friends, we have now raised $584,000 in the capital campaign to make improvements to our building and better serve the sangha. This is the most money that ZC has ever raised. It will enable us to meet our three goals of stewardship, expansion, and accessibility.
Update
We have great news about our building addition! After such a long process of visioning, planning, and fundraising, it's almost hard to believe that we have reached the point when construction can actually begin. The changes to the building will allow us to better share the dharma, and many beings will benefit! There is unlimited gratitude, on behalf of all beings, to the many folks who donated to this effort financially, or gave their time and effort.
On October 18, the MZMC board decided to proceed with the project as soon as possible. Barring unforeseen circumstances, we will be breaking ground before the end of the year, and construction will occur over the winter and into the spring. We will have a new, larger zendo to meet in when we return to the building, on the other side of the coronavirus pandemic.
The new zendo will have a fine view of Bde Maka Ska and the back yard, as well as a simple, elegant design, and good light and ventilation. The plans also include adding a basement area under the new zendo, adding two handicap-accessible bathrooms, redoing the front entrance, and replacing the stucco and windows in the existing structure. Problems concerning parking spaces have been resolved, and the changes that will be needed to our parking footprint are fairly small. In the video below, Architect Rick Okada take us through the renovation and building plans.
.Although the campaign closed as of the end of 2019, gifts are still being accepted from those who have not yet had a chance to contribute.
