Join us in repeating our building affirmation:
“We give thanks that Unity on the Bay’s right and perfect home is manifesting under the guidance of God.”
Dear Friend of Unity on the Bay,
Last summer we informed you that we expected to close on the sale of our current property in late 2018 or early 2019. Time passes quickly and we are happy to tell you that we continue to anticipate a closing within the next several weeks.
Our original agreement with the buyer included a nine-month lease back that would allow us to remain in our present facility until September 2019. After several weeks of vigorous negotiation, certain terms of the deal were renegotiated to ensure we were able to keep the transaction on track in a real estate environment with increasing uncertainty. Specifically, the buyer needed to reduce the amount of time we remained on the property in order to alleviate strong concerns from their investors and start their development sooner.
In exchange for leaving six months early, we were able to secure significant concessions, including a higher purchase price and funds that will cover our rental expenses for temporary space for at least one year. The seller also released significant funds before closing that will allow us to continue our planning and secure temporary space.
In recent months it became clear that our long shot hope of moving directly into our new home was definitely not likely going to happen. The original leaseback arrangement also involved loss of our on-site parking and the take down of the Cameron House and possibly other portions of our current structure. Remaining on the property for nine months without on-site parking would also have been a significant hindrance to attendance. When early departure was brought to the table, it made sense to eliminate the need to watch the slow demise of our facility. So in essence, as divine order would have it, the end result creates a win-win for both parties.
We will now be leaving the current property by April 1. This means we will need to relocate into a temporary space while we pursue plans for our permanent new home. We have already met with our friends at Temple Israel, located just a few blocks away at 19th Street and NE 2nd Avenue. We are finalizing the terms of renting their property for Sunday and Wednesday services as well as our Youth & Family Ministry programs. They also have very generous parking conveniently located adjacent to their facility. We are also investigating options for rented office/classroom space in the immediate area.
Meanwhile, we continue working with our architectural firm in creating plans for our new facility.
We will continue to keep you posted through our website, social media, and Sunday services. Meanwhile, if you have any questions or concerns, please email board@unityonthebay.org.
Friends, from the onset of this historical project we have affirmed that God is orchestrating every detail. We have total confidence that our affirmation is being confirmed in the current unfoldment of events. Although our plans have changed, God’s plan remains perfectly intact.
We humbly and gratefully request your heartfelt prayers and support as we continue moving forward in faith.
In spiritual unity,
Eddie Dominguez, President, Board of Trustees
Rev. Chris Jackson, Senior Minister