SUMMARY & RECOMMENDATIONS

 The Unitarian Universalist Society of Sacramento Master Plan is a comprehensive planning document that describes a conceptual plan for the phased renovation and development of the UUSS campus to meet current and future needs.  The planning process has been developed over a year long period, and was guided by the Master Planning Facilitators (UUMPF) & Oversight committees, and by Jeff Gold & Associates.  Detailed input was provided by the congregation, focus groups, staff and consultants.

The UUSS campus is a beautiful sanctuary within a residential community that was first developed in 1960-62, and has supported a very active program for fifty years.    Since the initial construction 50 years ago, the facility has not received any substantive building additions or changes.   This master plan looks ahead to the next fifty years or more – evaluating the need for renovation and the potential for expansion to better support current programs and to accommodate future growth.

The intentions for the Master Plan were expressed by the congregation at the ‘Searching for the Future’ workshop in 2008 and at subsequent forums.  A comprehensive Site and Building Assessment was prepared in 2011 in order to evaluate the existing conditions as a foundation for future change.  The summary from this report is in the Appendix to this report because these findings are pivotal to the future course of actions.    The master plan process has included a continuation of the assessment of the site, buildings, and facility needs.  A detailed questionnaire gathered information from the congregation (II), and specific input was developed by ten focus groups (III).   This information was synthesized into the program (IV) that outlines future changes and improvements for the UUSS campus.

 The master plan includes a series of site and floor plan drawings (VII) that describe both existing conditions and the full development of the campus.   A concept budget and phasing plan (VI) describes how the campus can be developed incrementally and outlines the priorities for the initial phase. The master plan drawings are also accompanied by square footage tabulations (V) for the existing and future buildings.

 Three principles are fundamental to the master plan and design intentions:

 Follow green, sustainable building practices

• Incorporate adaptive use of the existing buildings – Social Hall and Classroom wing and outdoor spaces, and incorporate healthy elements of the existing landscape
• Emphasize a welcoming appearance that highlights community values, spirit of place, and feeling of sanctuary on campus

 These principles have been articulated by all key participants, as well as reflect the values of the congregation and build upon the findings of the initial Assessment Report.  The master plan respectfully incorporates the fifty-year old heritage of the UUSS campus, and describes an inspirational and practical vision for the future.   The existing buildings, 15,374 square feet in size will be expanded to include an additional 9,938 square feet in new buildings.    A site area has also been identified for a future sanctuary building to seat 500.

 Recommendations:

 The following list of recommendations summarize the primary elements of the master plan as described in the drawings, program and supporting documents:

Property:  The lot line adjustment should be completed to incorporate the outdoor activity area (rear portions of the two duplex parcels) into the permanent part of the campus.  Future disposition of the duplex properties will be explored as part of the overall financial planning process.

 Site Improvements:  Future initial phases will require upgrades to utility systems, remodel of the parking lot, and enhancement of the street-frontage areas.  Additional site projects include improvements to the playgrounds and landscape areas, a shade structure for the main patio, a new entry courtyard, amphitheatre, meditation garden and labyrinth.  “Wildlife sanctuary” shall be a theme for the open space and landscape.

 Social Hall Building:  The existing social hall will be renovated and expanded to provide continued joint use for services and social events.  The kitchen, library and foyer will be remodeled.  Building additions on the east and west sides will provide new support spaces, a ‘welcome hall’ and a multi-purpose room for mid-size activities.

 RE Building:  The existing three classroom buildings will be remodeled and expanded with building additions in order to provide appropriate space for all age groups (nursery-adult), and the needed support areas described in the program.

 Welcome Center/Offices:   A new building is proposed for the campus entrance to consolidate staff offices, reception area and support for focus groups.  This new building will provide a  ‘welcome center’ for visitors, and will free up spaces in the Social Hall and classroom buildings for more appropriate and adaptive uses.

 Timing:  Development of first phase detailed design of the master plan will require a minimum of a year period, and will include approximately six months to complete the County use permit process.

 Budget:  A feasibility study and capital campaign should take place before embarking on the first phase project.   The scope of work undertaken in Phase I will be tailored to the budget set by the campaign goals.   The narrative discussing options for the phasing (VI) includes a description of initial autonomous smaller projects that can be undertaken, as well the ‘constellation’ of improvements that might describe a phase one project.