PROGRAM STATEMENT for New Facilities Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of San Luis Obispo – May 22, 2005
Introduction The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of San Luis Obispo (UUFSLO) has grown steadily in membership, attendance, programs and activities over the past two decades. Because of this growth, the existing building and site can no longer accommodate the vision and goals of the congregation. Therefore, members and friends are developing plans to relocate to larger facilities. Project Summary The congregation anticipates a facility to accommodate 350 - 400 members, including a building approximately 10,000 – 15,000 SF and a site of 3 – 5 acres. The facility should generally be located in the San Luis Obispo area with convenient access to the entire county. The project budget is approximately $2.3 - $2.7 million, including land acquisition and project expenses. The building can be new, remodeled existing, or some combination thereof. Goals The new facilities must meet the overall goal of supporting a liberal religious community on the Central Coast, and supporting both the Mission of this fellowship and the UU Seven Principles. In addition, the Fellowship strives to be a “Green Sanctuary”. The new facility should strongly support the 7th Principle through sustainable design and construction, connection to nature, and respectful response to the project site. Site Considerations Understanding the real estate market and construction costs in the San Luis Obispo area, the Fellowship is open to a variety of means for meeting the mission and vision of the congregation as a whole. It is likely that the most efficient way to meet the programmatic needs within the stated budget is through the purchase and renovation of existing facilities, and possible phasing. Renovation is also in line with the goal of conserving natural resources. With this understanding, the congregation will be seeking creative solutions to meeting the programmatic, economic and environmental goals of the project. Programs and Spaces The following section provides a list of current and anticipated programs of the fellowship that would affect the design of a new facility.
Program	Description	Space Consideration
Worship	Worship on Sundays typically follows a traditional format with a speaker at the pulpit, but services vary for special holidays and events.	Sanctuary to seat 200 min.; possible expansion to seat 50 – 100 more. Adjacent prep and storage room is desired.
	Music is a strong component of the worship experience, with piano, a strong choir and guest musicians.	Sanctuary to include space for choir (up to 40) and musicians. Separate practice room and robe/storage closet is desired.
	Special worship: Winter vespers, small milestone events, youth services and the like would be supported by a small worship space.	A separate chapel seating about 25 people is desired. Outside space for meditation or worship is also desired
Growth & Learning	Children’s Religious Education (RE): Children’s RE occurs during service, grouped by grade and conducted by volunteer teachers. Ideally, classes hold 10 - 14 students.	Nursery, Pre-K room, approx. 4 classrooms for grades 1-8, plus a youth room. Outside facilities should include playground and running space. Support spaces include supply room and snack prep area.
	Adult Enrichment: A variety of activities, classes, and discussion groups are held at Fellowship on a weekly and monthly basis	These activities require meeting spaces of varied sizes, from 6 – 20 and more. Multiple events typically occur in a single evening
	Library: The Fellowship houses a small but growing collection of books and audio materials.	Facilities should include a library or a meeting/study room with library shelving.
	Art: Rotating art installations are continuously on display.	Sufficient wall space should be made available for art. One meeting space could be equipped with a sink for art classes.
Social Justice & Outreach	Community Events & Meetings: A dozen or more organizations rent/borrow Felloship facilities on a regular basis, from small meetings to concerts and lectures.	Sanctuary should accommodate a variety of musical, speaking and other non-fellowship performance events. Meeting rooms should be accessible to the public. Storage for ‘tenants’ may be helpful.
	Social justice: The Fellowship houses the homeless shelter overflow program one month a year, and provides meals at the People’s Kitchen.	A large space (Fellowship Hall, Sanctuary or Overflow space) must be flexible to be open for 30 beds and storage for that month.
	Boutique: Fair trade coffee, cooperative crafts, and other items are available for sale on a weekly basis. Book sales are held once a month.	A boutique and storage should accommodate these uses.
Stewardship	This program area includes all the Fellowship does to take care of the facilities and operations. Staff includes a minister, director of religious education, music director and office manager, with anticipation for one more staff added in the next 10 years.	Offices (about 5) should be generally the same as each other for flexibility. Reception should be open and welcoming to all. Support spaces should include a workroom for auxiliary staff.
Pastoral Care & Pathways	Social Functions: A key attraction for many members is the group interaction, including weekly coffee hour, quarterly all-fellowship events, regular potlucks, and so on.	Facilities should accommodate large group activities. For coffee hour, Fellowship Hall should accommodate 200 min., standing. Chair and table storage should be included. Outside courtyard/patio should hold overflow for any even.
	Cooking & Eating: Meals are often shared together at the fellowship, typically in a potluck or ‘warming’ format. Cooking will be expanded to include larger fellowship meals, support for catered meals (such as weddings), weekend conferences and so on.	Kitchen should house commercial grade cooking, cleaning, prep and refrigeration for several individuals preparing meals.
	Accessibility: The Fellowship embraces a range of ages and abilities.	Building and grounds should be universally accessible, and sufficient accommodation should be made for parking, and movement to and around the building.
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