Status on Our Current Building
This update seems to be one of the most-read portions of the weekly eNews, and for that, I thank you. If there is information about the move you’d want to see more of, please let me know via email, at randy@unityofmelbourne.com.
This week has been one of patience regarding the sale of our building. We are still in the “Due Diligence” phase of the sale which ends at the end of the week. This is the opportunity whereby the contracted buyer can visit the building and grounds and have inspections performed throughout the building and property. By Saturday we will know if the buyer is committed to purchasing the building with a scheduled closing or settlement date of Tuesday, May 30th.
SHOULD the current buyer back out of the contracted sale, our Broker has assured us there are other prospective buyers who remain very interested in purchasing our building and property.
I’d like to extend my appreciation to all the artists who have had their artwork adorning our halls for the past number of years. There remains some art that still needs to be removed, and some we are still trying to contact the artist.
The paintings in Hospitality are those we cannot identify the artist or know where the art originated. During this Sunday’s Potluck Lunch, we invite you to look and see if you know who created these paintings.
In Hospitality during the Sunday Potluck Lunch, we’ll also have some tables displaying photos and picture boards of previous events at Unity of Melbourne. We need your help in adding the narrative to these pictures and appreciate anyone who can add to the story.
Thank you to Barbara Harris for her tedious and necessary work in cleaning and consolidating office supplies in our workroom, and Bernard and Micky for their continued effort with digital scanning and helping identify furnishings to take to the new space.
Our New Location
During the past week, I’ve been in contact with the current tenant of the space we will be moving to. They are still holding classes and worship services in the space, and they too will be moving. Pastor Joshua and I have discussed what furnishings and equipment we (Unity of Melbourne) are interested in obtaining (security system, stage lights, and such).
We did obtain approval to a requested facility modification to create 2 offices within a conference and storage room. Tsark Architects are finalizing the architectural and mechanical drawings for submission to the City of Melbourne for approval.
We received a quote from Art-Kraft signs (who has done work in our signage at 2401 N Harbor City Blvd) about adding a sign on our new space and removing the signs on our current space.
We’ve also been working with Unity’s preferred graphic designer, Print By The Yard, to create an ad that will run in Natural Awakenings magazine announcing our relocation.
I’m still evaluating the proposals for our internet connection, interior (Wi-Fi and wired) network, and telephone service. It is complex and complicated and is taking a bit longer than originally anticipated.
During Sunday’s Board meeting, one of the agenda items will be a review of the recent meeting and discussion with some members of our Board, myself, and congregant and certified financial advisor, Farah Sivolella, where we discussed developing a strategy for the funds received from the sale of our building. Once the entire Board has heard the proposed strategy, it will be made available to the membership and congregation. Stay tuned for more information.
Vashti Saint Germain continues her work as the interior designer of our new space, and her ideas are inspiring.
Rev Vernelle has been working on a closing ceremony for our current space and a ceremony to birth our new space.
How You Can Help
At this point in time, I ask for your thoughts and prayers for patience as we get through these last few days of the Due Diligence period and what path is next.
Plans are already in place any eventuality and helping all Unity of Melbourne leadership and stakeholders in prayer for Divine Order is always appreciated.
We also appreciate your patience during this process. Please now as soon as we have closed on our current space and have signed a lease agreement on our new space, we will make arrangements to tour the new space at a time when our presence would not interfere with the services and classes currently being held.