New Community Center
The Project
Expansion of the existing building was not seen as a viable solution to the inadequate space for worshipers, congested parking—crossing a busy street to access the masjid; accessibility; lack of classrooms; lack of recreational space and other concerns of a growing community.
So, in 2007 a 46-acre parcel of land was purchased for $500,000 on October 26, 2007; it is accessible via public transportation and easily accessed from major highways by families who drive. This property is big enough to address our current needs and allow expansion as our needs naturally grow.
Our vision is to provide space that will create an environment attractive to our youth. That will afford them their youthfulness and encourage them to follow a path of good manners, morality and balance. Spiritual guidance is important as well as physical activity. To that end we developed plans for the New Community Center.
Our plan is to build in three phases:
The first phase of the project will give us a 15,197 sq. ft. multi-functional building with prayer space, gymnasium for the youth, community center, and some space for the school. With a parking lot that has 286 parking spaces, that will be plenty of parking and of course, handicap access. The earthwork in preparation for the building will be done in this phase.
Total Phase 1 Cost $3,947,730
The second phase will add 12,874 sq. ft. of lobby, a mezzanine floor with additional prayer space and wudu areas, seven enclosed classrooms and an office as well as a kitchen. An elevator for access to the mezzanine floor and a funeral preparation area is also included.
Total Phase 2 Cost $2,860,190
The third phase is a function hall for community meetings, as well as events such as dinners and weddings. This will make the Islamic Center a very useful place for community members. For private functions they can pay to the Islamic Center rather than pay a hotel.
Site Plan Approval was received from the Town of Onondaga on April 6,2015, copy attached, at a cost of about $100,000. We want to proceed with building drawings and construction as soon as funding is available for one or more phases. It would be most efficient to do all the phases together.
Total Phase 3 Cost $2,037,000
Total Cost of all Phases $8,844,920