As we all know, UUSD needs more space to meet the needs of our growing congregation. The Facilities Task Force (FTF) was established at the end of 2024 to determine the best approach for making more space at UUSD. Initially, the task force looked at quick opportunities to find additional space. We started by looking at out-buildings, or space not directly attached to the main building. We looked at yurts, pre-fabricated buildings, log cabins, wood framed buildings, even a tent! Every option we looked at was not viable for one reason or another. We came to the realization that we needed to expand our present building, which included converting our storage shed into a functional, multi-use cottage.

In that UUSD is a modified residence, creating more space is not an easy task. After much discussion, we decided we needed professional help to develop a Master Plan on ways to expand our building. This was to be a study to establish various ways to meet our needs. For budget control, we asked for a good-better-best scope of work so we could pick and choose the best design for each area of need that would fit our ability to raise money for the work.

We developed a Request for Proposal (RFP) that was sent to three Delaware architects. We wanted three proposals to verify the fees requested were realistic for the scope of work. We were not necessarily looking for the lowest fee, but rather the best qualified firm within a reasonable fee. To aid the architect in developing a scope of work, the FTF established UUSD’s Project LOVE (Leading Our Vision to Expansion). We interviewed the general congregation, minister, committees, Board of Directors, and even our children to determine what our exact needs would be. A spreadsheet condensing all the input will be completed sometime in June/July.

We selected two of the three architectural firms that we believed had the best qualifications for the fee requested. We interviewed the architects, checked on references and previous projects, and selected Architectural Alliance, from Wilmington, to develop our Master Plan. The FTF will work with the architect to review the various schemes and select the good-better-best schemes to present to the congregation. This is presently planned for early 2027. Budget estimates for each scheme will be provided by the architect.

We are very excited to continue this project and work collaboratively with the architect to help us come up with the best options to meet our needs.

Want more information about Project Love? Check out the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on our website!