This endeavor is ongoing and our FAQs will be updated as more information becomes available.

“So, about that expansion . . .”

Q: Who is leading the effort for UUSD’s expansion efforts?

A: The Facilities Task Force (FTF) was appointed by the Board of Trustees (BOT) to develop long-term plans to support UUSD’s facilities needs. The FTF will develop and recommend comprehensive long-term facilities scenarios to present to the BOT and subsequently to the Congregation.

Q: Why would we want or need to expand?

A: UUSD’s membership continues to grow requiring us to look at ways to accommodate that growth through expanded storage, meeting, classroom, social, and sanctuary space.

Q: Are we going to hire an architect to help us with the plans?

A: The FTF sent Requests for Proposals to several architectural firms and received three proposals. The FTF has worked with the BOT and the Contracts team to select one firm. The FTF will share which firm was selected once a contract is executed.

Q: What will the architect provide as far as drawings?

A: The selected architect will provide conceptual designs, including building floor plan layouts showing room configurations and sizes, windows, doors and built-in fixtures. Basic generic furniture layouts will be shown in the common spaces.

They will also develop schematic elevations of the primary facades. These elevations will show the exterior materials, window/door arrangements, and roof massing of proposed alterations to the existing building and new addition(s).

We are not planning on the architect providing construction ready drawings until after a final selection is made of the architectural renderings.

Q: Are we going to hire an engineering firm to assist with questions related to sewer, water, septic tanks, etc.

A: Yes, we plan to hire a civil engineer to assist us with infrastructure questions. The selected architect will solicit input from a Civil Engineering firm with experience in Sussex County, Delaware to confirm zoning and regulatory assumptions, and assist with site improvement layout.

 

Q: Is the FTF considering the environmental impact of the expansion?

A: Yes, we are selecting an architect who ensures sustainability is integral to their design process. We will prioritize reducing environmental impact, carbon footprint, and life-cycle costs through the thoughtful use of local and/or sustainable materials. Our planned approach will result in a building that is efficient, resilient, and responsive to our Congregation, the climate, and its surroundings.

Q: Do we currently have a mortgage that we need to consider?

A: Yes, our current mortgage is approximately $600,000.

Q: When and how will the final decision on the design of our proposed expansion be made?

A: The FTF will finalize three architectural renderings (good, better, best) to share with the Congregation April 2027. The Congregation will vote on one of three architectural renderings (good, better, best) at our annual meeting June 2027. After that, we will conduct a Financial Feasibility Study with the results presented to the BOT July 2027. The Congregation will then vote on whether to move forward with a Capital Campaign August 2027.

Q: Who is eligible to vote at the annual meeting?

A: According to our Bylaws, you must sign the membership book no less than 30 days prior to the annual meeting in order to be eligible to vote at the meeting.

Q: Where will the money come from?

A: We are currently planning to kick-off a Capital Campaign in September 2027.

Q: Who is on the FTF if I have more questions about this?

A: As of March 2026, the FTF members include Rich Applebaum, Allan Cairncross, Rand Lytton, Lori Rocheleau, Gary Schmidt, and John Sykes. Board Member Representatives are Paul Barnette and Donna Davis.