Renovation and Refresh for Solel

by Robbin Botnick, August 28, 2019

Dear Solelniks,

On behalf of the Renovation Committee, we are pleased to update the congregation on our progress.

In order to ensure that we take into consideration the best interests of our community and stretch our capital funds as far as possible, we initiated a thoughtful process of reviewing our needs and researching architects who will be able to provide the best support to Solel. We focused on architects who have done similar type projects, worked with not for profit organizations, understand our vision — and have the track record to support our goals. After many hours of meetings with stakeholders and numerous architects, we are happy to advise that we have selected a firm of architects. With this important decision made, we will be holding facilitated sessions with the architects and key community stakeholders to flesh out and cost our renovation plans. Our prime focus areas continue to be: the lobby, offices, washrooms and flooring as well as a refresh to the youth lounge and kitchen updates.

We are cautiously optimistic that with the funds we already have, along with your support, we will be able to create a fresh, new and welcoming look to the Solel entrance and install gender neutral washrooms that will meet the needs of our broad community, while still providing privacy and comfortable space for all. In addition to our building refresh, we are also hoping to raise funds to support a further exciting new milestone opportunity which we will share with you over the High Holidays.

Following our community meetings and approval by the board we will be communicating the renovation plans with you through congregational open house meetings. We expect that all of the planning and approvals will be completed by early next year with construction starting in the late spring — and completion prior to the 2020 High Holidays. We will endeavour to keep Solel functioning throughout the project as we work around Simchas and other events scheduled for the next year.

During all of this planning time, our funds have been protected in secure investment vehicles and our principle continues to earn for us.

We look forward to sharing more with you at High Holidays and throughout the fall. We would also like to thank everyone on the committee and all of the stakeholders who have worked so hard to get us to this point and we look forward to being able to share our new look with the whole community.

Robbin Botnick and John Lewsen,
On behalf of the Renovation Committee

Filed under: Congregational News

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