The property has most who looked at it excited with its possibilities. We were guided by Hogen as far as our emotional response to the property and how to harness that rather than let that be the only voice in the room, as it were.
The space is very nice: it's an old Masonic lodge/temple, so it is very similar to a classic Presbyterian/Baptist Congregational church, and not dissimilar to the PDC: raised platform at the front, and floor room for about 150 chairs. This is just slightly larger than the floor-space the PDC has. It is currently being used by two groups, with one being the offices for the congregation that used to use it as a church. Their church has grown out of the space and relocated, and the building is now a bit of an albatross for them. However, the differences to the positive for us are many.
To the right of the main floor-area is an adjacent meeting hall that runs nearly the length of the building, and is effectively as long as the main floor. It is uncarpeted hardwood, and has many windows, so it was a nice bright space, but not overly so. At the end of that is a kitchen entrance. The kitchen is a galley style, but is large enough that I could conceive of making food for a few dozen people. An office is adjacent to the other end of the kitchen, and that office has a door to the main floor to the left of the main platform. The major benefit of this side hall is that the wall that separates it from the main floorspace is open-able with two two-panel doors, and an additional door, so you could very easily have people sitting zazen in there in the event of a very large gathering or retreat, and still feel connected to the main area and teacher.
The entire floor area is chased by a 2nd floor gallery that encompasses three walls (think choir loft--sides and back). While the rail is disturbingly low (about 24"-30") the area could be used for additional sitting (we joked about dangerous kinhin up there), but would be very useful for seating if a large group was using the space for a lecture or presentation. There are three or four offices on the remaining side of the 2nd floor as well; some could very easily be used as classrooms.
There is the possibility for greenspace in the back. A few other benefits to the place:
- Disabled accessibility up to and into the building is not an issue, as there is a fully ADA compliant switch-back ramp with two access points to the street. There would be no access to the 2nd floor, however.
- The neighborhood is surprisingly quiet for being so close to the energetic Alberta Arts District. On top of that, the building is very sturdy (built by Masons, don't you know. They're like that...;) and as a result, from an audio standpoint, the space is very "dead". There is very little echo and reverb. When we all stopped talking, it was a very silent space.
- Being so close to the AAD, there is very good Tri-Met access only a block away.
- The current tenants say that they have had and continue to enjoy a very positive relationship with the community and neighborhood, and there have been few to no parking issues from simply observing mindful parking practices and respecting driveways.
- Unlike moving into a church, this building is very simple. There is no stained glass, religious embellishment or permanent iconography--just a lot of white walls and subdued coloring. A number of us commented that as far as the look of it goes, it would be very easy to make this feel like a Zen space. It's sort of "Zen Ready".
- For the future, the building is oriented so as to lend itself well to alternative energy (solar PV in the future, solar water heat as soon as we'd be able).
- When we were there it was about 98f (anyone looking at me could tell!) However, while inside, we were all very comfortable.
- Repairs required seem to be minimal on the surface. A bit of paint and some plaster work on the North side of the building.
We left with a very positive feel for this place. Now the real hard part begins.
Deciding.
Much, much to think about, and more to talk about. Hogen helped us all understand that there is no rush, as we have been the only group to even look at this property. We have time to focus and really think about this possibility, and make an informed decision as a sangha.
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