Facility Opportunity

Well, it seems we have an opportunity to consider and a decision to make. If you're an NC3-er you know that we currently meet in an Elementary School on the weekends and have our offices in an office building in downtown Morris. We are currently in year two of a three-year capital campaign from which we are purchasing 20 acres a little north of Morris on Illinois Route 47.

A small church located near downtown (East of rt 47) has decided to sell its facility. The purchase price for this building and land would be very close to what we are currently paying for 1) mortgage on our office and 2) rent at the school.

Pros:

• 24/7 access to the facility allowing for mid-week activities, etc.
• Less time setting up, b/c many things could just stay set up.
• No more having to worry about how the political situation with the school board will affect our access to meeting space.
• Buying vs Renting
• Office space in the same building as the auditorium/class rooms.
• Ability to make class rooms warm and inviting, instead of institutional.
• Having a building could give us "credibility" in some peoples eyes in our community.

Cons:

• Parking is limited to on-street.
• Auditorium is a bit small...will need very big investment sound-wise to avoid taking a huge step back in sound quality.
• Stage is pretty shallow (nice and wide, though)
• The building is 40+ years old and looks it on the inside.
• There is NO foyer, currently.
• Children's area (1st - 5th) will be much smaller than what is available at the School.
• Perception that this building is our goal. (It's not...it's only a stepping stone on the way to a campus at Rt 47 & Minooka Rd.
• The amount of money and effort that would need to be put in to present a "WOW" factor with guests.

So talk to me about this. Let's have some comments. What are your thoughts on buying vs. renting... a traditional "church" building vs. a community center (elem school)... portable vs. stationary