| March
Relocation Update
By Kenna S. Eaton, General Manager; from
the March 2005 Newsletter
We have an architect. We contracted with Daniel K. Mullin, Architects
to conduct the building and property survey and to create a complete
set of base drawings. Although we had some of the blue prints
from the original drawings for Safeway, it was not a complete
set, plus we need to ensure that all measurements were up-to-date
and correct.
Dan
Mullin’s studio will also give us the architectural
design and accompanying construction drawings, and will be responsible
for project administration. We will work closely with his team
to ensure that the new facility meets our needs and perhaps even
some of our dreams, as well as coming in on time and under budget.
(Well, that’s my goal at least.)
In
early February Gart’s removed the cedar paneling from
the front of the building, revealing the original Safeway glass
front; they also removed the orange carpet and took out any
unnecessary improvements. We finally got the keys and access
to the building
in the middle of February so we could actually get going with
the planning phase.
We
hope to have preliminary plans available for members to review
at the Annual Membership Meeting, March 23 at the American
Legion
Cabin. It’ll be a dessert potluck so bring something yummy
to share and we’ll provide drinks. We plan to talk about
2004 and then share our upcoming plans for 2005 with time for
Q & A. Building plans, photos, timelines, etc. will be
posted in the Co-op and on our web site as soon as they are
available.
Our
new Landlord Beth Kenworthy has agreed to replace the existing
roof, pay for bathroom upgrades and also to pay for removal
of the existing floor tile. She is also responsible for the
new
facade, although that will be a somewhat co-operative project
between tenant and landlord. The new facility has just over
15,000 square feet, just over double our current 7,000 sq.
ft., and
our new rent will be a nickel more per square foot per month.
We are responsible for all internal facility upgrades such
as plumbing, electrical and flooring. Plus, if we want any
extra
bathroom or offices, that will be our responsibility as it
was when we moved to our current location. We’ve guesstimated
$25 per square foot for leasehold improvements. At this
point we’re still refining the budget so that number
will change but hopefully not significantly.
We’ve planned to spend about $375,000 on new-to-us equipment.
Again, that is a guesstimate that will be refined as we get clearer
about our needs and wants. However, we had a great opportunity
at the end of January to purchase some equipment from the closed
Tidyman’s store in Moscow. We were able to purchase lots
of walk-in coolers, freezer doors and kitchen ovens, mixers,
pans, etc. for half price. So, while we will have to put in some
work cleaning and painting the equipment, we’ve saved a
huge chunk of change plus Tidyman’s is generously letting
us store the equipment in their building until we need it.
Thanks
to everyone who has offered their congratulations and support
for this project. It has been exciting and reassuring
to hear your positive thoughts. And thanks also to everyone
who has offered to help us move in August, we will be contacting
you as we get closer to “D-Day”. And, finally, thanks
to the members who have generously donated or loaned us money.
We wouldn’t be able to do this without each and every
one of you. |
