Building Our Tomorrows
Quarterly Update, July 2026

This is the first quarterly report regarding Building Our Tomorrows. In this and
future quarterly reports you will find renovation updates, capital campaign updates,
and your personal Capital Campaign pledge statement. If you have questions or
feedback, please respond to the Capital Campaign Co-chairs, Laurie Albright
(ljalbright@hotmail.com) and David Kantor (davekcg@gmail.com), or Capital
Campaign Treasurer Carol Gay (carolcgay75@gmail.com)

Architecture Task Force Update

The Architecture Task Force is in the process of hiring a Construction Manager (CM) for pre-construction services. They have requested proposals and interviewed their top candidates. An announcement of the selected Construction Manager (CM) is expected soon. Watch for it!

It is expected that the Construction Manager will serve as the General Contractor as the project advances.

The team has let Hiti, our architectural firm, know that our biggest priority for the building is a welcoming entrance and accessibility to all parts of the building. Hiti has, or will soon meet with representatives from the Shaker Heights Architectural Review Board and the Landmark Commission because our building is located in a Shaker historic landmark zone. Once we have a better sense of what our options are, we will reach out to the congregation for input on designs. In the meantime, a land survey and geotechnical testing on the site will be scheduled soon.

Printed minutes of the Architecture Task Force meetings are posted on the bulletin board under the stairs at the east entrance.

Many thanks to the entire Architectural Task Force for their dedicated work for our congregation’s future!

Our Living Memory Photo Project

Memories are more than moments of sentimentality—they’re reminders of the experiences that have shaped us. As we contemplate the upcoming renovations to our UUCC home base, we want your photo contributions of favorite places or those that capture places we can improve upon in our building.

You can send digital photos or scan older prints and add a few words or sentences about why that place has meaning for you. Your submissions will be a gift we’ll treasure. Here’s a link through which to submit your caption and photo: Submit
Photo

Capital Campaign Update

Since November the Capital Campaign visitor team met with 175 congregant households. We’ve heard what you love about UUCC, what you’re excited about with the renovations (and what you’re concerned about). We shared joys and sorrows, we got to know each other a bit better. The entire visitor team is grateful for the time you spent with us. It has been a blessing to us. We hope it is for you.

One-hundred fifty (150!) UUCC congregants have pledged an impressive $4,310,595 towards the total projected renovation costs of $6 million. That represents pledges at eight (8) times our annual stewardship giving. Most consultants advised we should expect 3-5 times annual stewardship giving. Our success was thanks to the guidance of our Capital Campaign Consultant, Glenn Wagner of JD Klote, and Associates, and you – Our UUCC Congregants. You stepped up. Thank-you!
Equally impressive – as of July 12 we had received $996,232 of the 4.3 million pledged, plus an additional $12,184 in other contributions and interest.

Co-chairs of the Capital Campaign are Laurie Albright (ljalbright@hotmail.com) and David Kantor (davekcg@gmail.com).

Supporting the Capital Campaign

If you would like to make a pledge or gift to the Capital Campaign please contact Capital Campaign Co-chairs, Laurie Albright (ljalbright@hotmail.com) and David Kantor (davekcg@gmail.com), or Capital Campaign Treasurer Carol Gay (carolcgay75@gmail.com) They’ll be happy to help you!

Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Cleveland
21600 Shaker Blvd ~ Shaker Heights, OH 44122