For more than a year, we have been searching for a new location for the California Ridhwan Center to replace our current Center on Byron Street in Berkeley. A study of where teachers and students live has indicated that Berkeley is an optimal location for those of us who are in the area, as well as for those who visit from other parts of the world.

OUR NEW PROPERTY

The Ridhwan Foundation has recently purchased a property at 2075 Eunice Street in Berkeley.  This property has formerly been used by a Unity congregation and a Sufi order.  It affords us approximately three and one-half times the space we now have at Byron Street and includes:

• 6,800 square feet of building space on a 28,000 square-foot lot
• A sanctuary space with balcony and capacity to accommodate 250
• A second gathering space on the lower level with a stage and capacity to seat 75-100
• A sizeable kitchen just off the lower-level gathering space with plenty of storage and counter space
• A small group meeting room / classroom
• Five offices for DHAT staff, volunteers and others
• Current parking for 35-40 vehicles
• Plenty of yard space for creative use to develop gardens, decks, etc.

ACCESSIBILITY AND THE NEIGHBORHOOD

The neighborhood and location of our new home is both attractive and optimal:

• Located in a lovely residential area
• A few minutes’ drive from Interstates 80 and 580
• Just one block from Live Oak Park
• Only three blocks from the retail area around “Walnut Square” on Shattuck Avenue with its many restaurants and conveniences.

PROPERTY RENOVATION AND IMPROVEMENT

Our new home comes, as they say, “with great bones.”  Most all of the essentials we have been looking for are in place.  And, there are some improvements-both short-term and long-term-that will be addressed as needed and appropriate.  Our Building Committee-with teacher, student, and staff representatives as well as professional architectural and project guidance-will advise the School on these matters.  Our priority projects are significant expansion of the restroom facilities, as well as reconfiguring and renovating doorways and windows off the sanctuary for increased safety.  This project will also greatly improve the field of the sanctuary space.  Some renovations to the sanctuary itself are needed, including removing the pews and reconfiguring the altar area.  Seismic retrofitting will be our most extensive project.  We will be able to address it fully and most cost-effectively as other, individual projects are accomplished.