PH Extension & Remodeling

Frequently Asked Questions

This FAQ sheet addresses some frequent concerns that you may have about the proposed project and the fundraising campaign.  For detailed information about the project, please consult the PH Extension & Remodeling booklet.

Why do we want to do it?

The Polish Home hosts many groups with a variety of activities. As the number of groups using the building for meetings, events, and other social activities increases, so does the need for space. The growth is good and this level of activity enriches our community and generates revenue. However, it cannot be sustained without dramatic improvements in functionality of the building. Today, our overall mission and the ability to attract more people to our organizations are hampered. The additional space in the proposed extension will make it possible to have a new multifunctional room that could be used for meetings as well as serve as a library and a reading lounge, a secure exhibition room or a small movie theater or TV lounge. The Polish School as well as many other groups would benefit from this additional space.

Isn’t PHA membership shrinking? Does PH & PHA have a future at all?

PH Association membership is in fact shrinking slowly while at the same time other groups such as the Seattle-Gdynia Sister City Association (SGSCA), the PH Foundation and the UW Polish Studies Endowment Fund Committee are growing. Polish immigrants have always been membership base of PHA and, barring a major disaster in Europe, this base will continue to dwindle. The future of the Polish Home will be assured only when our membership base becomes all-American; that is when there is a successful transition from a primarily Polish immigrant community to a primarily Polish-American community. This process has already started with emergence of SGSCA in 1993 and is the best way to go. To remain a vital and vibrant community hub, the Polish Home needs to be a modern facility able to support a variety of functions and groups. Hence, the building needs to be expanded and remodeled in order to attract more Polish-Americans and Americans interested in Polish culture and to shift the membership base. That’s clearly where the future is.

Is the elevator necessary? Isn’t this a luxury?

It may seem like adding an elevator is a luxury, however, there are practical and solid reasons for installing an elevator as part of the project. First, having an elevator will reduce the cost and time it takes to move items from the first floor to the second floor, particularly food and equipment and opens additional storage space at the third floor. Second, any improvement to the building will also require us to bring the building up to code. Not having a disabled access while opening our events and activities to the public is against the current laws based on the Americans with Disabilities Act. The cost of meeting these requirements by installing a hydraulic elevator is about $45,000 while the benefits are incalculable for the number of groups and activities the PH sponsors. Third, the addition of an elevator will make the building as a rental facility more attractive due to convenient access to the upper hall which in turn should generate more revenue.

Would a loan be necessary for the project and if so, would we be able to pay it off?

A loan is not necessary if enough donors pledge their support. As pledges can be spread out in increments over up to 5 years, it might be necessary to take out a loan covered by pledges to speed up construction. Construction will start only when the pledges are sufficient to see the project to a successful finish.

What happens if not enough money is raised to build the addition?

If we can raise around $100,000 or $150,000 we would finance some projects from Phase II that can be done without extending the building, such as rebuilding the upper floor stage, or adding air-conditioning to the building.

Is there a risk of bankrupting the PHA with higher taxes and elevator maintenance?

Does PH generate enough revenue to cover these costs?

PHA is a non-profit organization and does not pay property taxes for the building. At our current level of events and activities, such as the annual bazaars, Polish Home generates positive cash flow for PHA after operation costs and regular maintenance. Membership dues are a minor part of PHA revenue (about 8%). Square footage is expected to increase by 30% resulting in increased insurance and maintenance increase; additionally, the elevator maintenance is estimated at $350 per quarter. These costs can be offset in the following ways. Improvements, including an elevator, will increase the number of events and number of people who could attend them and thereby increase the revenue. Rental revenue will improve from a much more modern and attractive facility as we can expect more requests for rentals even at higher prices. A new way to generate revenue is to add art exhibitions including the sale of art with commission. For example, there have been frequent proposals from artists (3 or 4 per year) to organize such event but lack of secure space made these exhibits impossible. An exhibit of this kind, with pastels priced $300 to $500 and commission of 30%, can easily generate revenue

for PHA. The possibilities are endless once we have the dedicated space.

I don’t like the current project, especially the front elevation – is this the final proposal?

The main features of the project – that is having an extension towards the street with new rooms and elevator – are set, as these are driven by our need for new space and improved functionality. However, several aspects of the plan can be changed subject to finances and codes. Hence, while the old style balcony is out of question due to lack of space, a different front elevation is a possibility. Please talk to Committee members if you have specific concerns.

 Why are we building an addition – shouldn’t we repair the building foundations first?

The estimates for stabilizing the foundation of the building are in the range of $10,000. The new construction would stabilize the foundation in front of the building. With enough pledges, we can repair the rest of the foundation when building the extension –   this would make most economical sense anyway.

 Why don’t we rebuild the stage upstairs with a new fire escape?

A new stage and fire escape is part of Phase II of the Master Plan and needs to wait until we raise enough funds. There is no money to pay for major remodeling upstairs today but with the success of the current project (Phase I) we can successfully implement Phase II later.

 Demolishing the manager house doesn’t make sense

We agree – currently we don’t have plans to demolish it. In fact, renting it would be more profitable. However, once the City agrees to allow demolition, this as an option for the future if the demolition were ever needed.

FAQ updated June 10, 2005