Building Our Future Together
Design concept for our future auditorium
In 2024, First Unitarian embarked on a visionary plan to reimagine our church facilities and property for future generations of Unitarian Universalists in Des Moines. Called “Our Future Is Now – Dare to Dream,” a master plan was developed to address multiple current and anticipated issues faced by the location our church has called home since 1957.
The master plan’s primary goals are:
- Improving accessibility throughout our building and grounds
- Extending the life of our existing building and systems
- Enhancing the functionality and flexibility of key gathering spaces
- Aligning the site with sustainable landscape and stormwater practices
The plan supports the long-term use of our building and surrounding property through practical upgrades, targeted reconfiguration, and a phased approach to the construction work that allows for responsible financial investment over time.
Project Timeline
Construction work will take place over a three-year period. Our plan focuses on four main areas:
Reimagined south entrance
and stairwell to lower level
- Building Upper Level – including the Auditorium and Griffin Hall
- Building Lower Level – including classrooms, patio, and playground
- Parking lots and the east walkway
- Woods and creek – including flood mitigation and environmental integrity
Beginning in Fall 2024, Dare to Dream subcommittees assessed the current conditions of the church and grounds, generated a list of critical needs, and then created a master plan of projects to address those needs.
Proposed projects inside the church building include updating lighting, windows, audio-visual equipment, flooring, doors, HVAC systems, and seating, with the possibility of some space reconfiguration and the installation of an elevator.
Beyond the church building, our plan suggests new concrete paving in the parking lots and a new pedestrian bridge over the creek. Long-standing erosion in the creek will be stabilized through natural environmental techniques, and play features and contemplative spaces will be built throughout the woods.
Capital Campaign
View of new east entrance bridge
To assess potential congregational support for the Dare to Dream project, a capital campaign was approved by the Board of Trustees in late August 2024. The campaign formed a steering committee and four subcommittees to assess our church’s current condition and needs. Lead gifts were solicited by the fundraising subcommittee beginning in early 2025. That effort generated pledges from 50 people totaling more than $2 million to be paid over the project’s three-year timeline.
Following congregational approval of the project at our annual meeting on June 1, 2025, a general fundraising campaign will begin in September 2025, with the goal of raising an additional $1.7 million. The project steering committee and the Board of Trustees have agreed to spend only campaign-designated funds and not to incur debt for the church.
To make a pledge to the campaign, please click the button below to complete a form online or pick up a pledge form in the church office.
The Project Team
The project steering committee is an ad hoc committee of our Board of Trustees and oversees multiple subcommittees involving more than 40 church members.