Women's Residence Construction News
After six months of terrific progress on construction of the women's residence, the 2009 building season will come to an end in late October. The framed building will be under roof and protected for the winter by the installed doors and windows. Construction will resume in April 2010 and, if financing is secured, we expect the building to be finished by September 2010.
Due to lower costs of materials and labor this year, the original estimated cost of the building (at $900,000) may be high. While we cannot predict construction costs in 2010, the building might be completed for less than $800,000. A little more than $300,000 has been donated so far. Completion of the new residence, which will accommodate 48 women, will progress only as the remaining funds become available.
Returning students who would like to make a donation towards completion of the female residence, or commit to a monthly pledge to help finish the building, can visit the old student section for more information, or contact the Dhamma Kuñja treasurer at treasurer@kunja.dhamma.org, or by phone at 206-200-4124. Be sure to note "center development" on your checks or on-line donations, to ensure the dana is used as you intended.
Roofing Work Nears Completion on Women's Residence, October 2009
Framing Work Continues for the Women's Residence, September 2009
Framing Work for the Women's Residence, August 2009
Women's Residence Walkway in Progress, August 2009
Donations: A unique opportunity
Construction costs in 2009 are much lower than in recent years due to the overall economic environment, and donations made now will allow more progress towards completion of the women's residence than we originally anticipated. Those who have already taken a Vipassana course and who would like to make a donation in support of center development can contact the NVA Treasurer at treasurer@kunja.dhamma.org, or donate online.
New Women's Residence Design
The new women's residence building will have a mix of double-occupancy and semi-private rooms to accommodate up to 46 students. Both the male and female residences will have one handicapped-accessible unit, as well as a room to accommodate the student manager. Each room will have a full, attached bathroom; skylight or windows for natural light; and an exterior entrance to a common, covered pathway around the building. When space is available, more established students and those with special needs may be given their own room.
Images of the design for the new women's residence are shown below. Click on a picture for a larger image.
New Men's Residence Completed On Time and Under Budget
The new men's residence hall at Dhamma Kuñja was completed in December 2008. Accommodating 34 students in double-occupancy rooms, each with attached bath, the residence was completed under budget and fully financed by old student donations.
More pictures of the construction of the men's residence can be found in the photo gallery.
Completed men's residence, December 2008
Background
Dhamma Kuñja began operating in 1991 with a capactiy of 41 students. In October 2002, the new meditation hall and other infrastructure improvements were completed in Phase I of the center's master development plan. The new hall has been a wonderful improvement to the meditative atmosphere of the center. Phase I also resulted in an increase in the number of students who could attend each course from 41 up to 55. Even more students can attend in the summer when the weather is conducive to camping.
Phase II Overview
Phase II of the center's development will focus on expansion of student living quarters to match the full capacity of the meditation hall (80 students) and to make the accommodations more conducive to serious meditation. It will also include revamping student dining areas in the existing building and remodelling the kitchen.
Finances
The total cost for the Phase II residence buildings and remodel of the existing building is estimated at $1.6 million. Of this, approximately $900,000 will be the cost of the women's residence, which is larger than the men's and will require extensive utility work due to its location in the northwest corner of property. The men's dormitory was completed under budget at approximately $500,000, and was fully funded by old student donations.
Approximately $700,000 has been given in donations for Phase II, enough to have paid for the men's residence, and to begin the construction of the women's residence. However, more funds are needed to complete the women's residence and the remodel of the existing main building. The financing for the women's residence may include taking on a bank loan depending on donations received.
Donations
Construction costs in 2009 are much lower than in recent years due to the overall economic environment, and donations made now will allow more progress towards completion of the female residence than we originally anticipated. Those who have already taken a Vipassana course and who would like to make a donation in support of center development can contact the NVA Treasurer at treasurer@kunja.dhamma.org, or donate online.
Contact us:
Northwest Vipassana Center
445 Gore Rd.
Onalaska, WA 98570
Phone: 360-978-5434
Fax: 360-978-5433
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Course Registration:
Phone: 360-350-1985
Fax: 360-242-5988
registration@kunja.dhamma.org
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