Campaign for the Future

Project is expected to take 24-28 months to complete once started.

Plans can be found HERE

B2 (Basement Level 2)

• Main Features:

• Indoor pool and aquatic center.

• Kiddie pool and 5-lane swimming pool.

• Men’s and women’s locker rooms.

• Members’ locker rooms with saunas, steam rooms, and showers.

• Youth courts and a hurling wall.

• Lounge area and laundry facilities.

• Ample storage and equipment rooms.

B1 (Basement Level 1)

• Main Features:

• Parking area with approximately 52 spaces.

• Secure bike storage and repair station.

• Trash, recycling, and compost rooms.

• Electrical and mechanical rooms.

• Access ramps and freight elevator.

1st Floor (Ground Level)

• Main Features:

• Welcoming lobby and reception area.

• Digital gallery highlighting Irish culture.

• The Emerald Pub for gatherings and events.

• Interactive exhibits and spaces for community engagement.

2nd Floor (St. Patrick’s Room)

• Main Features:

• Banquet hall, theater space, seating and stage.

• A wine bar to serve guests during events.

• Full-service kitchen to support dining and event needs.

• Bar and lounge areas.

• Green room for performers or event preparation.

• Men’s and women’s restrooms.

2nd Floor Mezzanine

• Main Features:

• Additional seating for the theater and banquet space.

3rd Floor

• Main Features:

• The Patrick J. Dowling Library, featuring reading areas.

• The Irish Museum, showcasing Irish-American history & culture.

• Spaces for exhibits, storytelling, and cultural enrichment.

4th Floor

• Main Features:

• Administrative offices.

• Classrooms and meeting rooms for educational and community programs.

5th Floor

• Main Features:

• Gym with fitness equipment and facilities.

• Showers and changing rooms for gym users.

6th Floor

• Main Features:

• Rooftop restaurant and bar offering a wine-focused experience.

• Scenic garden and open-air deck for dining and relaxation.

We are committed to fairness, compliance, and delivering a high-quality project. If the project uses federal, state, or local grants, it must comply with California Prevailing Wage Laws, which require workers to be paid wages equivalent to union rates, regardless of union affiliation. Whether union or non-union labor is used, all contractors and workers will meet the required standards for wages, safety, and performance.

The Irish Cultural Center redevelopment will blend professional expertise with community contributions:

• Volunteers can assist with non-skilled tasks like landscaping, painting, and event organization.

• Licensed professionals from the community may donate their skills, such as carpentry or design, to enhance the project.

• The “Time, Talent, and Treasure” model invites individuals to contribute in ways that align with their abilities.

A licensed general contractor will oversee the project to ensure compliance with California labor laws, building codes, and safety standards. The contractor will be selected through a competitive bidding process, prioritizing experience with cultural and nonprofit projects.

The Irish Cultural Center nonprofit may lease the property to a separate entity, such as a project-specific nonprofit or a contractor, to manage construction and operations. This structure allows:

• The nonprofit to reduce financial and legal risks by transferring liability to the leased entity.

• The contractor or management entity to assume responsibility for construction, compliance, and insurance.

• Continued alignment with the nonprofit’s mission through clear lease terms and oversight.

• Contractor Liability: The general contractor will carry comprehensive liability insurance, workers’ compensation, and builder’s risk insurance. This ensures all construction activities are covered for potential risks.

• Volunteer Liability: Volunteers will sign liability waivers, and the nonprofit will maintain a volunteer insurance policy to cover accidents or injuries during non-skilled work.

• Nonprofit Liability: If the nonprofit retains ownership of the property during construction, it will carry additional umbrella liability insurance to protect against unforeseen risks.

Yes, California law allows public funding to be combined with private donations and volunteer efforts. However, all work funded by public grants must comply with prevailing wage laws, ensuring fair pay for workers. Community contributions, such as donated labor or fundraising, help cover costs beyond what public funding supports.

By combining:

• Federal, state, and local grants for foundational funding.

• Community fundraising and donations for additional support.

• Professional contractors for technical and skilled work.

• Volunteer labor for non-technical contributions.

This collaborative model ensures the project meets its financial and legal obligations while honoring the community’s dedication.

A dedicated project committee will oversee planning, construction, and fundraising. The committee will also ensure:

• Regular reporting and transparency with the community.

• Strict adherence to legal, financial, and safety standards.

• Collaboration with experienced contractors and professionals to avoid delays or unforeseen costs.

The new building is designed to reflect the future needs of the community and honor Irish-American culture. Key features include:

• A welcoming and iconic entryway on the first floor to set the tone for a vibrant community hub.
• A state-of-the-art museum combining hard artifacts and immersive digital exhibits inspired by the 9/11 Museum in New York City and Epic Museum in Dublin.
• Spaces for fitness, wellness, and recreation, including a gym, pool, and yoga studios.
• An Irish pub, wine bar, and gift shop to celebrate Irish hospitality and culture.
• Boutique hotel rooms for event attendees and cultural tourists.
• Flexible spaces for events, concerts, and gatherings.

This ensures that the Center will serve as both a tourist destination and a cultural hub for future generations.

The community will not bear the full financial burden. Funding sources include:

• Government support: Irish government, State of California, and Federal Government.
• Corporate and private donors, secured through fundraising efforts.
• Naming rights and sponsorship opportunities for spaces within the building.
• Local donations, contributing approximately 10%.

Membership ensures the Center thrives as a community and cultural hub. Benefits include:

• Priority access to over 150 annual events.
• Discounts on select events and services.
• Exclusive access to amenities like the gym, pool, and rooftop restaurant.
• Opportunities to connect with and support a vibrant, diverse Irish-American community.

The first floor includes a fantastic and welcoming entryway, setting a warm and inclusive tone. Features like the museum, Irish pub, and flexible music venue create an engaging space for both members and tourists, celebrating Irish-American culture from the moment they arrive.

Yes, the design reflects modern needs and anticipates future trends:

• Modular spaces for flexibility in hosting events, cultural programs, and recreational activities.
• Eco-friendly systems, such as solar panels, EV charging stations, and energy-efficient infrastructure.
• Technology integration with AR/VR storytelling, AI genealogy tools, and hybrid event capabilities.

The parking area has been designed to be adaptable:

• Valet parking services maximize space and convenience.
• EV charging stations cater to the growing number of electric vehicles.
• A design that allows for future conversion into co-working spaces, storage, or event venues if car usage declines.

The new Center reflects the diverse and evolving Irish-American experience by:

• Highlighting intersections with other immigrant and local cultures.
• Hosting inclusive programs and events that welcome all backgrounds.
• Preserving Irish heritage while embracing modernity, ensuring it appeals to multiple generations.

The high-rise design maximizes the site’s urban footprint, ensuring the building can include multiple amenities while meeting zoning and development requirements. It’s efficient, future-ready, and makes a bold architectural statement.

Features designed to appeal to younger audiences include:

• Interactive museum exhibits with VR/AR technology.
• Fitness and wellness programs in the gym and pool.
• Dynamic event spaces for concerts, theater, and community gatherings.
• An active social media presence and updated website to connect with tech-savvy audiences.

As a tourist destination the Center will attract visitors from around the region and the world. This boosts revenue, enhances cultural exchange, and establishes the UICC as a leader in preserving Irish-American heritage.

The new design incorporates beams, bricks, and windows from the 1975 building, celebrating its legacy and those who built it. These elements will be prominently displayed as a tribute to the past while embracing the future.

If the new Irish Cultural Center building cannot move forward, the funds will continue to support the Irish Cultural Center’s mission. The nonprofit organization will remain in a strong position to remodel the existing building, should that become the preferred path. Additionally, the property’s value has significantly increased due to its 100-foot height limit and designation as a Special Use District, providing a valuable asset for future options.

The project has been carefully planned with phased fundraising and financial oversight. If the full $75 million goal is not achieved, the Board will evaluate alternative options, including:

    •    Scaling the project to align with available funds.

    •    Exploring additional funding sources such as grants, loans, or partnerships.

    •    Utilizing raised funds to enhance or remodel the existing center to meet community needs.

The funds contributed to the new building are managed responsibly and are allocated toward project-related expenses, including permits, planning, architectural work, and consultant fees. If the project does not proceed as originally envisioned, these contributions will still support the Center’s mission and ensure its long-term sustainability.

The Irish Cultural Center has already invested $1.3 million in permits and approvals. This amount covers:

    •    Architect fees

    •    Structural engineering and design costs

    •    Utility consultants (water, saltwater conditions, and environmental impact)

    •    Planning studies and material reviews (aluminum, slate, stucco for durability)

    •    Additional consultant fees required to secure planning approvals

The Irish Cultural Center worked with a team of skilled professionals to secure planning approval, including:

    •    Architects

    •    Structural engineers

    •    Utility consultants

    •    Environmental impact specialists

    •    Planning and permit consultants

The team ensured compliance with city planning requirements and addressed the unique conditions of the site.

Yes, we have an updated cost breakdown that outlines all project-related expenses to date, including permits, consultants, and materials. The breakdown is available upon request and will be shared transparently with stakeholders.

The project timeline includes:

    •    1 year for final planning, building department approvals, and consultant work.

    •    24 months for construction and final completion.

The timeline is structured to ensure efficient progress while maintaining the highest quality standards.

The Irish Cultural Center, as a nonprofit organization, will continue to operate and serve the community. Should the new building not proceed, the current property remains a valuable asset, with significant increased value due to its zoning and height allowances. The Center will remain well-positioned for alternative improvements or remodeling in alignment with community needs.

The estimated soft costs for a project of this scale would typically be around $3 million. However, through the extraordinary dedication of the Building Committee and our volunteers, the actual soft costs were reduced to $1.2 million.

    •    The Building Committee, composed of experienced professionals, treated this project as their own, donating their time and expertise over three years.

    •    14 public hearings and weekly planning meetings ensured that input from board members, community members, and stakeholders was incorporated into the design.

No. Our goal is to keep memberships affordable and accessible to all. The more members we have, the lower the cost per person. We are sensitive to different income levels and will offer options to ensure no one is excluded due to financial reasons.

Membership will continue to include:

• Event discounts and priority seating

• Access to exclusive members-only events

• Voting privileges and board eligibility

• Discounts on room rentals

• Subscription to our newsletters and updates

Yes. Existing members will be given priority access to new membership levels and benefits during the transition.

We are committed to keeping the center a place for everyone. For those in financial need, we will offer a confidential community support program to ensure continued access to the center and its benefits.

Memberships will be available at different levels to fit individual and family needs. All members will have access to the core benefits, with optional upgrades for additional facilities and programs.

We aim to reach 5,000 members in the coming years, which will help reduce individual costs and expand our community. Current members will play a key role in spreading the word and welcoming new members.