Dear Cornerstone,

I am pleased to announce that we have completed our search process of a new building for our Sunday worship gatherings.  After nine months of prayer, thoughful evaluation and research, Cornerstone will move to the Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology--about a half mile from our 67 Newbury St location--at 41 Berkeley Street, Boston in August 2010.  This building is on the corner of Tremont St and Berkeley St in the South End neighborhood.  See map here.

Some of you have heard this news already as it was announced at church two Sundays ago.  I want to express my gratitude for Cornerstone’s Leadership Team and Staff and the Location Search Committee that led this complex and responsible effort.  Our first gathering in this new location will take place on August 8.  Note that we are changing our meeting times to 9:30am and 11:30am.  For the month of August, we will only have the 9:30am service and beginning on September 5 we will offer both service times.  I am also including a list of FAQ's regarding this move.  Please feel free to contact me with any questions, suggestions, or concerns.

Sincerely,

Pastor Eugene

FAQ's: Cornerstone's move to the Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology (BFIT)

Where are we moving?
The BFIT is located at 41 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA about a half mile from our old 67 Newbury Street location.  The BFIT is a private two-year technical college.  See: www.bfit.edu.

When will we move?
Our first service at the BFIT will be on August 8 at 9:30am.

Why are we moving?
This move addresses our search for a new space that can facilitate both of our services in one location and is mutually accessible to our congregation.  Street parking is available and is T-accessible.

How will it affect my commute?

• The new site is about 0.5 miles from our old 67 Newbury Street location.
• It is less than a 10-minute walk from the Green (Arlington) and Orange (Back Bay) lines.
• Street parking is available on both cross streets by the BFIT at Berkeley St and Tremont St.
• Bus stops are available at ‘Tremont @ Berkeley' and ‘Berkeley @ Chandler' and others.

How will this move affect our rent?
Our rent at the BFIT will be similar to our present combined rent from both of our locations.  The rent at the BFIT includes 52 Sundays, 4 classrooms, storage space, lobby space, and 12 additional miscellaneous days (i.e. Good Friday service, etc.) for events and gatherings.  The BFIT will use the money received as rent from Cornerstone to provide scholarships for students who attend the BFIT.

What is the neighborhood like?
It is a busy commercial area, with coffee shops, restaurants, and other retail outlets.  It is also a residential neighborhood located on the border of the South End and Back Bay.

What process was used, and who was involved in the selection of this building?
In October of 2009, the Leadership Team established a Location Search Committee (LSC). Members are Eugene Won, Tracy Choi, Adam Miller, Simon Wha, and Eugene Lee.  The LSC also enlisted the help of a commercial realtor to help with the search.  The choice of this space was influenced by the input of the congregation, feed back received from focus groups, and results from a location search survey.

How many other properties were considered?
Cornerstone's Location Search Committee compiled a list of over 20 sites, visiting some and taking "windshield tours" of others.

Who made the final decision?
The Leadership Team and Staff.

How will the move affect me in the coming year?
One notable change in our Sunday gatherings deal with our service times.  For the month of August, there will be one gathering at 9:30am.  Beginning on September 5, Cornerstone will start two gatherings at 9:30am and 11:30am.  Children's Ministry will only be offered at the 9:30am gathering.

How will the new space be arranged?
The BFIT has main entrances on Berkeley Street, Tremont Street and Appleton Street.  The main lobby will be used for welcoming and hospitality, with couches and tables spread across the floor.  The Auditorium will be used for worship and can be entered through the lobby, upper balcony and directly from Berkeley Street.  The Children's Ministry will be located in three of the four the 2nd floor classrooms (i.e. 200, 201, 202 A & B).  The fourth classroom will be used for meetings, small groups, and classes.

If I have more questions, whom should I ask?
Any member of the Location Search Committee is available (i.e. Eugene Won, Tracy Choi, Adam Miller, Simon Wha, and Eugene Lee). Contact information is available at www.cornerstoneboston.org.