Contact: Celeste Lee (she/her), Capital Campaign Committee

A capital campaign raises significant funds over a longer period than an annual pledge drive in order to make major improvements to the building and grounds. In 2025, UUCR launched its first capital campaign since the congregation raised funds to buy the current building in 1985. The three-year campaign will raise funds above and beyond the Annual Pledge Campaign. The money will be spent on long-deferred maintenance issues and also to make other exciting changes in support of a vibrant, growing congregation that is a crucial voice of liberal faith in the Roanoke Valley.

• For a full description of our needs and goals, download a PDF of the “Building Our Vision” capital campaign booklet.

Capital Building Committee Updates

As of May 28, 2026

Contractor Selected

We are excited to announce that the Board has unanimously approved a design-build contract with MB Contractors for our capital renovation project. A design-build contract is a procurement method in which an architect and a single contractor take responsibility for both the project’s design and construction. Unlike traditional procurement, where design and construction are managed separately, a design-build contract consolidates these responsibilities, reducing the number of separate contracts that the client needs to manage and simplifying communication. By entrusting a single team with both creative and construction tasks, project delivery can be more cohesive, with better coordination between the actual cost and the finished design.

Review of Architectural Plans

Architectural plans developed by Hughes Associates-Architects and Engineers were presented to the Capital Building Committee on May 27th.  These plans will be shared with congregation in early July.

Phase One

Phase One of our renovation will be focused on sanctuary improvements (i.e. additional seating, new finishes, new windows, new lighting, improved sound system).  Mechanical and electrical upgrades throughout, new first floor accessible restrooms, a new exterior door from the nursery, new windows on second floor, and landscaping/path to existing front entry are on the Phase One list.  A new lobby and windows in the Fellowship Hall will be included if the budget allows. Limited interior design services are included.

Chain Link Fence Removal

Arrangements have been made to remove the chain-link fence around the former playground.  This will provide temporary space for construction equipment and project material storage during the construction project.

Asbestos Abatement

An opening in the sanctuary floor near the stage is being done May 28 and 29, 2026. This allows easier access to the crawl space to help facilitate the removal of asbestos and provide access for plumbing, HVAC, and electrical work.  The asbestos removal is scheduled for the week of June 22nd.  During that time, the door from the kitchen to the Sanctuary will be temporarily blocked off and the sanctuary will not be available for use for approximately one week. Other parts of the building will be accessible.

Background on the Capital Campaign

During the first quarter of 2025, more than 100 people attended focus groups to learn about the church’s critical capital needs and to offer their own hopes and dreams for the future of our building and grounds. Subsequently, every congregant received a home visit from a member of the Capital Campaign team. 

As of July 2025, UUCR memberspledged more than $2 million to the capital campaign, payable over 3-5 years. As the donations come in, work will progress first on the most important upgrades concerning building safety and soundness, then on things that will make UUCR a more functional, welcoming, and inspirational space for its staff, members, and visitors. 

We continue to encourage and welcome pledges to the Capital Campaign – the more we raise, the more likely we will be able to beautify the building and grounds beyond their basic functions and in line with the best environmental practices. Thank you!

• Please do not lower the amount you would otherwise give to the Annual Pledge Campaign in order to donate to the Capital Campaign. We must sustain and grow funding for our core operations even as we build for a brighter future. 

For more information or to ask questions, please contact a member of the Capital Campaign Team emailing our church’s office administrator (admin@uuroanoke.org), calling the church office (540-342-8888), or writing a letter to the attention of the Capital Campaign Team, UUCR, 2015 Grandin Rd. SW, Roanoke, VA 24015.