Discussion – Cosanti Foundation Fundraising

• gathering in the EC Amphitheater we discussed the key projects and brainstormed on ways to finance them
• sponsoring Workshop scholarships is good - Workshop numbers are up this year, perhaps because of the economy
• Amphitheater Canopy
  • Tomiaki presented details about the need for a new canopy
  • the old canvas one was temporary and supposed to last 5 years, but was patched and lasted 20 years. It's now gone.
  • new canopy will go from finger panels to top of stage lighting assembly
  • new lighting assembly
  • cost = $250,000
• EC Housing units and La Loggia
  • Nadia Begin and Jeff Zucker presented various options for expanding the living spaces
  • co-housing (Arco-housing) plan was developed 5 years ago
  • an option is to "sell" an EC unit for $100k, on a 50 year lease
  • could be sold to an alum, and subleased when not there
  • timeshare units could be sold for less money
  • revenue from these sales could be used to build the 3rd floor of EC and La Loggia
  • La Loggia is more dorm-style apartments, and workshops and guests could be housed there
  • original La Loggia designs were done 20 years ago
  • we want to do a re-design, based on new LEED and beyond standards to get a net zero building
• Sustainability Projects
  • Scott Riley and Michael Bittman reported on current and future sustainability projects
  • PV panels are currently supplying EC lights - there is a battery-inverter unit in EC
  • $50k grant received for PV lighting in the new Visitor Center parking
  • would like to use PV to pump water from down in Camp up the mesa
    • requires much more electricity
    • cost = $40k - would pay for itself in 4 years
  • possible new large solar project - 10 acres of solar PV generating 2MW
    • outside investors purchase system for tax credits
    • equipment and revenue belongs to Arcosanti
  • site electric bill is $30k annually
• Energy Apron - Greenhouse
  • David Tollas reported on the greenhouse designs
  • goal - finish design by this Fall
  • cost based on estimate from 1992 = $500k
  • work can begin soon on the first section
  • there was enthusiasm among the alumni assembled and we agreed to meet in separate breakout session
• Discussion and brainstorming
  • Paolo
    • Intention is to have a city at the edge of wilderness, with food production very local
    • we are a lab - making money might be a necessity but not a virtue
    • the main industry of Arcosanti is to support movement to a lean proposition
    • includes a Lean Alternative institute - expertise and research
  • Scott stated that to continue the new 3-D modeling, another computer is needed
    • new unit is $4k and Paolo has put in $2k
    • Joan Baron stated that we should be able to raise that money now
    • Joan went around the assembled group and also at dinner, and raised the $2,000
    • contributors will be thanked and acknowledged
    • thanks for acting quickly, Joan!
    • The 3-D models of the upcoming Arcosanti projects are crucial to help visual and to raise funds. One of the AAN's projects is to continue to raise money for the Planning Department's crucial work. See the AAN Planning Department Fund Project for more details.
  • There were more discussions on fundraising and we agreed to meet in a breakout session