Here's the latest, as of April 2024!

1. We still don't have to leave our current location yet, and don't know when we will have to. Keep those fingers crossed.

2, We have been awarded a large building purchase grant from The DC Arts Commission!

3. We need more funds to make it happen. You can donate to the cause here: givebutter.com/rhizomedc

4. We will also be accepting LOANS from community members in the very near future. You can learn more about that here: rhizomedc.org/communityfinancing

Thank you so much Rhizome family. The prospect of a place to call our own that we won't have to worry about being kicked out of is very exciting. Any little bit helps! Please share!

And please read on for more details & context…..

For the most thorough context, please see these detailed meeting notes and video from our March 26 town hall meeting.

Quicker notes below:

BASIC BACKGROUND

We lease our space on Maple Street. A developer has had a contract to buy the house and lot since 2020. They still haven't closed. If/when they ever close, we'll still have ~6 months before we have to leave.

We have looked at many options for rent and for purchase. Everything is very expensive and a "step down" from our current situation. Hence the decision NOT to move out into another rental situation before we have to.

AN OPPORTUNITY

Building for sale, relatively affordable..
*one-story storefront just off of Georgia Ave
*1 mile from Takoma and Silver Spring metro stations; several bus lines make stops on the block
*~1300 sq.ft - approximately the same as Rhizome's current two levels put together
*no zoning issues
*ADA accessible
*increased capacity - at least 100 people for events
*space for small patio out front
*possibility of large street-facing windows
*skylight (one existing, possible to add more)
*potential for roof deck
*across Georgia Ave from Jessup Blair park (large outdoor space for use by kids' programs at least; maybe potential for partnership with Montgomery County to do events there?)
*street parking (seems plentiful down Alaska Ave)

Received large grant from DCCAH towards building purchase.

There is potential to continue operating on Maple Street indefinitely even after we set up shop there.

HOW TO GET THERE

Our grant is for $350,000. We have put down and/or spent ~$75,000 currently. (Refundable / repayable with grant money should the deal fall through.) Total project budget is ~$825,000. We need $400,000.

Our goal is to finance the purchase with a combination of loans and donations from community members.

Loans - Community Financing - This just means getting lots of small loans from community members as opposed to a single large bank loan. Loans will be paid back over 10 or 15 years (your choice) at 0-5% APR (your choice). Minimum of $2500 per loan. Please read this fact sheet that goes into greater depth and detail.

Donations - tax deductible - do it HERE

We need feedback from as many people as possible to gauge feasibility. Please fill out this quick survey about your interest/ability to participate.

Feel free to email us with your questions - info@rhizomedc.org - but first, please read the detailed meeting notes and the community financing fact sheet! The answer to your question might be there!