Projects
Essential upgrades—
Transformational potential
As with the art and practice of aikido itself, the physical work that is needed for our space has the potential to yield transformational benefits for our dojo community. The necessary upgrades to building safety, security, and infrastructure hold opportunities for shifting the energetic experience of this space.
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A wider, steel-reinforced, fireproof staircase that reaches from the street to the second and third floors will allow us to be code-compliant with regard to egress and fire safety. Beyond meeting the requirements for safety, it will also transform the way we enter the space—providing a sense of stability and security, along with a more expansive sense of welcome, cohesion and connection with the experience that awaits within the dojo from the moment we leave the street.
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With the necessity of ADA compliant restrooms, a NYC required backwater valve, and upgraded waste and drainage plumbing to meet code, comes the opportunity to be more welcoming, inclusive, and reflective of the diversity of our community with expanded women’s changing and restroom facilities, relocated laundry room in the deshi quarters along with a full, ADA compliant bathroom on that floor to accommodate visitors and guests more hospitably.
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Improved ventilation and additional windows required to meet the standards for living spaces in the city will yield greater air quality and bring more light to create a more livable, inviting third floor space. Repairs to the second and third roofing will address latent asbestos issues allowing us to breathe easier throughout the space. A building-wide sprinkler system meets fire safety requirements throughout the space. Taken together, these upgrades provide a more easeful environment for everything that happens in our building on every floor.
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Beginning with proper sealing and caulking of all windows and doors, insulation and sound-proofing, and extending to comprehensive electrical rewiring, conversion to energy-efficient lighting, repair of mechanical room, relocation of water heaters, and replacement of the existing boiler, increased energy efficiency will also translate into a healthier, sustainably comfortable, and eco-friendly environment in which to gather, practice, and train.
If we stretch…
Stretching before training expands our capacity to reach greater levels of practice and maintain better results beyond the mat. Our stretch goals for this campaign expand on the necessary upgrades of the core projects with enhancements that can make the most of the efforts we’re expending to improve our shared dojo life.
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A new HVAC system for heating and cooling would ensure year-round temperature control, air quality, and comfort that a boiler alone can’t deliver.
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New mats and a viewing window to create direct sight lines from the lounge area to the mats would improve our experience on and off the practice floor.
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By adding CCTV, an intercom system, and upgraded locks we ensure the safety of our community, our guests, and the improved space we’re creating that matches the care and quality of core upgrades.
