Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Phoenix

Site is a 9 acre parcel with ‘Special Use Permit’ Zoning located at 4027 East Lincoln Drive or the southeast corner of 40th Place and Lincoln Drive in the Town of Paradise Valley.

In 1961 the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Phoenix (UUCP) constructed the first phase of structures which included the Worship Space (originally called the Fellowship Hall) and the west wing of classrooms by architect Blaine Drake. Four years later in 1965 a second classroom wing was constructed just south of the 1961 wing by William A. Lockard, AIA Architect. A number of years later in 2001 the final phase of construction included the third and final classroom wing to the southwest for the Desert View Learning Center (DVLC) by P/D Architects.

Related site improvements include the northeast paved parking lot, rough graded northwest parking lot, walks, curbing, playground walls, dumpster enclosure and gates. In addition a series of courtyards and patios were constructed including the ‘Olsen Meditation Garden’ just east of the Worship space. Southeast of the existing building cluster are two important features that are the Birmingham Statuary within a reflecting pool and the Memorial Garden.

The remainder of the site is open desert, but has been impacted by pathways with benches and bridges, children’s play area and planting trees over the years. Two septic tank and leach field systems support the structures built, but are at capacity.

Site slopes down almost 30 feet from the north to the south, and there are two original drainage washes that no longer handle upstream rainfall. Originally the site was very open with creosote bushes. In the past 40 years various trees with a wide range of types have been planted by the Owner. One large 40 feet diameter ‘Mesquite Tree’ has been there for some time and is called the “Ghost Eye Tree” and would be retained in the new conceptual plan.