We express our heartfelt gratitude to our valued members and friends for their unwavering support, generous contributions, and enduring patience throughout our endeavors to establish a permanent home for the EWCC Chanoyu community. Despite facing several months of unexpected delays, the opportunity to commemorate the late member Lynn Sōrin Moser through the reconstruction of her 4.5 tatami mat tearoom, secure an affordable commercial lease, and collaborate with the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Washington (JCCCW) has proven to be well worth the wait, both for us and, we hope, for you as well.

The commencement of Phase One marked a significant milestone with the signing of a 5-year lease, extendable for an additional 5 years. Initiated in early September 2022, this phase encompasses the elevation of all spaces (except the foyer), framing, construction of a storage attic, installation of plumbing and electricity, painting of walls and ceilings, and the installation of flooring and kitchen cabinets. Notably, Phase One includes the establishment of the traditional 4.5-mat tearoom, framing an 8-mat tearoom, and plastering the tearoom walls.

Moving forward to Phase Two, with rough carpentry completed, a skilled finish woodworker will undertake the installation of shoji doors and window coverings, complete the tokonoma alcoves and the foyer riser surround, attend to tearoom ceiling installation and repair, and apply paper wainscoting to the tearooms. To successfully complete this phase, we aim to raise an additional $25,000, with the benefit of a matching grant. Additionally, Mitsubishi Corporation is slated to install a cooling system.

Phase Three is dedicated to the installation of a chabana garden. We are fortunate to have the support of three friends who generously provided funding and space in their gardens to cultivate flowers for the Zuishin’an. Visit the 'Chabana Project' page for an insight into the development of this garden.

Up to August 2022, we have received a total of $73,000 in community donations and $33,000 in in-kind donations. We are delighted to announce that King County 4Culture has awarded EWCC a grant of $45,825 through the 2022 Building for Equity: Cultural Facilities program. Out of 55 applicants, EWCC is one of 16 organizations to receive this grant. This achievement is attributed to the invaluable assistance of long-time EWCC supporter and CPA, Steven Garber.

We extend our gratitude for the funding received and take encouragement in the recognition by King County 4Culture of the profound significance of Japan's Tea Culture of Chanoyu in creating impactful cultural experiences for King County residents and visitors. This announcement aligns seamlessly with the commencement of our demolition and construction activities.

Should you have any questions, concerns, or comments, please do not hesitate to reach out to us via writing or phone. We eagerly anticipate hearing from you and value your continued support!

We express our gratitude to King County 4Culture for their generous support in the construction of the tearooms, as well as their program support for Tearoom Tours, the Four Seasons Tea Ceremony events, and the JCCCW spring and fall events.