Tsechen Kunchab Ling: The Temple Project


	Sacred Ground...Constructing a New Temple Building in Walden, New York
	Architect's drawing of the new temple building to be constructed.
	Tsechen Kunchab Ling, Temple of All-Encompassing Great Compassion, was established in Walden , New York in April, 2001 as the U.S. Seat of His Holiness Sakya Trizin. The temple property was purchased in 2001 and in July, 2003 His Holiness Sakya Trizin blessed the ground where the new temple was to be built. On March 29, 2007, the groundbreaking ceremonies were held and temple construction began. (Click here to read more about Tsechen Kunchab Ling's history).
	The new temple building is being designed according to the advice and recommendations of His Holiness the Sakya Trizin. It will combine traditional Tibetan architecture with modern construction materials and methods. The construction of the new temple building is under the direction of Venerable Lama Kalsang Gyaltsen, Vice President of Tsechen Kunchab Ling, who has already guided the construction of two temples in Nepal. The 9,000 foot main floor is primarily comprised of a huge shrine hall which will accomodate several hundred people. The first floor will be encircled by a covered circumambulation walk.The 6,000 foot lower floor will include a library, classrooms, and social hall. The landscaping will preserve the large historic trees on the site, add new trees, and maintain the serene park-like atmosphere of prayer and meditation. The architect is Larry Hibbard of Hibbard Architecture and the builder is Mark Annunciato of Liam Construction. The New Temple Construction Is Now More than 50% Complete! Construction status as of winter, 2008. See more photos of the temple at this phase. Tsechen Kunchab Ling's new temple construction project has passed the one-third mark! Venerable Lama Kalsang Gyaltsen, Vice President joyfully announced, "Through the blessings of His Holiness Sakya Trizin and the generosity of temple members and friends, the project is now slightly over one-third complete. We have made wonderful progress since the groundbreaking ceremony only nine months ago. The foundation has been laid, steel framework erected, concrete floors poured, and a temporary weather-proof roof put on the building which will shelter it from the winter weather. Heartfelt thanks to all those who are helping in so many ways to accomplish this important project. Efforts are now focused on raising $180,000 by spring 2008 in order to enclose the structure with outside walls and a build a permanent roof. This will complete the second of the seven phases of construction. Through your generous donations, we can reach this goal! Please click here to find out how you can help build His Holiness Sakya Trizin's new temple in the West as described below.		Groundbreaking for the new temple building, March 29, 2007 Construction is underway! Construction status Winter of 2007/2008 Construction status Winter of 2007/2008 Construction status at closing of work for the winter. Visit the photo gallery for previous construction pictures.
	THE SEVEN CONSTRUCTION PHASES TO THE NEW BULDING (each construction phase begins when funds for that phase are raised) GOAL: $2,600,000 Construction Cost Per Square Foot: $150 Phase 1 $730,000: Concrete Foundation & Steel Frame CONSTRUCTION COMPLETED FALL 2007! Phase 2 $266,000: Concrete Floor & Exterior Walls CONSTRUCTION COMPLETED FALL 2008! Phase 3 $385,000: Colonnade Framing & Roofing IN PROGRESS! PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SEE HOW YOU CAN HELP COMPLETE THIS PHASE! Phase 4 $373,000: Exterior Finishing Phase 5 $344,000: Walkways, Parking Lot & Interior Walls Phase 6 $230,000: Ornamental Colonnade Railings, Interior Trim & Wood Floors Phase 7 $272,000: Temple Exterior, Sacred Ornaments & Interior Finishing