The plans to simply renovate our existing space just does not seem worthwhile. Beyond the numerous technical and financial issues, and the likely need to vacate while this work would be happening, the fundamental layout of the Broadview building just cannot be fixed (washrooms not well positioned to serve the halls, a single kitchen shared between the halls, the need to pass through the crystal saal to get from the front of the building to the back on the second floor, the consulate and noorte room are only accessible by staircases, storage space has spilled into public space (pianos in the hallways, chairs in the coatroom, etc…)). I loved these ‘features' when I was in lasteaed playing hide and go seek, but beyond that there is little merit to this layout — not to mention the accessibility issues from mobility restrictions becoming more common in our aging community. The lack of accessibility makes it impossible for my grandparents to even come to the Eesti Maja.
While we do have a long history with 958 Broadview, and it is important to respect that, we need to take this window of opportunity to move forward. Keeping to traditions is part of Estonian culture, but so is pressing on into the future and innovating with what we have. That's how Eesti continues to progress technologically today, and that's the facet of our modern heritage that we should look to model our local future on. We can incorporate our cultural heritage into the most fundamental parts of the Madison design, such as the map cutout courtyard, instead of just though the paintings on its walls. It offers a great location, lots of flexible accessible space, and a closer connection to other facets of our community, such Tartu college, and the proposed VEMU. We could have a building that brings together all generations of our shrinking community and shows our strength and Eesti pride!
I truly appreciate all of the work put in by those who established the Eesti Maja, and more recently by the dedicated volunteers tackling the challenging projects of both Eesti Maja tulevik and Eesti Maja maintenance, both ongoing since before I was even an hellake. The fact is that the options to accommodate an Eesti Maja into a condo building built at Broadview Ave with a developer partner have not panned out, but we have identified this new opportunity that we should seize.
While I will not able to vote come Tuesday, I hope that the shareholders will appreciate this opportunity and allow the due diligence process to begin.
Krista Poolsaar
