We wish to express our heartfelt gratitude to our valued members and friends for their generous support and patience through our efforts to establish a permanent home for EWCC in the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Washington (JCCCW). Despite facing several months of unexpected delays, the opportunity to commemorate our late member Lynn Sōrin Moser through the reconstruction of her 4.5 tatami mat tearoom, secure an affordable commercial lease with 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. Construction began in early September 2022, and encompassed the elevation of all spaces (except the foyer), framing the tea rooms and kitchen, constructing the storage attic, installing plumbing and electricity, painting the ceilings, plastering the walls, and installing the flooring and kitchen cabinets and partially installing the 4.5-mat tearoom.

Moving forward to Phase Two, with rough carpentry completed, a skilled finish woodworker will undertake the installation of shoji doors and window coverings, finish the tokonoma alcoves, install the foyer riser surround, install the tearoom ceilings, adjust the sunken hearth locations, and apply paper wainscoting to the tearooms. To successfully complete this phase, we have a secured a matching grant of $25,000, and are working on raising an additional $25,000.

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

Through 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 supporters Steven and Peggy Garber of the Seattle Japanese Garden Society.

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 sincerely appreciate the generous support of King County 4Culture in ‘Building for Equity’ funding for the tearoom construction, as well as ‘Arts Sustained’ support for programs throughout the year.