Dawson Lot Discernment Survey

Project and Survey Description

A major strategy that came out of ESUMC’s visioning process is to “further and boldly deploy the physical assets of our church to increase connection, belonging, and opportunity in downtown Raleigh.” To do so, our congregation expressed a willingness to explore development opportunities for our Dawson Street lot that would contribute to the flourishing of our church and community.

Building on themes and what we’ve heard in the listening sessions, this survey is intended to continue gathering input from church members to discern what types of potential uses would reflect ESUMC’s mission, vision, and values and positively impact the church and the surrounding community. Responses will help the project team better understand priorities, concerns, and ideas as the process moves forward.

* The highlighted area in this image includes the parking lot and the Bulla Building. During early discernment discussions, church staff and leaders expressed a willingness to explore the potential development of both parcels. No decisions have been made. We are merely gathering input from everyone at this stage.

* The highlighted area in this image includes the parking lot and the Bulla Building. During early discernment discussions, church staff and leaders expressed a willingness to explore the potential development of both parcels. No decisions have been made. We are merely gathering input from everyone in this initial stage.

1.Name: (optional)

2.How long have you been affiliated with Edenton Street United Methodist Church?(Required.)

3.Values Alignment
Church Mission: ESUMC invites all people to know, love, and serve God, each other, and the world.

If the Dawson lot site was developed, in addition to our 4 core values (centered, connectional, curious, and compassionate), which of the following additional values do you believe should be the primary drivers for development? Select up to three.(Required.)

Welcoming & Inclusive

Financial Sustainability & Stewardship

Address Community Needs

Connection, Belonging & Community Building

Innovation & Pioneering

Intergenerational Connection

Fostering connection with St. Paul AME

Become a Destination rather than an In-Between

4.Addressing City Needs
When you think about the needs of our city, what concerns you the most? Select up to three.(Required.)

Other (please specify)

5.Potential Property Uses
We are exploring opportunities for the property to have multiple uses. For example, imagine a vertical development that may include housing above with an active, community-oriented use on the ground floor. We are also considering the role green space could play.

With this in mind, if the Dawson Street property could include multiple uses in addition to parking that best serve both the church and the surrounding community, which (up to) three would you prioritize?(Required.)

Community/Flex Event Space (e.g., gathering space, coffee shop, "third place”)

Space for Nonprofit or Service Partner (e.g. mental health services, vocational training)

Multi-Generational Recreational Space (e.g., playground, fitness facility)

Revenue-Generating Commercial Space to Support Church Ministry (e.g. small retail or local business)

Green Spaces that Promote Gathering and Engagement

A Space for Prayer and Reflection

Spaces that Promote and Connect People to Arts and Culture

Spaces that Offer Youth Engagement and/or Educational Opportunities

Other (please specify)

6.Defining "Connection"
What physical features or design elements do you believe are most essential to make the space feel "welcoming" and foster a sense of connection for church members, our neighbors, and downtown Raleigh visitors (Select all that apply)?(Required.)

Green Space/Landscaping

Accessible Parking

Inviting and Welcoming Design

Communal Dining/Food Service Areas (e.g. coffee shops, restaurants)

Spaces that are Inclusive and Accessible for All

Secure/Safe Environment

Flexible Gathering Areas

Public Art such as Murals and Installations

Other (please specify)

7.Long-Term Vision
Looking 10–20 years into the future, what do you feel are the two most important outcomes for this project?(Required.)

That it becomes a hub for community connection and daily activity

That it addresses a specific community concern (e.g., housing, hunger)

That it preserves and grows the church’s historical presence and impact in downtown

That it provides a consistent, reliable income stream for the church

That it expresses the church’s mission in the physical environment

Other (please specify)

8.Risk Tolerance
From our listening sessions, we understand the following are top concerns for our congregation:

Financial Risk & Long-Term Liability: Ensuring the project is fiscally responsible, protects the church from financial instability, and accounts for the long-term maintenance costs of both new and existing facilities.

Operational & Construction Disruption: Proactively managing the impact of construction on daily church life, including existing programming, parking availability, and the need for accommodations like shuttles or ADA support.

Balancing Mission & Fiscal Viability: Finding the right balance between meeting community needs and maintaining a sustainable revenue stream to support the church’s future.

Maintaining Existing Programs & Facilities: Ensuring that current church programs, facilities, and the "must-be trues” (such as reestablishing parking and honoring history) are not compromised by new development.

Public Relations Impact: Managing how the project is perceived by the public, specifically regarding sensitive issues or potential conflicts that could negatively impact the church’s reputation.

Do you have any additional concerns that you would like to share?

9.The Project's Vision Statement Reads as Follows:
ESUMC intends to intentionally co-create a welcoming, mission-driven place where connection, hospitality, and impact are lived out daily, extending the life of the church into the city and supporting a community where all can belong. What does this mean to you?

10.Partnership Opportunities
Are there specific organizations or types of partners you would like to see the church collaborate with on this project?

11.Defining Success
How would you personally define a "successful" outcome for the Dawson Street lot project?

12.Is there anything else you would like to share with the Discernment team?

Thank you for your time and engagement!