Temple Space Requirements

"Prairie Architecture envisions nature and man in harmony”

Frank Lloyd Wright, FAIA, Freemason

Karl W. Grube, Ph.D.

Temple Specifications

MASONIC TEMPLE SPECIFICATIONS are written to form the basis for an architect’s design. The more detailed the written specifications, the better the architect can bring forth design solutions that meet the client’s expectations.

SPACE REQUIREMENTS COSTS - 5,000 sq. ft. of finished off space. Temple Construction Cost - 5,000 sq. ft. @ $100.00 per sq. ft. ($500,000 EST.) (100’ x 50’) – Oblong Square Cost Variable - infrastructure costs for Temple at southern end of property – i.e. underground electrical, water, cable, sewer, telephone, and roadway

Function – Multiple-use Temple spaces for different Masonic Bodies

BUILDING GEOMETRY - 5,000 sq. ft. total – 100’ x 50’ an oblong square, running East to West. i.e. Rectangular Military Dessert Tent

Function: Functional spaces using Masonic geometry

BLUE LODGE ROOM - 64’ x 32' (2,048 sq. ft.) no exterior windows, ventilation skylight center of room, 12 ft. ceiling height, East-West Orientation, three double door entries, built in costume & equipment storage (720 sq. ft.) Hiram’s recessed floor space – 3’ x 6’ x 6’ Sideline seating on the level for members; JW 1-step station; SW 2-step station; M 3-step station

Function: Architectural details illuminate Degree Rituals

ANTE ROOM AND AUXILLARY SPACES 16’ x 32’ (672 sq. ft.) Candidates Room 8' x 12’ (96 sq. ft.)

Function: Staging area for entry into lodge

LIBRARY/SOCIAL LOUNGE 16’ x 32’ (512 sq. ft.) Step down recessed space, computer work stations, built-in book cases, coffee bar – sink, refrigerator, microwave

Function: Social fellowship space for Freemasons

TWO WASHROOMS - 12’ x 18’ (432 sq. ft.) – meet handicap/plumbing codes. All washroom cleaning materials and equipment to be kept in wash room cabinets.

Function: Adequate for member demand and plumbing code

BOARD ROOM & OFFICE SPACES – 18’ x 18’ (324 sq. ft.)

One large, shared room for all Bodies Ann Arbor Masonic Temple Board,

Ann Arbor Fraternity Lodge, Golden Rule Lodge, York Rite Bodies

Function: Working Space for Officers of Bodies

GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

BUILDING ORIENTATION - The Temple must be oriented East-West. 100’ x 50’ the building envelop should capture the morning SE rising sun’s rays. The contour of the site lends itself to a walkout unfinished lower level.

EXTERIOR - Three Tier Step Masonic Entrance on East - Tilers Quarters 9' x 9' (81 sq. ft.) i.e. Detroit Masonic Temple Auditorium Entrance; Two Tier Step Masonic Entrance on West - i.e. Detroit Masonic Temple Scottish Rite Entrance

MECHANICAL ROOM - 12’ x 12’ (144 sq. ft.) Zone heating, cooling and ventilation. Calculate each space for BTU gain and loss. HVAC should be zoned and use energy efficient building materials. i.e. reflective roof insulation foil.

LANDSCAPE – site plan with Masonic garden design to complement the building facade. Meditation gardens, Picnic shelter, brick walkways, plant material to be indigenous to Michigan.

PICNIC SHELTER AREA – located within walking distance of the Temple. Site plan needs to be developed for Masonic social functions. Located near water holding reservoir. (Trabert Park)

Sq. Ft. Summary

Lodge Room 2,048

Lodge Storage 720

Ante Room 672

Candidates Room 96

Library/Lounge 512

Board & Office Room 324

Washrooms 432

Mechanical Room 144

Total - 4,948 sq. ft.

Note: Ann Arbor Masonic Temple space requirements were developed from the "Suggested Plans for Masonic Temples" The Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Michigan; from blueprints of the existing Ann Arbor Masonic Temple; and from blueprints of the Detroit Masonic Temple. (August 1, 2003)

Karl W. Grube, Sec. AAMTB

2875 W. Liberty Road

Ann Arbor, MI 48103

karlgrube@hotmail.com

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