Haven’t you heard? The SGI-USA Denver Culture Center is undergoing a reincarnation. The SGI-USA Denver Culture Center is a place of Buddhist culture and worship. It sits near the intersection of Speer and Colfax.
Soka Gakkai International-USA Denver has owned this property since the 1980s. The original three-story building dated back to 1962. Now, demolition is complete and a new facility is under construction.
Paul Niihara is the SGI-USA Denver Culture Center Director. He said the new building will beautify Speer Boulevard. He hopes it will attract people to learn about Buddhism. The new building will offer help in any way it can.
The new two-story building will be smaller. It will only be about 16,000 square feet. The old one was 31,000 square feet. The new SGI-USA Denver Culture Center will be set back further from the sidewalk. There will be 8-foot-wide illuminated pedestrian walkways. Landscaping will get special attention because the old space had very little.
The first floor of the new SGI-USA Denver Culture Center will have classrooms. These classrooms will house Gohonzons. A Gohonzon contains objects of Buddhist teachings. It helps people bring out their unlimited potential. There will also be a bookstore, storage and office space on the first floor.
The upstairs will include the main Gohonzon. This worship room can hold up to 300 people. There will also be an exhibit room. 69 parking spaces will be available to the south and east of the building.
Soka Gakkai International was founded in 1975. Daisaku Ikeda was its first president. The organization is headquartered in Tokyo. SGI has consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council since 1983.
SGI defines itself as a movement for peace, culture and education. This is based on its interpretation of the Lotus Sutra. SGI has collaborated with the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons since 2007. They develop educational programs and raise awareness about nuclear disarmament.
SGI also promotes environmental initiatives. These include tree planting projects. They also administer the Amazon Ecological Conservation Center in Brazil.
The SGI-USA Denver Culture Center is more than just a building. It is a place for community outreach. It’s a place where people can learn about Buddhism. It is a place where people can find help and inspiration. The new building will enhance this mission. It will provide a welcoming space for all who seek to learn and grow.