STATEN ISLAND MEDITATION CENTER AND HEALING GARDEN
SIMCHG Project Timeline
Phase 1
2016 - 2024
✔︎ Complete
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2016: Land acquired for $350,000.
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2021–2023: Architectural plans developed and NYC regulatory approvals secured (delayed by COVID-19).
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Dec 1, 2023: Construction began.
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2024: Foundation completed, including structural adjustments (e.g., raising the building, garage level changes) and modular approvals from FDNY and DOB.
Phase 2
2024 - 2025
→ In Progress
2024 - Vision finalized, Non-Profit Status Granted
2025 - Begin Modular Construction
Phase 3
2026
⏲︎ Soon
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2016: Land acquired for $350,000 through fundraising.
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2021–2023: Architectural plans developed and NYC regulatory approvals secured (delayed by COVID-19).
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Dec 1, 2023: Construction began.
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2024: Foundation completed, including structural adjustments (e.g., raising the building, garage level changes) and modular approvals from FDNY and DOB.
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2024: Vision finalized (three-floor facility with meditation hall, monk residences, rooftop garden, parking), non-profit status reaffirmed in the proposal.
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2025: Begining modular construction for the superstructure (floors, walls, roof). This phase is poised to start but hinges on the decision to continue with modular or switch to conventional methods.
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Finishing work: interiors (e.g., bathrooms, kitchen, library), rooftop garden installation, parking completion, and final occupancy certification.
Welcome to the SIMCHG Building Project
In the heart of Staten Island, something extraordinary is taking root. The Staten Island Meditation Center & Healing Garden is more than a sanctuary – it's where timeless wisdom flows into modern life, where technology enhances human connection, and where everyone seeking inner peace finds their path.
Guided by experienced teachers who bridge ancient mindfulness traditions with contemporary needs, this space makes meditation and personal growth accessible to all. Whether you seek solace in our gardens, guidance through our digital tools, or wisdom from our resident teachers, you'll find a welcoming home for your journey here.
What We're Building
Our new 12,500 sq.ft. center at 111 John St will transform lives with:
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First Floor: A 200-person meditation hall, library, study rooms, media room, kitchen, and accessible restrooms—spaces for events, learning, and growth.
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Second Floor: Residences for monks who’ll run free programs for the community.
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Rooftop Healing Garden: A seasonal oasis for meditation and relaxation.
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Extras: A cellar for utilities, parking for 12+ cars (including handicap access), and an elevator linking all floors.
This center is a non-religious community hub, funded by the Staten Island Buddhist Vihara and your generosity, designed to meet Staten Island’s diverse needs.
Our Journey So Far
This project is a testament to community resilience:
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2016: Bought a 0.21-acre lot for $350,000 through grassroots fundraising.
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2021–2023: Overcame COVID delays to secure NYC approvals and finalize plans.
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Dec 1, 2023: Broke ground and began construction.
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2024: Finished Phase 1—foundation laid, modular design approved, and site challenges tackled (groundwater, neighbor concerns).
Why This Matters
This center is a gift to our community:
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For Families: Free meditation, counseling, and youth programs to foster resilience and fight substance abuse.
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For Kids: A Sunday school teaching discipline and focus—currently online, yearning for a real classroom.
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For Leaders: A chance to back a project that boosts wellness, education, and community pride—perfect for political campaigns and budgets.
Political Allies: Your support can turn this into a Staten Island landmark, showcasing your commitment to mental health, culture, and sustainability. This is a win for your constituents and your legacy.
STATEN ISLAND MEDITATION CENTER AND HEALING GARDEN
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Coming in 2026
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How You Can Help
We need you to finish strong. Here’s how:
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Donate any amount and become a valued member with community access, free mindfulness tools, and live wisdom from SIBV monks.
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Sponsor a Unit: Fund key pieces like bathrooms ($25,000 each), the elevator ($300,000), or the rooftop garden ($100,000). Full list and details will be announced at the kick-off event.
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Engrave a Memorial Brick: Leave a $500 legacy for a loved one in our garden.
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Volunteer: Join us for food fairs, cultural shows, or raffles to raise funds.
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Share: Tell friends, family, or your networks about this project.
All donations are tax-deductible, and contributors get their names (or a loved one’s) on a plaque in the center.
For Political Donors: Your investment strengthens Staten Island. Let’s make it happen together.
Meet The Temple & Team
The Staten Island Buddhist Vihara is a Sri Lankan Buddhist temple that practices the Theravada tradition. The temple was established in July 1999 with the help of the Sri Lankan community on Staten Island. Bhante Kondanna, the headmaster of the SIBV, a student of Venerable Nayaka Theras of Colombo Gangarama Viharaya is conducting the services of the temple from its beginning under the guidance of Kurunegoda Piyatissa Nayaka Maha Thera, whom is the chief executive of the New York Buddhist Vihara (NYBV). Since the beginning of the SIBV, the temple has been giving its services to not only the Sri Lankan community, but also to all other companions who need our services. As one of the important members of the ‘Building Bridges’ SIBV is doing a service to build friendship among other religious communities with other religious leaders. We’re glad that we were able to help the New Yorkers during the 9/11 tragedies. We very much appreciate your benefaction during the 2004 Tsunami disaster in Sri Lanka. We’d especially like to thank our 9/11 friends including all of New York and it’s wonderful people.
Rev. Heenbunne Kondañña
Bhante Kondañña is a Sri Lankan Buddhist Monk. He received his novice ordination in 1968, his monastic training in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and a BA in Buddhist Philosophy from University of Kelaniye also in Sri Lanka. In 1985, he came to USA to participate and also provide his helpful skills and services at the New York Buddhist Vihara. During that time, the dignified Kondanna began to attend classes at CUNY and now holds a BS in Social Work. Moreover in 1997, he obtained a MSW from Fordham University in New York.
Bhante Kondanna believes that human beings should grow up having a spiritual foundation. He hopes that his contributions, experiences and philosophy enrich and enhance the lives of everyone here in New York City, and wherever he wishes to bring his proficiency
Rev. Neluwe Ratanatissa
Venerable Bhante Neluwe Ratanatissa received his ordination in 1966 from the Maha Bodhi Society in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Following 5 years of missionary work, he moved to Maha Bodhi Society of India, Kolkata in 1971. In 1983, Bhante Ratanatissa was selected as the head priest of the Sri Lanka Buddhist Center in Japan. He moved to the United States in 1990 and his contributions and experiences enhanced the lives of everyone in the Minnesota, Maryland & New Yorek tmples.
Rev. Pinnagala Pangnatissa
Bhante Pangnatissa is a Sri Lankan Buddhist monk who follows the Theravada tradition. In 1976, he got his ordination under the guidance of Bhante Panane Saddhatissa who is an asomatous teacher. He graduated from the university of Peradeniya in 1992. From 1993, he worked as a Sinhalese teacher in Sri Dharmananda Pirivena Balangoda till 2001. In the year 2000, he got his master’s degree from the University of Kelaniya. In 2001, he came to America with an invitation from Bhante Kondanna. He has been a resident monk at the SIBV in New York ever since. He has continued to conduct services to the Vihara community. Later in 2013, he earned his bachelor's degree in computer science from The College of Staten Island City University of New York.
Rev Kumbaloluwe Wimalajothi
Bhante Kumbaloluwe Wimalajothi was born in Matale, Sri Lanka who ordained as a Buddhist monk in 1982 under the most venerable Bogambara Chandajothi Maha Thera. He received his higher ordination on May 14, 1987 in Asgiriya Maha Viharaya Kanday, Sri Lanka. He also had primary religious education and training at the Dharmaraja Buddhist Institute in Matale. Bhante Wimalajothi received secondary and higher education at Vidyarathna Visva Vidyapitaya Horana in Sri Lanka. He has served as a teacher in monk training center when he finished his training there. He then came to USA to join Staten Island Buddhist Vihara in 2009 with the invitation of Banthe Kondanna. Currently he is doing a diploma in social work in College of Staten Island.
Join Us in Building a Legacy
A Community Sanctuary for Peace, Wellness, and Growth
Staten Island Meditation Center & Healing Garden
111 John Street, Staten Island, NY 10302
Building a brighter future, together.
Our Mission
Staten Island Vihara Meditation Center & Healing Garden has been a cornerstone in promoting community strength individual growth, family relations, and mindfulness. Serving Staten Islanders and the tri-state area, our mission is to foster peace, harmony, individual development and stability.
We are committed to nurturing family values and building a supportive community fabric. Our dedicated volunteers, offer their services daily, providing guidance to all ages. Our children and youth program focuses on cultivating positive attitudes, self-discipline. We have successfully helped prevent substance abuse and other harmful behaviors, advocating self-respect and respect for others. Our center also plays a pivotal role in community life, offering counseling for life's milestones and challenges.
Our Vision
The organization offers various programs to achieve the goals including cultural events, educational classes for children, personalized youth and family counseling, annual retreats, Sunday school, free meditation classes, group meetings and activities on how to achieve personal goals and contribute to society. We have formed a special youth group to engage in communality development activities and to foster leadership skills. Our programs empower individuals and families to realize their maximum potential by embracing the concept of “self-awakening.”
SIMCHG Hybrid Building Project
Thank you for your interest in this project. Below you will find our project details, timeline, partners and vision. There are many fascinating people working on this project, however a project of this scale needs as many hands and voices as possible.