So many buildings available, need help?

Robroy

Robroy

Robin Dodson
Silver Member
I've been looking at buildings close to my church on line. But I have no idea what kind of building I must have for a pool room.
This pool room will not be with the mindset of getting rich, on the contrary it is going to be a "not for profit.........".
My husband and I have a summer pool league with members at our church and out of it has grown friendships that I personally love.
As usual pool has done it again in my life, built friendships that will last a lifetime.
So being a church idea, I was thinking "ice cream", great coffee's, great Christian music and pool as the draw (beside Jesus of course).
I believe Christian churches would love the model we have developed (my husband has developed who am I kidding).
And rather than just saying hi to the person sitting next to you in church you could become friends using a fun game like pool.

Anyway that is our vision, totally in the prayer stages.
But I would love to play around the internet looking for buildings...I just don't know what kind to be looking for...any pool room buffs here? I'd love your feedback
 
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Sounds like a great idea, but it may be tough to geneate enough revenue to offset the purchase and utilities, at least it would be where I live. Interestingly enough, the first pool table I ever purchased was from a church!

I would look for a shotgun metal building. I will try to find pics online for one of the pool halls near my home that was converted from an old bingo hall. PLENTY of room, high ceilings and nice open floorplan, no windows except for the doors. Kitchen/bar at the rear of the building.

If I were to look into doing what you want to, I would also consider a segregated TV room with either a bigscreen or projector. When putting groups of people together, you could show movies, have sports parties, etc.

I know many women who enjoy pool, but also know there are many who don't. My wife hasn't come to the pool hall with me in over 3 years. She might consider it if there were something else for her to do. Nights with pot luck dinners could also work.

I have received mixed comments from members of my church who think that I should not frequent any pool hall, but they have a pool table at church for their Master's Commission team!
 
Great Idea Cuz!

I know for a fact that many people won't go to a regular pool room because of the element of sinning going on. :shocked:

I think you might be surprised. Families could go and play together and be comfortable.

Go girl! You rock!

Ray
 
cuenut said:
Sounds like a great idea, but it may be tough to geneate enough revenue to offset the purchase and utilities, at least it would be where I live. Interestingly enough, the first pool table I ever purchased was from a church!

I would look for a shotgun metal building. I will try to find pics online for one of the pool halls near my home that was converted from an old bingo hall. PLENTY of room, high ceilings and nice open floorplan, no windows except for the doors. Kitchen/bar at the rear of the building.

If I were to look into doing what you want to, I would also consider a segregated TV room with either a bigscreen or projector. When putting groups of people together, you could show movies, have sports parties, etc.

I know many women who enjoy pool, but also know there are many who don't. My wife hasn't come to the pool hall with me in over 3 years. She might consider it if there were something else for her to do. Nights with pot luck dinners could also work.

I have received mixed comments from members of my church who think that I should not frequent any pool hall, but they have a pool table at church for their Master's Commission team!
Click to expand...

Wow, that is is such a great idea!!! We do have wives that didn't play in the league...alot of them did too.
But another room for movie night for the kids (great way to baby sit for some of the high school kids at church) young families could go out easy enough.
I would love to have at least 16 tables, 12 smart tables and 4 Gold Crown (course that is just my thoughts...not prayed over yet).
 
Bigtruck said:
Great Idea Cuz!

I know for a fact that many people won't go to a regular pool room because of the element of sinning going on. :shocked:

I think you might be surprised. Families could go and play together and be comfortable.

Go girl! You rock!

Ray
Click to expand...

Everyone would be welcome... I love sinners...I was one of the biggest I know. I'd love to watch God clean a few more!!!
 
not the building , but the RENT . . .

You may actually have picked THE BEST time to attempt something like this . In this economy , with businesses failing left and right , there are a huge number of commercial real estate vacancies , and no potential paying tenants on the horizon .
When every third storefront in a stripmall stands vacant , it gives the appearance that the location is dying - and the corollary is that full occupancy gives the appearance that the businesses are thriving .
Also , the more people that enter FOR ANY REASON , the better the chance that they'll stop in the other businesses and spend money.
Due to these factors , many landlords in my area are currently providing space RENT FREE to non-profits . This has several advantages for them.
1) gives the plaza the appearance of full occupancy
2) draws in customer traffic for existing businesses
3)provides a tax incentive . The rent they would have charged a retail business is now a charitable contribution.
4) makes the tenant responsible for the utility bills. (keeping the power on in a bunch of vacant properties is a big nut to crack ! )

Can't promise you'll find something like this in your area , but it's worth at least sitting down with a few realtors . This probably isn't a deal you'd make online . . . . .

Good Luck , because it sounds like a great concept !



now if only you could find a big TV star who needed some charitable contributions for a tax shelter to finance the tables & fixtures . . . . . . . :)
 
ridinda9 said:
You may actually have picked THE BEST time to attempt something like this . In this economy , with businesses failing left and right , there are a huge number of commercial real estate vacancies , and no potential paying tenants on the horizon .
When every third storefront in a stripmall stands vacant , it gives the appearance that the location is dying - and the corollary is that full occupancy gives the appearance that the businesses are thriving .
Also , the more people that enter FOR ANY REASON , the better the chance that they'll stop in the other businesses and spend money.
Due to these factors , many landlords in my area are currently providing space RENT FREE to non-profits . This has several advantages for them.
1) gives the plaza the appearance of full occupancy
2) draws in customer traffic for existing businesses
3)provides a tax incentive . The rent they would have charged a retail business is now a charitable contribution.
4) makes the tenant responsible for the utility bills. (keeping the power on in a bunch of vacant properties is a big nut to crack ! )

Can't promise you'll find something like this in your area , but it's worth at least sitting down with a few realtors . This probably isn't a deal you'd make online . . . . .

Good Luck , because it sounds like a great concept !



now if only you could find a big TV star who needed some charitable contributions for a tax shelter to finance the tables & fixtures . . . . . . . :)
Click to expand...

Thanks for all the insight...I thought empty buildings are a dime a dozen too.
God does have Great timing ;) Someone from my church seen the post on facebook...seems we have a commerial realtor there she knows. Fun Fun!!!
 
Robroy said:
I've been looking at buildings close to my church on line. But I have no idea what kind of building I must have for a pool room.
This pool room will not be with the mindset of getting rich, on the contrary it is going to be a "not for profit.........".
My husband and I have a summer pool league with members at our church and out of it has grown friendships that I personally love.
As usual pool has done it again in my life, built friendships that will last a lifetime.
So being a church idea, I was thinking "ice cream", great coffee's, great Christian music and pool as the draw (beside Jesus of course).
I believe Christian churches would love the model we have developed (my husband has developed who am I kidding).
And rather than just saying hi to the person sitting next to you in church you could become friends using a fun game like pool.

Anyway that is our vision, totally in the prayer stages.
But I would love to play around the internet looking for buildings...I just don't know what kind to be looking for...any pool room buffs here? I'd love your feedback
Click to expand...

Hi Robin :)

Sounds like a great idea. I have a RE background, residential not commercial, but knew folks in the commercial side and came to understand it a bit. Are you wanting to purchase or lease? There are advantages and disadvantages to both. The economy has hit that side of RE just as it has individuals with home forclosures. Many banks also have strip malls and commercial buildings that have been forclosed and you might be able to find a deal that way. Also, just something that popped into my head and one that you might have already thougt about...if you set up a non-profit organization and include in your pool room events that will assist in your non-profit status requirements you might be able to help keep costs down as well. I believe one of the 501c3 requirements for sporting groups is to have a training program. This is a natural for you.

I wish you all the best!
Holly
 
Holly said:
Hi Robin :)

Sounds like a great idea. I have a RE background, residential not commercial, but knew folks in the commercial side and came to understand it a bit. Are you wanting to purchase or lease? There are advantages and disadvantages to both. The economy has hit that side of RE just as it has individuals with home forclosures. Many banks also have strip malls and commercial buildings that have been forclosed and you might be able to find a deal that way. Also, just something that popped into my head and one that you might have already thougt about...if you set up a non-profit organization and include in your pool room events that will assist in your non-profit status requirements you might be able to help keep costs down as well. I believe one of the 501c3 requirements for sporting groups is to have a training program. This is a natural for you.

I wish you all the best!
Holly
Click to expand...

When time is right I would like to talk more about that...it could be a natural...how cool would that be to help keep the cost down. I'll keep in touch! Thanks :)
 
I've heard of churches having pool rooms within their own building, some of the older structures had allot of space to accomodate the tables without the cost of another building. The one I heard of was in TX, not sure where but tables in churches does take place. Would be nice if you could put it all together in one spot. Maybe relocate the church to another bldg that already has the room.
 
Getting that 501c3 designation is tough, but if you can accomplish that, you will have a far easier time getting donations to help offset costs.

Good luck.
 
justadub said:
Getting that 501c3 designation is tough, but if you can accomplish that, you will have a far easier time getting donations to help offset costs.

Good luck.
Click to expand...

Just ideas I've had, a tutor program for kids needing help in school. The smarter ones could help and get an hour free pool...just little thoughts I had.
 
Here in Coldwater we have had a Save a Lot close down. It is pretty much a stand alone building with only two small storefronts beside it. This has the room to fit about 12 ~16 tables. If you could find something like that to purchase it seems like the best thing to me for what you want.
 
Robroy said:
I'd love to watch God clean a few more!!!
Click to expand...

Bring it. j/k.

Keep up the good work.

Chess boards you don't have to rent?

I think the most important asset to a poolhall is the cashier. I really miss the kid that always switched the light off as soon as I unscrewed, not when I'm aproaching to pay. Fridays hes a little late here and there. But for the most part.....he's on it.

.....imagine a busy line and a half brain dead cashier.
 
Craig Fales said:
Here in Coldwater we have had a Save a Lot close down. It is pretty much a stand alone building with only two small storefronts beside it. This has the room to fit about 12 ~16 tables. If you could find something like that to purchase it seems like the best thing to me for what you want.
Click to expand...

I'd like to see it big enough to bring in local Christian bands.
I just got off the phone with Kenny he owned Hard Times in Bellflower. What a great time...he is excited too...it only takes a spark to get a fire going ;)
I'll keep you guys posted thanks for the atta-boys it sure gets me looking up to ask "what next".
 
Robin, I can't help (wrong side of the states). But 1 thought popped into my head reading this. Expenses. We here in the northeast have had a cold month this year. Heating expenses are up. In CA I'd expect the cooling expenses to be the killer. Look hard at the building from the operating expense point of view. Insulation is you're friend but a leaky drafty building can really run up the electricity bill.

Look for used Gold Crowns. Maybe someone can find a hall closing up and you can get some real deals. Maybe even used equipment, cues and such.
Glen (RKC) was by earlier. I can't imagine another person I would want in my corner in this enterprise. Keep in touch with him. His nose can ferret out a table deal from a county away.

As to ideas for the hall. A seperate room with TV and play area for the kiddies is a must for you're business model. How about a seperate good old fashioned soda fountain? Some light snacks or limited menue would be nice. Burgers, Fries< hot dogs would be good. Think 50's all the way. I'd pass on the Christian music unless requested. Good old 50's early 60's stuff would keep me in you're hall. Beach Boys, early Beatles, bubblegum, Do-Wop and so on. Played just loud enough to enjoy but not too loud to be annoying. Wainscoating on the walls. Older looking ceiling fans (would help with the cooling). NO SMOKING! Lots of vinyl and chrome. I can go on and on. Think 50's drive in and you're there.

I can picture you in an environment like that. You might even have a small pro shop. Cater to the lower end of the scale. Players, Elite, Action and so on. Stuff beginners and league players would be interested in. Order the higher end stuff in a case by case way. Stock the essentials, the stuff you sell is right on the money! I can see this in my mind.

And last but not least I would love you to open an establishment like that here in Central PA!!!!!!!!! I'd love it. Best of luck, and I hope it comes to fruition.

Mark Shuman
 
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