August 25, 2004

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Palo Alto Online

Gnostics want new home

After more than a quarter-century in the same location, the Church of Gnosis in Palo Alto is looking for a new home.

The property, which includes a small retail center and a large parking lot, is now owned by Albertsons. For more than six years, the grocery chain has sought approval to rebuild and expand the plaza, although that project -- which would tear down the office building and the church -- has become embroiled in an ongoing political battle. Neighbors have complained about the traffic a larger supermarket would create, and numerous versions of the real estate deal have been proposed.

The project is currently on hold, and there has been some speculation the grocery store will close.

"Sooner or later, something's going to happen," said local real estate developer John McNellis, who is in charge of the project. "If I were that tenant, I'd be looking around for a new home. This can't go on forever."

That's exactly what Miller has been doing -- scouring the Bay Area with architects and real estate experts for a permanent home.

The developer's lack of progress has meant a six year cost-savings for the church since it has not had a rent increase during that time, allowing it to survive in Palo Alto on meager donations. (All of the tenants, including Fandango Pizza, have month-to-month leases with no rent increases, McNellis said.)

It costs an estimated $3,000 a month to keep the sanctuary running, but Miller does not ask for any money. A basket rests in a discreet locatoin on a small table in the lobby requesting voluntary contributions.

"It's not a high-finance God that we have," Miller joked. --Bill D'Agostino

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