Rental of our Building
The First Unitarian Society of Ithaca offers a variety of handicap accessible accommodations for hosting your event. Whether you require a large or small space, you’ll find that we will do our best to fulfill your needs.
We have space for weddings, workshops, anniversary celebrations, seminars, luncheons, concerts and recitals, and Bar or Bat Mitzvahs.
Rental Spaces which are currently available include the Sanctuary, Parlor, Second Floor Annex Room, Mark Pedersen Room, as well as various classrooms. These can accommodate anywhere from 12 to 300 people to meet your needs. See below for photos and details of each space.
Our spaces are rented in 4-hour increments. Although our kitchen is not inspected by the City of Ithaca for commercial use, it can be used to prep or heat foods and many local caterers are familiar with our facilities.
All renters must supply a certificate of liability with First Unitarian Society of Ithaca named as additional insured or sign a release of liability.
To inquire about availability, please email office@uuithaca.org with the date(s) that you are interested in and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Our Sanctuary
The Sanctuary has an occupancy of 299 persons seated in the curved wooden pews and in padded chairs arranged around the perimeter. Use of the organ and/or piano may be made by prior arrangement only (for an additional fee).
This space has very fine acoustics as it was designed by local architect, William Henry Miller. The church was completed in 1895. Due to the intimate feel of the space, it is one of the most sought-after concert and recitals venues in Ithaca and has hosted many groups including the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra, the Finger Lakes Chamber Ensemble, and the New York State Baroque.
Our Parlor
The Parlor is located on the first floor and is accessed by the double glass doors located at 306 N. Aurora Street.
Occupancy has been established at 145 persons standing,103 persons seated (lecture style), or 48 persons seated at dining tables.
The area is supplied with approximately 100 stacking chairs and ten folding rectangular tables (60″ x 30″) located in an adjacent closet. A separate kitchen is also located through a door on the south side of the room which is not inspected by the City of Ithaca for commercial use but may be used for reheating foods.
Our Annex
The Annex is located on the second floor and is accessed by the door located at 208 E. Buffalo Street.
Occupancy has been established at 293 persons standing, 225 persons seated (lecture style), or 105 persons seated at dining tables.
The area is supplied with approximately 120 stacking chairs and sixteen round tables (72″) located in an adjacent closet. There is a refrigerator and small sink located in a connected hallway. The area is served by an elevator and has handicapped-accessible restrooms. In warm weather, the room is air conditioned.
Our Mark Pedersen Room
One of many classrooms, the Mark Pedersen Room may be accessed by either the church door located on E. Buffalo Street or the Garden entrance. On the second level, there are both stairs and an elevator located down the hall. This dramatic room features graceful curving walls. The space has a built-in movie screen and whiteboard and can easily accommodate up to 35 persons seated theater style.