They had the space, all they had to do was sign the lease and it would be a done deal.

If they are going to run retail on a breakeven, then you can let it stand or fail on its own... just sign the lease.

If they don't want to run retail and want to count on member dues/donatins ... take a membership vote on a dues increase and ...sign the lease.

Siging for leased spaced doesn't mean that members have to completely give up on the actual building if they want to keep working toward that dream (and running a profitable retail space could help you get there). However, it would accomplish the stated goals during the lifetime of most members.. just sign the lease.

It is VERY easy to caclulate the annual cost of operating a given space and the cost to cover per member is insignificant.

JUST SIGN THE LEASE!