Anderson said billionaire philanthropist James Sorenson has agreed to give another $200,000 to the community center in Glendale. The gift brings Sorenson's total contribution to the planned structure to over $1 million in cash and 2 acres of land.

Sorenson's donation means the Alliance for Unity will kick in another $200,000 for the center, adding to its $4 million contribution.

Anderson sought the extra $400,000 to cover skyrocketing construction costs. Without the money, the city could have eliminated some community classrooms and its drop-in day-care center.

The mayor said this week he is looking for even more money to cover annual operation and maintenance expenses so taxpayers won't have to. But the additional fundraising may mean another holdup in construction for the already-delayed center, which was supposed to open next winter.

"We're trying to figure out a way with new market tax credits where we could not only add to the capital project but also set up a fund for operation and maintenance," Anderson said. "If it delays it [construction] for a few months, it would be worth it if we have a fund built up for operation and maintenance."

From the beginning, taxpayers weren't supposed to subsidize building operations, but the city backtracked after officials couldn't find enough partners to cover the $300,000 annual cost.

The Sorenson Unity Center will be built near the Sorenson Multi-Cultural Center, 855 W. California Ave. (1280 South). It will include classrooms for adult education, a fitness center, a performing-arts theater and a dental clinic.

The center is being built as part of the compromise that the city and LDS Church made to end the battle over the Main Street Plaza.

hmay@sltrib.com