The possible relocation of the synod headquarters came two steps closer to reality last week. First, a contract to sell the current administration building was finalized. The buyer is planning to raze the existing buildings and construct new facilities on the site. The sale price is $2.82 million. The transaction will not be finalized until the actual closing of the sale, which is scheduled for January 4, 2012. The closing could take place sooner if the buyer desires to begin construction prior to winter. Second, the synod also reached agreement to purchase an existing building in the western Milwaukee suburb of Pewaukee as the new site of the synod’s administrative offices. The seller accepted an offer of $2.85 million. This transaction also does not become final until the actual closing, scheduled for July 26, 2011.
The purchase price is only $30,000 more than what will be received for the current building. While the deals are yet to be finalized, President Mark Schroeder says, “we thank God that he has blessed us with a solution that will provide the synod with a new administrative home without the use of mission dollars.” Moving costs and other building preparation will be covered with funds already on hand in the synod’s facilities fund.
The decision to relocate the synod offices was prompted by two major considerations. First, the existing administration building on Mayfair Road in Milwaukee is in need of more than $2 million in major repairs and renovation. “When a developer expressed interest in purchasing the current facility, it seemed to be a good opportunity to consider relocation,” says Schroeder.
The first relocation option considered - building on synod-owned property (such as the campus of the seminary in Mequon) – was ruled out as too costly. A committee then considered 20 existing office buildings in the Milwaukee area. The Pewaukee building stood out as ideal.
The two-story 33,000 square foot building (pictured) is only nine years old and will require only minimal changes. It also has a full basement that will provide storage space and potential space to house the synod archives. It is located adjacent to I-94 and is easily accessible.
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GJ - Advantages to the Church and Change administration -
