Real estate transaction yields beneficial opportunities for two local faith-based organizations.

Mennonite Village Continuing Care Retirement Community and Oak Creek Christian Center announce their successful negotiation in which Mennonite Village purchased 82.8 acres of land, building, and improvements from Oak Creek Christian Center. The transaction closed Wednesday, June 30, 2010. Oak Creek Christian Center Congregation is seeking a new site and plans to relocate within the next few years.

The land, located at 5775 Columbus St. S.E., Albany, is zoned for residential use (RS-6,5, Single Family). Oak Creek Christian Center improved ten acres of the property by incorporating city water and fire hydrants, a paved driveway with 50 parking spaces, and a two-story structure with 20,000 square feet of finished area for an auditorium, offices, classrooms, gathering areas, and restrooms. Oak Creek Christian Center also added a small, outdoor amphitheatre and areas for youth soccer and baseball. The remainder of the property is either farmed or designated as open space.

“Our relationship with Oak Creek Christian Center spans nearly 15 years and we are pleased to work with them on this significant land purchase,” said Ron Litwiller, president and CEO of Mennonite Village. “This transaction yields exciting opportunities for both organizations.”

“Mennonite Village has a long history of providing quality housing and care to seniors and our two organizations have been good neighbors throughout the years,” remarked Kelly Dufour, lead pastor, Oak Creek Christian Center. “We look forward to continuing our cooperative relationship. This mutually beneficial arrangement will allow us the appropriate time to develop our relocation strategy.”

The newly acquired property provides additional options to Mennonite Village as it continues to provide services, now and in the future.

Oak Creek Christian Center is actively exploring suitable options for their new campus. “We would like to stay within the south end of Albany as we continue to provide a positive place for individuals and families to explore faith, discover hope, and experience life change,” said Dufour.