UCC to retain ownership of national offices

After careful consideration, the United Church of Christ has decided to pull the building that has housed the national offices of the UCC the last quarter century off the market, and retain ownership. The sale of the adjoining downtown Cleveland hotel and the land on which it sits, which the church owns, is moving forward as planned.

“I am grateful to the staff and legal team of the United Church of Christ for their professionalism throughout this process,” said UCC General Minister and President, the Rev. John Dorhauer. “After considering many options, they have helped us execute a transaction that will enhance our missional focus, free up missional assets, and focus our attention on what matters most.”

The hotel buyer, Atlanta-based Global Management, will have a 90-day period to review due diligence of the hotel property and its operations, and a 30-day period thereafter to close the sale.

The current tenants of the 700 Prospect building (which include the covenanted ministries of the UCC, as well as affiliated ministries) are expected to consolidate office space so that new tenants can be sought for the top two floors. More details about consolidating office space and new tenants will be shared when confirmed details are available, Dorhauer said.

The denomination, which relocated to Cleveland from New York in 1989 and staffed in 1990, put the buildings up for sale in February, when property values in the neighborhood soared with the announcement of future redevelopment.