Tuesday, December 2nd, 2008

ECM won’t sell building to developers

Members of community rally to preserve church

After being approached by developers trying to build the Oread Inn, the Ecumenical Christian Ministries has decided not to sell its building. The ECM now faces the task of raising $700,000 for renovations.

By Sarah Neff

Thursday, November 29th, 2007

The Ecumenical Christian Ministry board decided not to sell the building on 12th and Oread Streets to the developers who are trying to build the Oread Inn.

Thad Holcombe, campus pastor at ECM, said the board talked about the sacred space associated with the building and the historical significance it held for students, alumni and community members.

The ECM board estimated that it would need over $700,000 to upgrade and repair the building. Holcombe said that after the stories about the situation were published in The University Daily Kansan and then in the Lawrence Journal-World, he was approached by people who wanted to help save the building.

“We are really encouraged,” Holcombe said.

Holcombe said a consulting firm had offered to do a free feasibility study for the ECM to see how much money the ECM would need to raise for renovations.

Tom Harper, founder of Lawrence Modern, a community group that focuses on mid-century architecture and design, said he approached Holcombe after he heard about the possibility of the ECM building being demolished. Harper said he and Holcombe were in the preliminary stage of getting the building designated as historic in the national and state registries.

Harper said he would offer as much help as the ECM wanted.

“Our group is definitely interested in keeping the structure there and helping to raise money so it can continue to serve the community,” Harper said.

Sarah Martin, national register coordinator with the Kansas State Historical Society, said a building must be at least 50 years old to be considered historic. If a building is declared historic, the Historical Society will protect it from demolition. The ECM was built in 1960, so it will be another two years before it can be added to the registry. She said it would probably fall under the historical category of architectural or engineering significance.

Meghann Curry, Wichita senior, said she goes to Veggie Lunch at the ECM almost every Thursday.

“I think the decision was a good one,” Curry said. “I think it would be a real loss if the ECM wasn’t there.”

Edited by Rachel Bock

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