The Salem City Council Monday night approved a ten year renewable lease with Mission Salem on a 150 by 150 square foot parcel of land in the west side industrial park.
Angie Courtright who heads Mission Salem says plans are already in place to construct a building on the land in September.
“We are looking at constructing approximately a 40×80 metal building. It will go down in the industrial park and we will be continuing our mission there. It will look very much the same as operations at the Save-A-Lot building, but now we won’t have to worry about moving every few years.”
Courtright says while the building will only be about a quarter of the size of the Save-a-Lot building it will be large enough for their needs.
Mission Salem was looking for a new home after the City of Salem decided to put the Save-a-Lot building up for sale July 1st after deciding it was not suitable for a new police station which it was originally purchased. While Courtright is hopeful their new building is in place before they have to move she reports they have several offers to temporarily store items.
Sola says the land is located on South Hotze Street adjacent to the new Ameren substation. She reports there is language to allow the city to take possession of the property if Mission Salem ever ceases to exist while providing Mission Salem reassurances the ten-year lease will be renewed for additional years.
Sola notes the city came up with the industrial park land after opposition was raised to Mission Salem relocating in mostly residential areas.
