I posted earlier that we were looking for more space downtown. I have been looking for some time but had stepped up efforts in the last couple of weeks. The search has not been real encouraging.The difficult part has been finding adequate space, for below market rent, that doesn't need MAJOR work, and is really really close to the theater.
We want space that we can use, but more than church use, we want property that is smack in the middle of downtown life, a space that we could use as a "coffee shop" on First Fridays and during events like the Cherry Blossom Festival and Bragg Jam. We wanted a place that could also be used for things like exhibiting the works of local artist, and that could even hold some small music events. We want a building that serves the community and helps us build new relationships in the city.
We need a lot, but we can only pay a little! (See why the search wasn't very encouraging)
I have talked with a couple of real estate agents and New Town Macon - and nothing - until Friday. Friday afternoon I received an e-mail from New Town Macon asking if I could meet with one of their guys and a downtown developer. Today we met. The developer saw our plans for use and talked with his partners - they all agreed that they would be willing to "break even" and not make a profit in order to get us into the space. As we were talking about how much New City could pay, the guy from New Town spoke up and said, "We want you in that building as well. So we are going to pay the owners what you can't. And we may have some money available to help you get set up in the building."
Get this - the building fronts on Cherry street - it is in the heart of the night life and event life downtown. Its back door is less than 75 feet from the Theater's back door. The building is not quite finished from a complete remodel - everything is new! We will pick out paint, flooring, and fixtures. We will not have any work to do to get it ready and it pretty much meets every requirement we have had!
How awesome is all that! Once more God does far more than I could have imagined!
So we take another step toward truly being WITH and for our city!
