Living Word Christian Center, an ecclesiastical organization, relocating to the Wyoming-Kentwood business corridor at 165 54th St. S.W. in Wyoming, Michigan, in the Grand Rapids market. This new location will meet the growth needs of the Living Word congregation and provide additional classroom and teaching space.
“The decision to move has not been an easy one, but our continued growth forced us to look for a location that would help us better serve our congregation,” said Living Word Pastor Dan Oglesby, in a statement.
Living Word will move into the new location on or before July 16, 2019.
After eight months of seeking a buyer, Living Word recently sold its past location at
1534 Kalamazoo Ave. SE to Amplify GR, a nonprofit organization with a mission to support strong Grand Rapids communities in the Boston Square, Cottage Grove and surrounding residential neighborhoods.
In addition to serving as a house of worship, Living Word Christian Center, led by Pastor Oglesby, provided a food pantry, clothing and housing referral opportunities to community residents, while offering critical life skills training focused on parenting, money management, education support and mentoring in lifestyle enhancement and household management.
Over the course of the next year, Amplify GR will work with Oakdale and Boston Square stakeholders to identify ways the building can continue to be an anchor for the neighborhood.
In addition to purchasing the Kalamazoo Avenue property, Amplify GR is working with local community partners on programs such a Neighborhood Strong and Scholars Strong, which seek to keep residents in their homes and provide unique learning opportunities for teachers and students, respectively.
Stan Wisinski of NAI Wisinski of West Michigan represented Living Word Christian Center in the sale of 1534 Kalamazoo Ave. SE. as well as the purchase of 165 54th St. SW, while Doug Taatjes and Hillary Taatjes Woznick of NAI Wisinski of West Michigan represented the seller of 165 54th St. SW.
