Red Cross buys building

The Greater Ozarks Chapter American Red Cross Disaster and Safety Services has chosen a new home on East Chestnut Expressway.

"We didn't think we'd find something this good," said Larry Leek, chief executive officer of Disaster and Safety Services. He cited the building's 7,248 square feet, ample garage availability, easy access and high visibility along a busy street as the attractions of the former Western Auto Supply building.

Leek said the sale will likely close the week of July 27. A nondisclosure agreement precluded Leek from revealing the price of the property, he said. Sears owns the parcel and building at 1835 E. Chestnut Expwy.

Since the Red Cross building at 1211 S. Glenstone was sold this year to the Assemblies of God, the disaster services group has been looking for a new location. Proceeds from a capital campaign to buy the Glenstone building were returned to the local chapter from the national Red Cross for the purchase.

Bids on renovations are still being accepted, Leek said, on architectural plans done by Marshall Waters Woody Architects and Engineers.

Leek said easy highway access and the building's north-side location will serve the agency well when responding to emergencies in its 11-county service area. The house fires the group provides services for occur mostly on that side of town, Leek said.

Operations are planned to move into the new building around the end of the year.[[In-content Ad]]