Grand Rapids Diocese lists Burton Street Property

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich, March 20, 2006 – Stanley Wisinski, president of the commercial real estate firm S.J. Wisinski & Company, announced today that his firm has listed the 16 acre property located at 660 Burton Street, Grand Rapids owned by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids.

“This is a unique parcel of land,” said Wisinski. “The size of the property and buildings are considerable for the area, making it very attractive to the right kind of buyer.”

The property, referred to as St. Joseph Campus, includes four buildings that total 152,218 square feet. The buildings house St. Joseph Center formally St. Joseph Seminary, St. Henry Spirituality & Ministry Center, the chancery office and a 24,000 square foot gymnasium.

“The property has served the diocese well for many years; initially as our former seminary, and in recent years as the site of several administrative offices,” said Most Reverend Walter A. Hurley, bishop of Grand Rapids. “Over the past several months, I have sought advice and explored the relocation of our diocesan offices back downtown closer to the Cathedral of Saint Andrew. It is an exciting endeavor and I am pleased this step of the process is underway.”

Inquiries regarding the purchase of the property are to be directed to Stan Wisinski or Mary Anne Wisinski-Rosely at 616-942-8877.

BACKGROUND FACTS

· 1919 –Burton Street, then a somewhat rural area, was selected as the new location for St. Joseph Seminary that at the time was located near the Cathedral of Saint Andrew

· 1921 –The new St. Joseph Seminary was completed.

· 1956 – Gymnasium was constructed

· 1957 – St. Henry Hall, currently St. Henry Spirituality & Ministry Center, was built as a residence and classroom building

· 1981 – The seminary closed

· 1980’s – Several diocesan offices located to the Burton Street facilities

· The Diocese serves 11 counties, 102 parishes and 163,000 Catholics