STURGIS — The vacant ShopKo building in Sturgis has been purchased by the Northwest District of the Wesleyan Church – whose local affiliate is the Lifespring Wesleyan Church.
The transfer of the deed on the 30,000 square-foot building dated October 28 indicates a purchase price of just over $1.9-million dollars. The property includes approximately 2.83-acres.
Lifespring Wesleyan Lead Pastor Matt Shulaw told the Black Hills Pioneer that feedback on the purchase has been mostly positive – if not surprised – since many people wondered if the building would once again serve up some sort of retail purpose.
Shulaw says people have told him they are glad the building will not sit empty.
Church leaders aren’t sure when or how they will convert the former retail space into a useable church building.
The church has been discussing long-range plans for over a year. Their current building on Junction Avenue wasn’t showing promise for future growth.
