A $9.5 Million Office Building Sold to a University: Two Church Agencies Downsize for Remote Work

• Two United Methodist agencies sold the Kern Building at 1001 19th Ave S in Nashville
• The buyer was Vanderbilt University
• The property was assessed at more than $9.5 million
• The agencies are moving to a hybrid model with shared collaboration space

Two United Methodist agencies have sold their shared office building in Nashville, UM News reported in July 2021.

Discipleship Ministries and the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry sold the Kern Building at 1001 19th Avenue South to Vanderbilt University. The property was assessed at more than $9.5 million. The agencies cited reduced staff, a 2018 restructuring at Discipleship Ministries that left excess space, the building’s need for renovation, and the shift to remote work after the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We give thanks for the wonderful ministries accomplished over the years in the Kern space and we look forward to the ways in which the proceeds from this sale will support the missions of both agencies,” said the Rev Jeff Campbell of Discipleship Ministries.

The Rev Greg Bergquist of Higher Education and Ministry said: “With an eye toward the future, and our commitment to being a more agile agency, it made sense to move toward a hybrid model where staff can embrace the adaptive opportunities of remote work while sharing collaboration space for maximizing team engagement.” Bishop Mark J. Webb said the proceeds “will provide valuable resources for critical initiatives into the future.”

The sale is one of many by church bodies rethinking office space after the pandemic. A nearby university was a natural buyer, and selling turned an underused asset into funds for ministry.

Jamaican church bodies with administrative offices in valuable locations may find similar opportunities. Where staff can work partly from home or share space, selling or leasing an office building can reduce costs and release capital. Neighbouring institutions, such as schools, universities or hospitals, are often natural buyers or tenants.

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