Back in May, the city’s newest luxury apartment building, Nova Apartments, was approved to be built just steps from the main entrance of Spring Lake Church.
Now, with groundbreaking on the horizon, the church is adapting to the inevitable.
(The following is a transcript of the full broadcast content)
While work continues on Christmas decorations inside Spring Lake Church, there’s even more work going on outside.
“Overall, we feel really excited,” said Bill Van Kirk, pastor of downtown’s Spring Lake Church.
Pastor Van Kirk said he has concerns about the Nova Apartments construction. Now he is optimistic about new projects.
“Ultimately, we feel like the city responded to us and we were able to focus on what’s best for downtown Green Bay,” Van Kirk said.
Thursday’s groundbreaking ceremony will officially mark the start of construction on the 268-unit luxury apartment complex downtown.
This parking lot replaces the church’s main parking lot at the corner of Cherry and Adams Streets.
“We lost probably four or five spaces in the parking lot that were ADA-accessible spaces, and those weren’t replaced by the city and haven’t been replaced yet,” Kirk said.
Green Bay Development Deputy Director Matt Buchanan said the city is meeting with local groups to address any concerns.
The city and church have held multiple meetings over the past few months.
“That comes with the opportunity for large-scale development in the downtown (area), and I think we were able to address a lot of those concerns,” Buchanan said.
Pastor Van Kirk said the church will have to make major adjustments, including building a new entrance to the church.
Van Kirk said the church has applied for a city facade grant to build a new entrance, and Buchanan said the city is reviewing the application.
They are also focused on regaining lost handicap spots, he said.
Pastor Van Kirk spoke of misconceptions about tensions between the city and the church.
“Being concerned does not mean we are against anyone,” Rev. Van Kirk said. “We really love the community we’re in. We’re going to serve anyone who comes here and love them as much as we can.”
The city will hold a groundbreaking ceremony Thursday at 1 p.m.
Meanwhile, the church said it continues to wait for facade grant approval.
