What’s next for local nonprofit making big real estate move

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A local nonprofit has listed its east Charlotte real estate on the market as the organization continues to work virtually through the Covid-19 pandemic.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Carolinas, which provides one-on-one mentorship opportunities between adults and youth, has listed its ground lease at 3801 E. Independence Blvd., for $1.2 million. The organization has been at the building, at Independence Boulevard and Woodland Drive, for about a decade.

Donna Dunlap, CEO of BBBS of Central Carolinas, said the location doesn’t work well for the nonprofit’s needs.

Most importantly, it’s not on a bus route. Many families the organization serves either have to travel about a mile from the nearest bus stop or use more expensive ride-share services to get to the building.

Plus, the building itself — a former Savings and Loan office measuring about 14,000 square feet — isn’t conducive for its programs and daily operations. There’s no large meeting room, for example. Back when BBBS’ 30 employees were working in the office, staff would bring chairs into the building lobby to meet.

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Dunlap said she felt the timing was good for the listing because her staff is still working remotely.

Eventually, she said, she plans to find new space for BBBS.

She talked with CBJ about what that might look like, as well as the impact the organization is having on the families it serves. In addition, a real estate pro talked with CBJ about the potential for site being vacated. Read the full story here. 

Cox Media Group