Church of God of Salem acquires new property, seeks GC for reno

The Church of God of Salem has found a new home in the Holden Heights area of Orlando, paying $525,000 for the tenant-occupied strip mall property earlier this month, and has yet to choose a contractor for renovations of $100,000-plus, its second pastor told GrowthSpotter.

"We chose this retail center because it was a faster process than some of the other options we had," said Danex Victor of the acquisition, located at 4563 S. Orange Blossom Trail. "Most required 10 years' worth of financial statements, but we have only been established as a church for six."

This was good news for staffers and parishioners; their growing congregation had been on the hunt for a new home for nearly two years. They look forward to flourishing in the new space. Built in 1988, the center's gross square footage totals 11,700 square feet.

Located at 4563 S. Orange Blossom Trail in the Holden Heights neighborhood, this retail strip center was recently bought by a local church. (Orange County Property Appraiser)

There was a bit of luck involved, Victor said, as another church was also interested in the building, owned by the Okeechobee-based Just Properties, LLC.

"I believe they were taking too long," he said. "The seller grew frustrated by the delays."

The church has been renting space since its formation in June, 2010, with its most recent home the McLeod Commerce center, located just west of I-4 and John Young Parkway at 4085 L.B. McLeod Road.

Of the new property's seven units, four will remain occupied by a restaurant, accounting service and another church. Victor says the Church of God of Salem has big plans for Units 5-7.

"Seven is the largest, it can hold up to 300 people, I believe," he said. For the moment, 5 and 6 will be their temporary home. "Renovations will start in 7 and eventually we will merge the three sections into one."

Plans will include the addition of office space, restrooms and other features. Victor says the church's head pastor has been talking to general contractors, but no decisions have been made.

Cost will be a leading factor in their decision. "Companies who bring us the right price are who we're looking for," he said. "Bids are welcome."

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