IOCP offers details on proposed new service center

At a July 14, 2010, press conference, IOCP Executive Director LaDonna Hoy shared details surrounding the organization’s efforts to purchase and renovate the former Erickson supermarket, located at Highway 101 and County Road 6 in Plymouth, as its new home. Also at the press conference, City of Plymouth Mayor Kelli Slavik spoke to the long partnership between the city and IOCP in serving Plymouth residents and enhancing the community’s quality of life. At its June 8 meeting, the Plymouth City Council unanimously approved IOCP’s proposed use for the property.

IOCP has chosen this time, this place for several reasons, according to Hoy. “There is a readiness in our community to bring its caring power and capacity to a whole new level,” she said. “The strength of partnerships and what this community knows and can do together has positioned us to take advantage of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create a one-stop holistic family and children service center designed to help families and children build new and hopeful futures.”

IOCP has entered purchase agreements with the property owners, Erickson Properties, LLP, and Lunds, Inc., the property lessee, contingent upon IOCP’s ability to complete the sale by August 31, 2010. The Ericksons have agreed to apply the $1 million lease buyout from Lunds to the purchase of the building—what Hoy calls an “irreplaceable opportunity.” Through its “Building for Good” $5.5 million capital campaign, IOCP is actively pursuing funding from individuals, businesses, and foundations. The organization has raised $3.6 million in donations and pledges towards its campaign goal.

“The former Erickson market offers the location, space, and amenities to expand our programs and bring on site community partners whose mission and vision align with ours,” added Hoy. The new facility would allow for a nonprofit resale shop, an expanded food shelf, internships for students of social work, partnerships with Hennepin County and others, expanded volunteer opportunities, and community meeting space.

The 40,000-square-foot facility is central to IOCP’s service area, which includes Hamel, Long Lake, Medicine Lake, Medina, Minnetonka Beach, Orono, Plymouth, and Wayzata. It also is accessible to transportation, near two shopping centers, within blocks of several apartment neighborhoods served by IOCP, and close to schools and child care providers with whom IOCP partners.

Watch the Channel 12 coverage. Click on Play Video. A new screen appears, and shows a block of 6 squares. The IOCP story is the middle right square.