IOCP gets nod to pursue $5.5 million service center

At its June 8 meeting, the Plymouth City Council approved IOCP’s proposed use for the former Erickson supermarket, located at Highway 101 and County Road 6. The vote was unanimous.

“We are thrilled to broaden our partnership with the City of Plymouth on this exciting project,” said LaDonna Hoy, IOCP executive director.

IOCP has plans to convert the 40,000-square-foot facility into a holistic service center for families and children. The location 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.

“This new space will allow IOCP and our service partners to bring support to families in our community to a whole new level,” said Hoy. “Our current space—a 6,600-square-foot former parish center donated to IOCP by St. Bartholomew Church in 1989—has served us well during our 31-year history of helping struggling families. The Erickson location offers the opportunity to significantly expand our service capacity and to engage the broader community in helping families build new and hopeful futures.”

Project Costs

The projected cost to acquire and remodel the Erickson property is $5.5 million. IOCP has entered 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.

Through its “Building for Good” Capital Campaign, IOCP is actively pursuing funding from individuals, businesses, and foundations. To date, IOCP is halfway to its goal.

Those interested in supporting the campaign can do so online (select “New Building Campaign” in the Donation Category drop-down menu) or by contacting Jill Kohler, IOCP development director, or (952) 404-9388.