Melbourne Regional Chamber Announces Listing of Historic Strawbridge Building
The Melbourne Regional Chamber has announced the listing of its historic Strawbridge building, which has been the Chamber’s home since 1973. The building will be listed for sale on May 8th, 2023.
“After much deliberation, we have decided to sell the Strawbridge building,” said Michael Ayers, President and CEO of the Melbourne Regional Chamber. “While this was not an easy decision, we believe it is the right one for the future financial strength of our organization. We are excited to explore new possibilities and find a new home that will better serve the needs of our partners and the community.”
The decision to sell the building has been a lengthy process, with multiple task forces created to explore different options. The most recent task force, chaired by two-time Past Chair of the Board Bill Potter, was formed two years ago to determine the best course of action for the Chamber. This task force comprised of board members and community partners settled on three main options for the future of the property: 1) sell the property and purchase a new building, 2) embark on a capital campaign to renovate the existing property, and 3) re-develop the property as a joint venture with a partner. Beginning in 2022, the board leadership of the Chamber made it a priority to determine a plan for a long-term home that ensures the ongoing financial strength of the organization.
“For nearly half a century, the Strawbridge building has been the cornerstone of the Chamber’s operations, serving as a hub for networking, events, and business partnerships,” said Deb Harmon, 2023 Board Chair. “It has been a place where countless connections have been made, and much community history has been built. It was simply time to look for a new place to house these important business activities for the next 50 years.”
The Chamber is currently exploring different options to relocate to a new property to call home and will be working closely with Cassandra Hartford, Owner of Reach Commercial Real Estate to ensure a smooth transition. The Chamber will continue to operate out of the Strawbridge building until a new property is secured.
For more information on the sale of the Strawbridge building or the Melbourne Regional Chamber, please visit the Chamber’s website or contact the Chamber directly.
Contact:
Michael Ayers, President and CEO Cassandra Hartford, Owner
Melbourne Regional Chamber Reach Commercial Real Estate
(321) 795-3191 (321) 514-0876
www.melbourneregionalchamber.com Cassandra@reachcommercialre.com
