New to Project ReImagine? Let’s Catch You Up to Speed!
The first stage of construction officially began on October 17, 2023!
Construction crews are now at work outside our transitional office, digging up asphalt, moving dirt, and bringing us closer each day to the completion of One Alliance Place.
Learn about some of the key events that have marked our journey from business park to marketplace.
July 2019: President’s Cabinet conversations
In 2019, God placed two questions on the hearts of Alliance National Office leaders: “Are we officed in the right manner?” and “Are we officed in the right city?” These questions sparked a bold, faith-filled journey to reimagine the way the National Office engages with the community and funds The Alliance’s gospel-advancing work throughout the world.
June 2020: Board approval to relocate the National Office from 8595 Explorer Dr., Colorado Springs, CO
July-October 2020: Four exploratory trips for new property within and beyond Colorado
These trips included 90 different property visits in three Midwestern cities (Indianapolis, Cleveland, Columbus).
October 2020: Board approval to begin negotiating to acquire property in Reynoldsburg, OH (greater Columbus area)
May 2021: Acquisition of former Kmart and McDonald’s property (nine acres), and transitional office in Reynoldsburg (one acre); first wave of staff transitions
The acquisition of these initial properties was made possible through a small team of early adopters—our first donors to Project ReImagine. To date, no Great Commission Fund monies have been used for the new office property purchase, building design, or construction.
May 2021: The Alliance is awarded a $1M JobsOhio reimbursement grant, becoming the first nonprofit organization to be awarded a JobsOhio grant for job creation and property development in Central Ohio.
July-December 2021: Transitional office building renovations
Until the transitional office was ready for occupancy, National Office staff were welcomed by Locale 1883, an event space in Reynoldsburg with a cherished history within the community.
August 28, 2021: “Demo Day”: a celebration marking the demolition of the abandoned Kmart that had stood on the first property purchased for the construction of Alliance Place
Approximately 300 people joined the celebration, including many from local Alliance churches, community leaders, and interested folks from the town. A choir from two local Ethiopian/Eritrean churches sang, and the mayor of Reynoldsburg delivered a warm greeting to the community.
December 2021: Acquisition of a one-acre vacant corner lot at Brice Road & East Main Street
January 2022: Remodeled transitional office building opens for staff occupancy
November 17, 2022: City of Reynoldsburg approves planning/zoning code variance requests for Alliance Place
January 5, 2023: City of Reynoldsburg approves the master site plan for Alliance Place
January 6, 2023: Open House at transitional office
National Office staff welcomed around 100 community and business leaders to showcase the updated designs for Alliance Place and communicate the vision for Project ReImagine. The response from the community was overwhelmingly positive.
June 2023: Launch of Project ReImagine’s public phase
Until this time, an incredible $12.4 million had been raised during Project ReImagine’s initial private phase.
June 16, 2023: Groundbreaking ceremony for One Alliance Place
Nearly 500 Alliance family members, local leaders, neighbors, and others gathered at the future site of One Alliance Place to celebrate the start of construction.
June 2023: The Alliance receives $800,000 reimbursement from JobsOhio (remaining $200,000 grant monies expected in 2024)
August 2023: Acquisition of the four-acre Brice & Main Center retail mall adjoining the former Kmart property and completing the property footprint envisioned for Alliance Place.
August-September 2023: First two building permits received from the City of Reynoldsburg
October-November 2023: Early sitework begins, including asphalt removal, site grading, and prep work for the new stormwater system
November 1, 2023: Nearly $610,000 given in matching gift campaign between 9/15 and 10/31 to unlock the $210,000 match for Project ReImagine.