(BLACKHAWK REGION) – United Way Blackhawk Region’s (UWBR) volunteer board of directors voted unanimously to place its building on the market as of December 1, 2023. The listing price for 205 N. Main St., Janesville, is $625,000 for the .54-acre lot which includes an 8,193 sq. ft. building and two parking lots.
“This decision has been years in the making,” said Chair of UWBR’s volunteer Building and Property Committee, Greg Ardrey. “Fortunately, United Way’s strong financial position has afforded us the opportunity to take our time, carefully considering our options and conducting due diligence.”
United Way sought a building appraisal in August 2018, pursued a competitive market analysis in October 2021, conducted significant financial analysis, and discussed at great length the pros and cons of a potential sale of this capital asset.
“Only 22% of the building is currently being utilized,” Ardrey added. “The space is too big for our needs. We’re keeping all our options open but relocating to a smaller facility could conserve operational expenses and generate funds for our endowment.”
Built in 1966 and purchased by United Way of North Rock County in 1988, United Way has owned and maintained the riverfront location for 35 years. In the past, small nonprofits occasionally leased offices from UWBR, but rental interest has waned post-pandemic as teams pivoted to remote work models. United Way’s staff and volunteer leadership agree, the time and labor-intensive responsibilities that come with serving as a landlord are not core to UWBR’s mission.
After the 2012 unification of the Stateline United Way and United Way of North Rock County to form United Way Blackhawk Region, staff from the former entities consolidated at the downtown Janesville location. As a regional organization, UWBR would prioritize office space centrally located between Beloit and Janesville.
“Our property is a prime riverfront location. We recognize the thrilling renaissance taking place in downtown Janesville and United Way is interested in helping, not hindering this exciting progress,” said Ardrey. “This is a strategic decision. As responsible stewards, our board will not accept a less than competitive offer.”
To learn more about UWBR, visit LiveUnitedBR.org. Those interested in making an offer to purchase, contact Mike Venable with Commercial Property Group, LLC at 608.554.2720 or visit cpgwi.com.
About United Way’s Building & Property Committee
The purpose of the Building & Property Committee is to provide strategic leadership and oversight of activities associated with the operation, maintenance, safety, and security of United Way’s building and grounds.
2023 Members:
- Chair Greg Ardrey, Alliant Energy
- Amy Lokrantz, ABC Supply Co. inc
- Tom McCawley, Beloit Health System
- Dr. Dennis Pauli, Edgerton School District
- Laura Nilson, UWBR Finance Director
About United Way Blackhawk Region
United Way fights for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in every community. We win by Living United, by forging unlikely partnerships and by finding new solutions to old problems; by mobilizing the best resources; and inspiring individuals to join the fight against a common foe, each community’s most daunting social crises. United Way Blackhawk Region provides community grants and resources to 28 human services programs at 15 nonprofit agencies in Rock County, Wis. and northern Winnebago County, Ill. More information is available at LiveUnitedBR.org.
