Convoy of Hope breaks ground on $34M HQ, training center
BY: GEOFF PICKLE, DIGITAL EDITORgpickle@sbj.net
With its world distribution center already built in Republic, Convoy of Hope is nearly doubling the size of its campus through a $34 million expansion.
The nonprofit broke ground yesterday on its 195,000-square-foot global headquarters and training center, said Ethan Forhetz, vice president of public engagement and national spokesperson for Convoy of Hope. The expansion is located adjacent and will be attached through a skywalk to the Republic distribution center.
"The new campus will allow Convoy of Hope to consolidate three current locations in the Springfield area to one location for the first time in the organization’s history," Forhetz said via email. "All funds used for the new building have been donated by generous donors who specifically chose to support the building fund."
Q & Co. is serving as general contractor for the expansion designed by Buxton Kubik Dodd Design Collective, he said. The 18-month buildout is expected to start by year's end, Forhetz said, noting the project already is two-thirds paid for.
Convoy of Hope currently operates its headquarters on South Patterson Avenue, the same street where the nonprofit sold its former distribution center to O’Reilly Automotive Inc., Springfield Business Journal previously reported. The auto parts retailer's corporate campus also resides on Patterson.
Convoy of Hope last year announced its plans in Republic after buying around 135 acres at the city's border with Springfield. Its new $14 million distribution center spans 250,000 square feet.