Years later, U. still tries to buy CA bldg.

The University has long coveted the building right in the heart of campus and officials are back in negotiations with Christian Association officials to purchase it, according to Tom Lussenhop, the University's top real estate official. The University has wanted to buy the 27,000-square-foot building for 20 years, Lussenhop said yesterday. For more than 70 years, the Christian Association has been a fixture in the heart of campus and has rented retail space to the Gold Standard and Palladium restaurants. Textbook wholesaler Campus Text is also currently occupying space in the building. But in October 1997, the Christian Association put the property up for sale to allow more time and money to be used for religious purposes, rather than managing the building, officials said at the time. The University extended an offer for $3 million in October 1997, but the Christian Association quickly rejected what they called an "embarrassing offer." The CA was reportedly initially asking for $8 million. While a group of private investors reportedly offered between $5.2 million and $5.5 million for the building in June 1998, the space still remains for sale. The University has not announced plans for the site if it is purchased, but proposals for a Unity Center or an Interfaith Center have been discussed. Christian Association officials declined to comment.