United Way of Southwest Michigan gets sweet deal from new landlord
It’s not every day someone offers office space rent free.
United Way of Southwest Michigan recently cut the ribbon on new offices that come courtesy of the Frederick S. Upton Foundation.
The foundation is providing a 35-year free lease to the United Way in the Margaret B. Upton Center.
“A rent-free office space means we can do more in the community,” says United Way President Anna Murphy. “We are always searching for ways to do more and be more efficient so more dollars are available in the community. This is a wonderful way to help us help and so many other people.”
This newly renovated 4,200 square feet of office space offers a slightly larger work area and the layout is more conducive to their work, therefore creating a more efficient flow, than United Way had in its previous quarters.
The building also has a basement which provides additional storage. During renovations light fixtures were replaced with more energy efficient ones to make them more green-friendly.
The previous occupant of the Margaret B. Upton Center, Gateway, Inc., decided to consolidate its operations in their Berrien Springs Facility opening the door for United Way to relocate. The United Way will have a long-term lease, the facility will remain the property of the Frederick S. Upton Foundation.
The agency is considered a perfect fit by its new landlords.
“United Way was one of my parents’ favorite charities,” says Upton Foundation President Steve Upton. “United Way helps support so many different kinds of organizations in Berrien County so we aren’t just using the building to support just one community need. We hope this helps United Way be able to do even more for our area.”
The building was original purchased by Whirlpool founder Frederick S. Upton as a place to provide services for developmentally disabled children. It previously has been home to Berrien County Crippled Children’s Organization, Easter Seals, Milestones for Life and Gateway.
Writer: Kathy Jennings
Source: Anna Murphy, United Way of Southwest Michigan
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