Wichita City Council members have given final approval to an agreement selling the former Fundamental Learning Center building to Habitat For Humanity.
The building at 2220 East 21st Street North was recently used as an emergency winter homeless shelter. The City Council had approved the agreement in early April but it was discovered that a couple of sections had been inadvertently left out. Some Council members also wanted to include language in the agreement calling on Habitat to occupy the building for at least two years. If Habitat has to move out of the building before that time, it would have to sell the building back to the city at the original purchase price or less.
Habitat program director Laurie Walker said the agency will combine its program office with its construction and home repair operations, and the building on 21st will make it possible to complete that consolidation by the end of the year. She said the purchase of the building is a way for Habitat to solidify its commitment to the neighborhood, and the move will affect 22 staff members.
Habitat is buying the building for over $682,000, based on its 2023 appraisal by Sedgwick County.
The City Council approved the agreement with a 6-0 vote. Council Member Brandon Johnson abstained due to a conflict of interest.
