UCAN City Mission has confirmed that their plans for the Women with Children shelter to be placed in the former JBC are continuing. P-J file photo

Following the announcement by St Susan Center at the beginning of the month that they would be staying at their current location on Water Street rather than moving into the former Jamestown Business College, the UCAN City Mission is confirming that their project in that building is continuing.

UCAN confirmed in a Facebook post on Monday that they are continuing to move forward with the women and children’s shelter for the site.

“UCAN is saddened by St. Susan’s decision, but realize it was necessary and have our full understanding and support,” the post reads. “Our two organizations continue to have an excellent working relationship and will continue to support each other’s ministries.”

In speaking with The Post-Journal, UCAN Director Bruce Baehr said that the JBC property includes two buildings, one that is one-story that was used for classrooms and the other that is known as the mansion building. The property was originally donated to St Susan Center, who then deeded the mansion building to UCAN for their shelter. The one-story classroom building was originally planned to become St Susan Center’s soup kitchen, though they have now decided to not move forward with those plans.

“The plans for our shelter are continuing,” Baehr said. “There are no changes to our current plans. We have received a HUD grant to help cover some of the costs for renovation and supply.”

Chris Cooke Architects has been hired as the work for the shelter begins, and site plan drawings have already been presented to the city’s Planning Commission.

As the project continues ahead, Baehr said bids for asbestos removal have been received and the project’s next step is to remove the asbestos from the building. The hope, he added, is to have bids for renovations done in the next month, with the actual construction and renovations to begin shortly after that.

“Your continued prayer and support for this project are appreciated,” UCAN’s Facebook post continues. “Please contact our director if you have any questions or would like to support UCAN with this exciting and challenging project.”

UCAN and Baehr can be contacted at 716-488-7480 or at director@ucancitymission.org.