CHARLESTON—The Diocese of Charleston recently purchased land to build new chancery offices at the eastern end of Orange Grove Road in West Ashley.
“This is exciting news for the diocese,” said Bishop Robert E. Guglielmone in a press release. “Our new chancery will consolidate operations, which are currently in five different buildings scattered across the Charleston area. It will accommodate the needs of our growing diocese.”
The diocese paid $1.1 million for 26.5 acres of land, of which 21.75 acres is marshland. One or more buildings of at least 30,000 square feet will be built on the accessible 4.75 acres, according to the press release.
The property was purchased with money from operating reserves. Total cost of construction is unknown at this time.
“We are committed to being good stewards of the financial resources given to us by the Catholic faithful throughout the diocese,” said Bishop Guglielmone.
The new chancery will house the bishop’s office, diocesan offices, an assembly hall, a chapel, and at least one conference room with video conferencing capability. The facility will be utilized by diocesan staff and parishioners across the state.
Construction will be environmentally friendly, with diocesan officials working with an arborist to ensure builders do not endanger the trees or wetlands. The completed structure will be LEED Certified, which provides a framework for identifying and implementing practical and measurable green building design, construction and operations.
Diocesan officials plan to break ground in 2013 with construction completed in 2014.