The Fresno Rescue Mission is zeroing in on a new location as high speed rail construction is set to demolish their existing building. The goal now, according to the mission’s head, is to keep operating during the move.
Mission CEO Reverend Larry Arce says there is actually an upside.
Because streets are being realigned Arce says space is opening up in the same area for them to construct a new building better suited to their needs.
“This building that we have now is pretty tired. It has kind of outrun its use. We are in need of a new building, new facilities,” Arce said.
Arce says the new building could cost as much as $30 million.
The Rescue Mission is still in negotiations with the High Speed Rail Authority over the purchase price of their current site. They are losing their building because the rail authority has to re-align streets and build underpasses beneath the line.
Acre says they don't know when construction on the rail line will start but that negotiations have been going on for years.
“They have a time table that they are trying to adhere but they are way past their timetable so we don’t know when they are going to start,” Arce said.
Arce says they want to keep providing as many services as possible during construction by building temporary facilities until the permanent structure is complete.
