Nation of Islam Expresses Interest in Former Building

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by Lesley R. Chinn

While a vacant property on 78th and Cottage Grove has been described by residents as an eyesore in the community, several groups want to bring it back to life.

Ronald E. Garner, architect for the building and president of Group Design Associates expressed an interest in the building during a Sixth Ward meeting. Garner, who said the property has been vacant for more than 15 years, added the Nation of Islam (NOI) owned the building more than 30 years ago.

Under the leadership of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad, the NOI owned the building in the 1970s until his death in 1975, according to Garner and Maurice Farrakhan, project director for the proposed property. However, the organization lost the property in probate court in the early 1980s. Garner added that it would take more than $3.5 million to revitalize the building while construction could last anywhere from 12 to 14 months.

The NOI joins other business leaders including Spencer Leak Sr. of Leak and Sons Funeral Home and Bren Sheriff, co-owner of Amaxx Title Services, who have also expressed an interest in the property. Sheriff was shocked to find out that there was a third party of interest in the property because she thought that she and Leak were the only two parties involved. While Bro. Leonard Muhammad, advisor to Nation of Islam Min. Louis Farrakhan, said he is confident, that NOIs proposal will be selected, both Sheriff and the NOI expressed an interest in working together if Sheriffs proposal is not accepted. Proposals will be presented to the Department of Planning this week which will make a decision about the future of the building

next week.

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