Update on the Taylor Alumni Center
As we were holding our Annual Meeting at Brown Gables last night, I was reminded that the Association did not write an article in the March newsletter about our support of a use variance for the relocation of the Taylor University Alumni Center.The Association fielded a handful of calls from residents concerned or curious about the future of the campus or the status of the offices at Brown Gables. We don't yet know about the future of the campus. But we can answer questions about the future of the Alumni Center.The Board of Directors supported the variance and we sent an officer to the hearing in support of the measure. We believe it is a good idea to have an office available for alumni of the former campus. Relocating the office next to Witmer Hall seems a wise location. The Association doesn't want there to be any confusion about what is planned. Michael Mortensen, Taylor's Fort Wayne Alumni Director, agreed to submit an article about it to our website. His article follows.Steve McCord Taylor University received Board of Zoning Appeals approval January 21, 2010 to relocate its Fort Wayne Alumni & Friends Resource Center to 915 W. Rudisill Blvd. With support of several neighborhood associations, Taylor asked for a “Use Variance” for the former “Lillian Rolf Home” to provide a place for Michael Mortensen, director of Fort Wayne Alumni and Friend Relations and a Southwood Park resident, and several volunteers to care for Fort Wayne Bible College, Summit Christian College and TUFW alumni and to celebrate the 100+ year history of the historic Fort Wayne campus. The Resource Center presently is located in the former Chancellor’s home owned by Taylor at 827 W. Rudisill Blvd. After hearing complaints about “the commercial use” of Brown Gables and receiving official notification of zoning limitations, Mortensen met with the contiguous neighbors in October announcing the decision to relocate, but also asking for support for the “use variance.” All agreed to help, as did several neighborhood associations, which was appreciated. “As a long-time resident of the south side and a home owner in Southwood Park, I certainly did not want to be a poor neighbor and nor did my colleagues at Taylor University,” Mortensen said. “We have always tried to listen and have a good relationship,” so we made the decision to move, even though the home is much smaller and would require some internal remodeling. With this “use variance” approval by the BZA and the support of the neighbors, Mortensen reports that the Resource Center will move sometime in late May giving time for the remodeling and hopefully more favorable weather to transport the archives. Meanwhile, he encourages neighbors to visit Brown Gables to see what we are doing to preserve and celebrate the history of our campus.Sincerely, Michael D. Mortensen '91 Director of FW Alumni & Friend Relations827 W Rudisill Blvd - Fort Wayne, IN 46807260.744.8790 (Phone) - 260.437.1265 (Cell) - 260.745.4974 (Fax)
