Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake said Thursday it has purchased a second building downtown as part of a long-planned expansion.
The nonprofit, which provides job training and placement as well as other services, expects to start moving some programs into the five-story building at 32 South Street next month. Goodwill, which is funded primarily by the sales of donated goods, will keep its current headquarters on nearby East Redwood Street.
"This was an ideal opportunity for Goodwill since real estate in the heart of downtown is difficult to obtain," said Lisa Rusyniak, Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake President & CEO. "We are thrilled with the ability to now expand our program reach."
About 2,500 people received job placements through Goodwill last year, while other services have expanded significantly.
Goodwill employs about 700 people in the region, including 80 at the headquarters, said spokesman Jonathan Balog. More people are expected to be hired as part of the expansion, he said.
The 32,000-square-foot building, currently occupied by the International Youth Foundation, cost $1.6 million, according to land records.
The foundation, which employs about 70 people locally, wasn't using all of the space, as staff traveled frequently or telecommuted, said spokesman James Peirce. The international development organization is starting a search for new headquarters and is committed to staying in the Baltimore area, he said.