Tarpon Springs groups eye $3M deal for former Coke plant to expand shelter capacity

Churches United has signed an agreement to purchase the former Coca-Cola sales center in north Moorhead. CEO Devlyn Brooks announced the deal on Thursday, October 29, during a fundraising event. The organization intends to transform the 60,000 square foot warehouse into a combined family shelter, food pantry, and service center.

The property spans four acres. Brooks stated the organization hopes to add a second floor during renovations. He noted that the expanded space could eventually exceed 100,000 square feet of usable area. Brooks described the project as a major expansion of the services the group currently provides.

The new facility sits across the street from Micah's Mission, the organization's current shelter and community center. Micah's Mission currently houses approximately 105 single men, women, and families every night. The existing site includes 15 emergency dorm rooms for families. Brooks reported that the group maintains a daily waitlist of 12 to 15 families seeking these beds.

Churches United plans to move the Dorothy Day Food Pantry to the new warehouse. The building offers more indoor waiting space for clients, a larger parking area, and loading docks for semi trucks. Brooks said the expanded storage will allow the group to buy food in bulk. The organization also plans to relocate Open Doors 65, a charity that provides free clothing and household items, to the new site.

The remaining space in the warehouse will serve as a family emergency shelter and intake center. Brooks said the group aims to double the current family shelter capacity. He emphasized the goal of creating dedicated living spaces for families rather than standard dormitory rooms. The new facility will also host healthcare, dental, and mental health services. Brooks mentioned plans for an outdoor courtyard where service users can gather.

The Coca-Cola plant has operated in north Moorhead for decades. The company is moving its operations to West Fargo. A new building is currently under construction in West Fargo's Sandhills Industrial Park. The owner of the Moorhead warehouse contacted Churches United about a potential sale. A call to Coca-Cola Bottling Company High Country, the South Dakota based owner of the facility, was not immediately returned.

Brooks said the purchase price will be less than $3 million. He declined to provide an estimate for renovation costs until specific plans are finalized. The organization will need financial partners and community input to complete the project. Brooks called the purchase a rare chance to secure long-term housing resources for the region.

The group expects to close on the property at the end of June 2027. If the family shelter moves to the new location, Micah's Mission will open 40 additional beds for single individuals. Brooks stated the facility is intended to serve the community for at least 60 years.