By MARGARET L. WILLIS

The success story of Duneland Resale continues as they announced the purchase today of the old Wiseway building, at the corner of Broadway and Eighth St. in Chesterton.

Final papers were signed this morning for transfer of ownership from George and Don Tonner, of Rensselaer, Indiana.

Duneland Resale’s executive director Dan Johnston called the Chesterton Tribune this morning to say the purchase agreement had been signed.

“To say we are excited would be an understatement,” he said. “We are now the new owners of 801 Broadway.”

Johnston explained that it has been Duneland Resale’s vision to expand the outreach capabilities for quite a while. Now it will be possible.

“The general population may see Duneland Resale as just a store that sells used items; whereas we have always known it’s true, God-given purpose is to assist people in need,” Johnston said.

Duneland Resale has been working on acquisition of the old Wiseway building in one way or another for three years, Johnston said.

“Our goal is to use this location as a community social service center. We intend to invite several other non-profit organizations who provide community outreach to share the more than 25,000 sq. ft. with us.”

Tentative plans call for moving the Duneland Resale shop into the Wiseway building by December of this year. There are as yet no plans for the current Resale building.

“As soon as we can get organized,” he said, “we’ll begin involving the whole community,” in preparing the building for its new incarnation.

Johnston extended thanks to the whole Duneland community, whose generosity has made this next step possible.

“We’d be nowhere without our volunteers and community support,” he added.

Posted 9/19/2008