Immanuel Lutheran now closer to buying land in East Dundee

Immanuel Lutheran Church and School is finalizing the purchase of an adjacent 16.5-acre property that leaders say would allow them to expand the East Dundee campus in the future.

After spending the last year in a due diligence period, 155 members of the church's congregation met Tuesday and exceeded the required two-thirds vote to move forward with buying the land from D'Angelo Natural Spring Water, business manager Chris Wendt said.

"Whenever you have a chance to buy contiguous property in a small town like this, you have to do your best to do that," he said.

Church leaders aren't sure yet what they may do with the entire property, which includes some wetlands and wooded area, Wendt said.

Acquiring the land, however, is the only way to ensure Immanuel Lutheran would have enough space to eventually upgrade or grow its facilities, he said, particularly the century-old school building.

Though he wouldn't disclose the sale price, Wendt said the church expects to close on the site within the next 30 to 60 days.

"It's eminent that we're moving forward," he said.

Church officials are also considering selling a portion of the land to recoup some of the initial costs, Wendt said. He noted various developers have expressed interest in building on part of the property.

Immanuel Lutheran plans to assemble a committee to discuss and determine the best uses for the entire property, he added.

Members will seek input from residents, East Dundee officials and the rest of the congregation.

"We don't know exactly what the Lord is going to have us do with those 16 acres," Wendt said.

"We just know we've got a chance to do more ministry, and that's really what we're all about."