Baptist Collegiate Ministries Moves Toward New Chapter
Real estate firm secures loan for redevelopment of BCM at the University of Georgia
ATHENS, Ga. — Baptist Collegiate Ministries is moving toward a new chapter at the University of Georgia, as construction is now underway on a transformative redevelopment project that will reshape the ministry’s presence in the heart of Athens.
An artist’s rendering of the new facility at 290 Lumpkin. (Photo/CCI)
CCI Real Estate, a real estate investment company focused on missional impact and community transformation, has closed on a $67-million construction loan to support the project. Developed in partnership with the Georgia Baptist Mission Board, the new site—located at 290 S Lumpkin Street—will include student housing, retail space, and gathering areas, all anchored by a revitalized ministry hub for BCM.
- Thomas Hammond, Jr., executive director of the GBMB, is excited about the impact on ministry that the new building will have. “With over 31,000 students at the University of Georgia, this new facility will enhance our collegiate ministry in every way. It will also enable us to move significant resources that were used for maintenance and upkeep to evangelism, missions, and discipleship.”
“This is a great step toward the future of BCM at the University of Georgia,” said Beverly Skinner, the GBMB’s collegiate catalyst. “I am so grateful for Georgia Baptists and CCI working together to ensure the long-term future of UGA BCM. The new building is going to be such a great resource to support the work of evangelizing and discipling UGA students. Exciting days are ahead!”
Tommy Fountain, Jr., BCM campus minister at UGA, said, “We are thankful for the ability of the GBMB to partner with a company, such as CCI, that doesn’t just look at this as a financial investment and a construction project, but rather as an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy of ministry on one of the largest mission fields in the state of Georgia.”
The development replaces BCM’s longtime location just a block away at 450 S Lumpkin Street, where the ministry has served students since 1961. Once completed, the new eight-story complex will include:
- 243 apartments (totaling 353 beds)
- A 356-space parking deck
- Rooftop amenity deck
- Dedicated student gathering area and office space
- Conference and ministry facilities accommodating more than 500 people
- Street-level retail, including a coffee shop and fitness center
Construction is expected to be completed by June 2027. New South Construction has been selected as the general contractor.
The GBMB and CCI are also partnering on similar projects at Georgia Tech and Georgia Southern University, where BCM facilities are likewise being redeveloped to create mixed-use spaces for students, ministry gatherings, and commercial use.
“As construction begins, there is no question that excitement amongst our students, our local stakeholders, and our alumni will increase,” Fountain said. “Being able to see dirt being moved and structures going up gives us something to look forward to as we continue mobile ministry this school year.”
This article was originally published by The Christian Index.
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