ROCK ISLAND, Illinois – Augustana Senior Communications Director Sam Schlouch confirms the university is interested in selling the K-Mart building on Blackhawk Road.
“We are in the process of working with a partner who is interested in purchasing the property,” Schlouch said. “The college is interested in developing a plan that is fair and reasonable for both parties. We will continue to evaluate all options.”
Schlouch said Augustana owns the property the building sits on. It was given to them by a donor years ago. K-Mart closed on July 31, 2016.
“The property most recently occupied by Kmart is a valuable piece of property,” Schlouch said. “It is in a prime location for new and exciting development for Rock Island residents, including Augustana students.”
Augustana wouldn’t necessarily use the property, depending on who buys it. No word on a timeline for the sale.
“If a developer purchased the property and developed it, ideally it would be developed into something that would benefit the Rock Island community, including our students, faculty and staff,” Schlouch said.
