Thanks to the generosity of philanthropists Jerry and Marlene Sternberg, Pisgah Legal Services has purchased land at 52 Orchard Street, adjacent to the nonprofit’s Asheville office location on Charlotte Street.
Jerry Sternberg remarked, “Marlene and I are proud to help Pisgah Legal Services. It’s one of the most productive nonprofits in the community. Pisgah Legal has become a totally necessary service in our Asheville community and surrounding counties.”
Sternberg continued, “Their activities, large and small, can make a tremendous difference in the lives of people who have no access to legal assistance. You can’t continue to grow the services if you can’t continue to grow the infrastructure.”
Pisgah Legal Executive Director Jim Barrett said, “Jerry’s expertise in commercial real estate investment caused him to see the wisdom in Pisgah Legal owning this adjacent property which will allow us to address our immediate need for more office space and parking.”
Barrett remarked, “Thanks to Jerry and Marlene’s extraordinary generosity, this transformative gift meant that we did not have to divert funds from our operating budget which is already under pressure due to cuts in federal funding. This gift will ultimately allow us to serve more people and explore other mission-driven development options. We are thrilled and grateful for their kindness and foresight.”
The 52 Orchard Street land was purchased from PJP Properties LLC for $875,000, a reduced price from the original listing. It comprises .576 acres.
Sternberg added, “We could think of no better choice than to purchase the land which is ideally located and works well for clients to access by expanding parking, and it’s located on the bus line. I encourage others to support Pisgah Legal, and, once a plan is in place for the property, help make sure that this important work continues.”
Written by Pisgah Legal Services.