YWCA Sells Property to Jewish Congregation

PALO ALTO, CA-A 2.1-acre parcel here with a 13,620-sf building on it has changed hands for just under $6 million. The seller is the YWCA of the Mid-Peninsula. The new owner is Etz Chayim, a liberal, independent Jewish congregation. Etz Chayim is now working with the City of Palo Alto to effect repairs and remodeling. The congregation hopes to occupy the site this fall. The bulk of the YWCA’s $5.5 million in net proceeds from the sale will create a YWCA of the Mid-Peninsula donor advised fund with the Women of Silicon Valley Fund, a partnership of the Women’s Foundation of California and Community Foundation Silicon Valley. This new fund will carry on the YWCA mission by supporting projects focused on eliminating racism and empowering women and girls. Grants will be paid from the interest; the principal will be reserved for the potential emergence of a new YWCA branch or association.The YWCA of the Mid-Peninsula last June decided to cease operations and proceed toward dissolution. The agency’s Rape Crisis Center’s services were transferred to the YWCA of Santa Clara Valley, and its Outlet program, which provides support, information and resources for lesbian and gay teens, was transferred to the Community Health Awareness Council (CHAC) in Mountain View. The Montessori School of Los Altos, which has run a pre-school at the YWCA site for several years, is working with Congregation Etz Chayim to continue their lease under the building’s new ownership.Mike Cobb and John Kovaleski of Colliers International had the disposition assignment for the YWCA. Congregation Etz Chayim was represented by Cornish and Carey Commercial.