David DeVaneyA Chattanooga-based nonprofit that conducts religious training has bought the former Circuit City building off Lee Highway.
The International Congress of Churches and Ministers, an organization that provides financial advice to churches and other ministries, paid $1.35 million for the 36,500-square-foot building and three-acre parcel, said David DeVaney, president of NAI Charter Real Estate Corp.
“It will bring people in for seminars, continuing education and produce DVDs,” DeVaney said about the facility that takes up nearly half of the former shopping center near Highway 153.
Chattanooga attorney Wayne Peters said the International Congress is run by Michael Chitwood, who also operates an accounting and financial services firm in the city, Chitwood & Chitwood, which caters to churches and ministries.
“It will be devoted to religious activities,” said Peters about the Lee Highway site. He said the accounting firm is to remain at its Eastgate location, where the International Congress also is currently housed.