Millcreek Township and the Zem Zem Shriners of Erie are exploring the potential for a new partnership. That partnership would potentially lead to the acquisition of the 40,000-square-foot Zem Zem Shrine Club and 42 acres of land adjoining Zuck Park.
The township approved a letter of intent, which gets the ball rolling on exploring the opportunity fully.
“We’re going to enter a five-month due diligence period to explore the property, explore the building a bit further, and to also have a solid public review period as well,” said Ashley Marsteller, director of parks and recreation for Millcreek Township.
Township officials said the Shriners of Erie approached them with an offer and gauged interest.
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Since that time, conversations have led to an agreement on Tuesday that isn’t set in stone yet but is a real possibility.
“Although we continue to use our building for community purposes as well as the purposes for our membership, the building has become far too large for our membership,” said Jim Richardson, former president and current trustee for the Zem Zem Shriners of Erie. “It’s become difficult for us to maintain with the number of members that we still have. So we’ve been looking for an organization that would be able to take it over, continue to use it for community purposes while we build something new that is right-sized just for us.”