GovGuam buys historic chancery building for $2.3 million

The historic chancery building is sold. The Government of Guam buying it from the Archdiocese of Agana for $2.3 million using American Recovery Plan funding. 

The keys to Historic Chancery Office currently in the hands of the local Catholic church will be turned over to the public sector. Acting Governor Josh Tenorio confirming the deal approved with U.S. Treasury Capital Projects funding.

Adelup saying the sale is currently in the closing process, with Tenorio adding, "Anytime that a building comes up given the construction challenges on Guam, everybody should be razor focused to try and identify assets for whatever need. In this case, the Archdiocese Chancery is also a historic place in Hagatna and the church wanted wanted to identify humanitarian purposes."

Tenorio approached the church several months ago. He says he sent a letter to Father Romeo Convocar expressing interest to use it for just that.

"At that time, we were still deciding which vulnerable population this facility would best serve and we have decided and continuing to refine our plans that the facility will be used for individuals with disabilities, those with behavioral health issues also. We have a lack of day programming for adults who are disabled. That is certainly being envisioned to be accomplished there," he said.

As we reported, the chancery was put up for sale as part of the archdiocese's bankruptcy settlement in the clergy sex abuse case.

It's been the traditional residence and office for the archbishop of Guam but more importantly, it was where then-Pope John Paul II, now-Saint John Paul, stayed during his historic visit to Guam in February 1981.

Now the plan is to ultimately use it to make life better for those in Guam living with disabilities. Tenorio said, "Places that families will be able to utilize so they can have some normalcy or work so that they can get some relief. I think DISID has been doing a remarkable job. In the last few months they have been performing needs assessments to determine what the needs are and we are refining our needs based on the needs assessment they've done."

The acting governor calls the deal "good" as they've saved the property for the community to use.