After months of deliberation, the St. Lukes Hospital board of trustees has decided to accept sealed bids for the purchase of a prime corner of real estate at 62 N. Trade St. in downtown Tryon. The building and property have been vacant since February when St. Lukes Hospital Auxiliary relocated the popular Thrift Shop to a larger store at the opposite end of Trade Street.

Several people have expressed interest in purchasing the property, said Ken Shull, president/chief executive officer for St. Lukes Hospital.

Many people have expressed their desire to see that property remain as retail business and not office space,” Shull said. “Our board reviewed the property and considered various uses for the building, but in the end, decided a sale of prime real estate to be in the hospitals best interest for the long-term.

Although St. Lukes has no need for the property, the board is very interested in making it available to the benefit of the downtown retail business, he added.

While we believe the bid process will be fair and efficient for all parties, our board will carefully consider, not only the offers to purchase but also the potential use, Shull said. This is not a fire sale. We have time to wait for the right price, and we want the future use of that property to best benefit our community.

Since a number of people have expressed interest in that location, St. Lukes board of trustees agreed to accept sealed bids through 4 p.m., Wednesday, June 16. All bids should be sent to Shulls attention at 101 Hospital Drive, Columbus, N.C. 28722.

Anyone interested in touring the vacant building and property at 62 N. Trade St. should pick up the key from the cashier at the new St. Lukes Thrift Shop, formerly Isadoras, located at 148 N. Trade St. Anyone with questions is invited to contact Shull at 894-3525, ext. 3250.