A new occupant has been found for the former United Federal Credit Union building in downtown St. Joseph.

Visit Southwest Michigan, formerly the Southwest Michigan Tourist Council, will be moving into the building at Broad and Main Street, right across from St. Joseph City Hall.

Visit Southwest Michigan Board President Mike Nadolski tells us the organization has been looking for a different location for its Welcome Center because the current location on Pipestone Road in Benton Township is a little off the beaten path.

“We definitely wanted to be in a higher traffic area, and when this building made itself available and we became aware of it, it seemed like a really good fit,” Nadolski said.

United Federal Credit Union and Visit Southwest Michigan have announced the property is now under contract, with the sale expected to close later this summer. While long-term plans for the building are still being finalized, Nadolski says Visit Southwest Michigan wants the property to become a destination where visitors can be welcomed and learn about the area.

“How quickly we move in is still a topic of discussion. I’m a do-it-now kind of guy, so I’m ready to go as soon as the ink is dry. But it’ll depend on what makes the most sense for the organization. There is construction that’s going to be happening in the area. But we want to make the most of the high season, too, the summer season. So we’ll see where all that settles in as time moves along here.”

Is the organization still planning a visitors center at the former Nye’s Apple Barn property by I-94?

“That did not work out for us, so our sights are now set on doing everything we can with this building. We’re going to announce specific plans for the building once we’re closed on it. We still have some contingencies to work through, but we’re very optimistic.”

United Federal Credit Union President Terry O’Rourke says the transition will allow the building to continue serving as a gathering place for the community. Nadolski says it isn’t yet known if Visit Southwest Michigan will utilize the entire facility, which is about three times the size of its current one, but it’s thrilled to announce the move.