The Collegiate United Methodist Church, 2622 W. Lincoln Way, recently announced the purchase of a 1.7-acre site near the corner of Lincoln Way and Sheldon Avenue.

The site currently is occupied by the Campus Baptist Church, Jocko’s Auto Parts and parking spaces for Taco Bell.

The purchase is part of Collegiate United Methodist’s plans to expand its current building and parking lot, said Collegiate United Methodist Rev. Jim Shirbroun.

“Our lot has a shortage of [parking] spots,” he said.

Campus Baptist Church, 130 Sheldon Ave., sold its property to build a new church outside Ames on U.S. Highway 30 just east of I-35, said Kevin Mungons, associate pastor of Campus Baptist.

Mungons said the money will help pay for upcoming construction expenses.

“This sale enables us to begin our new building project with cash in hand,” he said.

Under the agreement between the churches, Campus Baptist will lease the Jocko’s Auto Parts building at 112 Sheldon Ave. from the Methodist church.

Collegiate United Methodist plans to remodel the building and convert it into a student ministry center to be run by Campus Baptist, Mungons said. The center will include a student lounge, library and meeting and activity rooms, he said.

“This large student ministry center is needed because we have a large student following, especially with international students,” he said.

Shirbroun said Collegiate United Methodist and Campus Baptist have collaborated in the past.

“We have had a give-and-take relationship with the Campus Baptist Church when we have needed to use their lot for large events,” he said.

Collegiate United Methodist plans to add on to its current building on Lincoln Way and do extensive remodeling, Shirbroun said. One plan includes enclosing the courtyard and turning it into a large gathering area and kitchen for the congregation before and after services.

He said the church also plans to improve its library and student lounge by expanding it to two levels and adding new study rooms.

Shirbroun said these new renovations should lead the church into the next century.

“The additions give much-needed room for the existing ministry, helps reach out to the community students and lives out our visions for the future,” he said.

Collegiate United Methodist Church still does not have any plans for the existing Campus Baptist Church included in the purchase, Shirbroun said.

Mungons said remodeling and construction for both churches will not begin until next summer, and the Campus Baptist Student Ministry Center is scheduled to open next fall.

A spokesperson for Jocko’s Auto Parts said there have been no plans made for the future of the business.