Encounter, a prominent campus ministry serving Illinois State University students, has started a $3.7 million redevelopment of its building at 210 W. Mulberry Street in Normal. The project aims to create a more accessible community space and will include a new coffee shop and dedicated offices for professional counseling services.
Construction is underway, with a projected completion date of summer 2026. The initiative is designed to better support students' needs, including mental health, by co-locating services within a modern and welcoming facility.
Key Takeaways
- Encounter campus ministry is redeveloping its building at 210 W. Mulberry St. for $3.7 million.
- The new facility will house a Lab Coffee shop and offices for Truth in Love Counseling.
- The project involves demolishing part of the old structure and adding a 3,500-square-foot extension.
- Fundraising has secured $2.7 million of the total cost, with a goal to be debt-free by the June 2026 opening.
A New Vision for Student Outreach
The redevelopment of the former Campus Religious Center represents a significant step for Encounter, which has served students in the area for decades. The ministry acquired the property two years ago through a complex transaction that required approval from five separate boards of directors.
The core of the project involves a major architectural change. One side of the original 1960s-era building is being demolished to make way for a modern, 3,500-square-foot addition. According to project leaders, this new section will feature large windows facing Mulberry Street to increase visibility and create an inviting atmosphere.
Robbie Osenga, who is managing the construction and design aspects of the project, described the intention behind the new design.
"That’s meant to be a front door to the campus. The main goal is that we wanted to increase visibility and functionality to the whole campus and the community."
The plan reflects a strategic shift to create a multi-use space that serves a broader audience beyond the ministry's regular attendees.
Strategic Partnerships for Broader Appeal
A central element of the redevelopment is the integration of partner organizations. The new building will feature a public coffee shop operated by Lab Coffee and dedicated office space for Truth in Love Counseling, a Bloomington-based Christian therapy practice.
The Role of Lab Coffee
The inclusion of a well-known local coffee brand is a deliberate strategy to make the building more accessible. Encounter Director Ben Miller explained that the goal is to create a neutral, welcoming environment for all students, regardless of their religious background.
"We wanted to create a space that’s a little more gray," Miller said. "How can we create a space that’s for everybody, that the values of community and belonging are held high?"
This approach aims to lower the barrier for entry, allowing students to engage with the space on their own terms, with an open invitation to participate in other ministry activities if they choose.
A Trend of Co-Location
The partnership model used by Encounter follows a growing trend in the community. Similar collaborations include the Easterseals and Bloomington-Normal YMCA facility, and the new Farmhouse child care center which will house an Ivy Rehab for Kids clinic. These partnerships allow organizations to share resources and serve communities more effectively.
The coffee shop is also designed for flexibility. The area can be converted into a worship space capable of holding approximately 300 people, giving Encounter a permanent location for its weekly services, which are currently held at ISU's Capen Auditorium when available.
Addressing Student Mental Health Needs
A primary motivation for the new facility is to provide better support for students experiencing personal crises. Miller noted that Encounter staff regularly meet with students facing significant challenges, such as suicidal thoughts or eating disorders.
"It becomes pretty clear in that moment that we are good people for them to be talking to, but they should also be talking to someone who has some training and knows how to help take steps forward with that," he stated.
Direct Access to Counseling
To meet this need, Truth in Love Counseling will place three full-time counselors in the new building. This integration provides students with direct and convenient access to professional mental health services within a familiar environment.
In addition to counseling, the building will include a dedicated room for a two-year internship program. This program is designed for six to eight students focused on vocational ministry, providing them with structured training and experience.
Funding and Project Timeline
The $3.7 million project is being funded through a capital campaign. Catherine Poffenbarger, a former Encounter student who led the fundraising efforts, reported that the campaign has been successful so far.
To date, $2.7 million has been raised toward the total cost. Major contributions have come from local organizations, including Eastview Christian Church and the Second Presbyterian Church’s Heart of Christ Fund. The ministry's goal is to raise the remaining funds to be completely debt-free by the time the building opens in June 2026.
"It’s been a lot of meetings we’ve all had, some very faithful donors that came out early that really got the ball rolling," Poffenbarger said. "And all of a sudden the ball was flying down the hill faster than we could catch it."
About Encounter Ministry
Encounter has a long history in the community. Its origins trace back to 1967 when it was founded as the Christian Collegians. Today, it operates as a parachurch ministry, aiming to connect college students with local churches.
- Staff: The ministry has 16 staff members, including interns.
- Reach: It serves students from Illinois State University, Illinois Wesleyan University, and Heartland Community College.
- Services: Approximately 125 students meet with Encounter staff on a weekly basis for guidance and support.
Project leaders acknowledge the challenges of such an ambitious undertaking but remain optimistic. "This has really been testing mine [faith], and we’re just super grateful to be here because God's proven really faithful in these steps," Osenga commented on the process.