The Taylor Creek-Olson Mansion property has new owners and a brighter future.
The 45 acres, located at 21401 244th Avenue Southeast, was purchased by The New Community Church Dec. 30.
The closing price for the property was about $1.6 million and includes the 10,000 square foot mansion which is a King County landmark.
The mansion was built in 1907. There is a barrel-vaulted barn on the site, also listed as a landmark, that has been used for community events, along with a pool, driving range and miniature golf course.
In 1907, Norwegian immigrant Olof Olson began a dairy farm on the land and built the home. The barn was added in 1909.
Bill Borland, pastor, said the church had been looking at property in Ravensdale, “but God had different plans for us.”
The property also has a golf course. Borland said the property was not able to “fly as a golf course. We think we are the ideal owners. We are very excited and we are hoping the community is excited, too.”
Borland said the church is looking at many opportunities the property offers. The plan is to keep the pool, miniature golf course, mansion and barn available for community use. The church will look for someone to take over management of the driving range if it is to be kept open.
The plan is to build a church on the site and members have pledged more than $1.4 million for the church and property improvements.
Borland said some church offices will be moved out to the property and a live-in caretaker will be hired.
Recently there has been considerable problems with vandalism and theft of copper wires.
“There was a lot of community concern how rapidly the property was declining,” Borland said. “The mansion itself is in good shape, but it needs some work.”
New Community Church was founded in a living room in 1995 by five couples, including Ken Mitchell, pastor, and his wife, Valerie. Since then, the offices and services have met at more than 10 temporary locations, most recently at Rock Creek Elementary.
