‘Difficult decision’ to sell historic Pasadena headquarters accelerates shift to multi-hub global ministry model

PASADENA, Calif. — Frontier Ventures, a Christian missions organization based in Pasadena for more than four decades, has decided to sell its historic local headquarters building as it accelerates efforts to be located closer to the people it serves around the world. 

A buyer has not yet been identified for Hudson Taylor Hall — located at 1605 E. Elizabeth St. — but one option could be to sell the building for affordable housing, a top priority for the city.

“This was a very difficult decision,” said Dr. Kevin Higgins, Frontier Ventures director. “Hudson Taylor Hall represents so much to Frontier Ventures in so many ways, but the ministry’s vision has never been about a place. We’ve always been about making an impact in many places. That’s why we’re moving to a multi-hub model, with offices in various locations around the world where we work.”

A zoning issue contributed to the decision to sell Hudson Taylor Hall, Higgins said.

The building is zoned for residential use. When Frontier Ventures purchased the property decades ago, it was being used as office space — but the City of Pasadena says that can no longer continue.

Frontier Ventures’ board of directors determined it was unlikely the ministry would win a legal challenge to rezone the property to accommodate its offices, and other options for retaining the property would not be cost-effective, Higgins said.

Despite the planned sale, Higgins said Frontier Ventures intends to maintain a “strategic presence” in Southern California.

Proceeds from the sale will be directly reinvested into the ministry, which Higgins said would continue the legacy of Frontier Ventures and the ministry carried out from Hudson Taylor Hall.

“We deeply honor our past and tremendous heritage,” said Higgins. “But we also want to be good and faithful stewards of all that has been entrusted to us. We remain laser-focused on working alongside others to further God’s work in the world.”

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The vision of Frontier Ventures (frontierventures.org) is to see the fullness of God’s blessing for all peoples and the reconciliation of all things in Christ.  For over 40 years — originally as the U.S. Center for World Mission – the ministry has sought to work alongside others to see God’s purposes fulfilled on earth.

PHOTO CUTLINE: STRATEGIC SHIFT: Frontier Ventures, a Christian missions organization based in Pasadena for more than four decades, has decided to sell its historic local headquarters building as it accelerates efforts to be located closer to the people it serves around the world. One option could be to sell the building for affordable housing, a top priority for the city.