Former Saskatoon German Cultural Centre purchased by religious organization

A Google search of Saskatoon’s German Cultural Centre labels the building as permanently closed, but a new organization has now purchased the property.

Colliers International confirmed the building has been sold to an organization by the name of Bochasanwasi Hri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha Inc. (BAPS). The group is a non-profit Hindu denomination within the Swaminarayan Sampradaya with properties around the world in places like New Delhi, Nairobi, London and the United States.

The organization also has one Canadian property in Toronto.

The German Cultural Centre closed its doors on Aug. 30, 2020 after announcing its closure on Facebook earlier in the month.

In May of this year, a new buyer was confirmed but its name was not released.

RE/MAX agent Brent Haas said the property at 160 Cartwright St. E is expected to become a “place of worship.”

Shri Lakshmi Narayan Temple, the Hindu Society of Saskatchewan, responded to a Facebook message that the organization is excited about this new cultural development.

“In all, we are excited to say that the community is growing and (needs) additional places of worship,” the society wrote. “It’s a win-win situation for all.”

The BAPS website features photos of its numerous properties, showing massive palace-like buildings at each location, usually white, with various pillars and grand entryways.

Responding to an inquiry about the tax status of the building, City of Saskatoon director of media relations Mark Rogstad said the city has “no concerns” about the property.

BAPS has not yet responded to 650 CKOM’s requests for an interview. Currently, signs warning against trespassing on private property are visible around the building.

No information is available yet on when the property will reopen.