The Advocate-Messenger newspaper will soon have a new home.

The sale of the building that has served as the long-time home of the local newspaper was finalized last week. Ephraim McDowell Health is the new owner of the building, which is located adjacent to Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center. The two are separated by Figg Alley.

Daniel McKay, president and CEO of Ephraim McDowell Health, said purchasing the building is a great opportunity for his company.

“The building is located just across the street from Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center and provides tremendous opportunity for growth and the ability to consolidate departments that are currently dispersed across the hospital campus,” McKay said. “At this point nothing has been finalized, but we plan on moving our engineering department to the first floor of the building. The second or main floor can be used as office space and possibly some of the building could be used for retail business.”

McKay said Ephraim McDowell Health has plans to start renovations on the building very soon, and added that The Advocate-Messenger staff will remain in the building until April 1, 2022, while the newspaper’s new offices are being prepared.

The exact location of the newspaper’s new home has not been determined as of press time, but Advocate-Messenger Publisher Kevin Smith said he plans for the newspaper to be operating at its new location as of Monday, April 4.

Smith said there will be no disruption to the production of news by the Advocate-Messenger during this transition.