St. Ignatius of Loyola Parish receives land donation from Natelli Communities

St. Ignatius of Loyola Parish in Ijamsville received a land donation valued at approximately $1 million from Natelli Communities. The one-acre property borders the parish's historic church building in Urbana.

Tom Natelli, president and CEO of Natelli Communities, said the family decided to donate the land rather than develop it for a drive-through restaurant. The decision followed a proposal from parishioner Chelle Davis to give the property to the church.

Father Brian Nolan, pastor of St. Ignatius, said the parish first learned of the gift this past spring. While the land's high value is attributed to zoning that allows for commercial use, Father Nolan said the parish has no current plans for the site, as development decisions are years away.