Board of Trustees gives unanimous approval to Ridges Framework Plan

During its October meeting, Ohio University’s Board of Trustees voted unanimously to approve the Ridges Framework Plan, which details the key findings of the historic buildings and surrounding land on the Athens Campus that was formerly the Athens Mental Asylum. 

The Framework Plan, which was developed in collaboration with consultants Schooley Caldwell Associates and MKSK, will be referenced as the University works to finalize the update to its campus master plan in early 2016. SCA and MKSK will work with Comprehensive Master Plan 2016 consultant Ayers Saint Gross to ensure the opportunities identified for the Ridges are integrated into the overall space planning considerations for the entire Athens Campus.

“The development of the Ridges Framework Plan was truly a collaborative process between the University, our consultants SCA and MKSK, and members of the OHIO and Athens communities,” said Shawna Bolin, director of university planning and space management. “We would like to recognize the Ridges Advisory Committee, the Ridges Master Plan Committee and subcommittees and the community members who provided valuable feedback throughout the process.”

Students, faculty, staff and members of the Athens community participated in interactive workshops and meetings throughout the process, providing valuable insight for the Ridges Advisory Committee and Ridges Master Plan Committees as the Framework Plan was created. 

Key recommendations of the Framework Plan include preserving the historic structures on the property, enhancing the feeling of connectedness between the Ridges and the rest of campus, embracing sustainable development and involving the community and partners to augment future programmatic use to support the University’s strategic mission. 

“The approval of the Ridges Framework Plan is an important step in establishing the vision for this public asset and the way that it can advance the interests of the university and the community,” said Joseph Shields, vice president for research and creative activity and dean of the Graduate College, who co-chaired the Ridges Master Plan Committee with Bolin. “The Framework Plan will provide important long-term guidance for identifying uses and potential investments in this historic property.” 

To view the final Ridges Framework Plan, visit the Ridges Master Plan website.