Ohio University pursues Ridges Framework Plan with potential developers
Ohio University will meet with potential developers on Monday, January 9 at 1 p.m. at the Ridges to engage in a dialogue about the feasibility of beginning implementation of the Ridges Framework Plan, which was created and approved after an 18 month planning process that included Athens and University community participation and public forums, and the support of the Athens Mayor’s Office, City Council and University Leadership.
This informational meeting has been scheduled and is structured to assist potential developers in understanding the opportunities outlined in the Ridges Framework Plan and provides the University the opportunity to gain an understanding of potential developer interest. Future steps in this process will include a proposal submission process, which will permit analyses of financial feasibility and respective staging/implementation of the components of the Framework Plan.
Joe Shields, Co-Chair of the Ridges Framework Plan, said that renovations to the historic buildings will set the stage for long-term success. “The former Athens Asylum has architectural and cultural significance for the Athens community as well as to the university,” said Shields. “By investigating development opportunities, we will be looking for long-term solutions that enable preservation of its historic character while bringing new life to this public asset.”
Stewardship is the University’s primary goal with a focus on preserving existing buildings and enhancing trails. Financial feasibility is an important component in these determinations.
“The University has completed several major renovations for programs such as the Voinovich School, Child Development Center, Lin Hall Art Museum and Konneker Research Facility,” said Deb Shaffer, Vice President for Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer. “Without the budget required to maintain and continue renovations of the property, the University must work with partners such as the city of Athens and private developers to fulfill our vision.”
The property, which spans over 700 acres and was given to the University by the state in 1989, represents approximately half of the entire Athens campus.
The informational session on Monday, January 9 will be held at Ridges Building 21. A separate media session will be made available immediately following at 5 p.m.
Ohio University’s goal is to select the successful development team(s) using a multi-phase proposal process. Through this multi-phase proposal process, the University intends to both refine and test the feasibility of its existing Ridges Framework concepts. Should new concepts be introduced by developers, they would be presented to the Ridges Advisory Council for review and approval as well as require presentation to and approval by OHIO’s Board of Trustees.
For previous reporting on the Ridges Framework Plan, visit https://www.ohio.edu/planning-space/up/d21.cfm.
Members of the media can contact media@ohio.edu with questions.