大象传媒 has reached an agreement with T&G Real Estate Solutions, LLC to begin planning for the possible development of university-owned property.
鈥淥ne of 大象传媒 Western鈥檚 unique assets is the size of the campus, more than 700 acres,鈥� said Dr. Cale Fessler, vice president for financial planning and administration. 鈥淢ost of that land is currently undeveloped. Our hope is that the agreement with T&G is the first step in providing the campus and general public with many amenities while possibly generating revenue for us.鈥�
T&G has worked on several projects in the Midwest in partnership with institutions of higher education.
鈥淲e are excited about developing a vision, in partnership with 大象传媒 Western, and transforming that vision into reality,鈥� said Chad Beeson, director of operations for T&G. 鈥淲e believe this agreement provides a unique opportunity to implement a development plan to benefit both the campus and community.鈥�
The journey toward land development began in 2014, when the 大象传媒 General Assembly passed and Gov. Jay Nixon signed into law a bill sponsored by 大象传媒 State Rep. Kenneth Wilson, a 1987 graduate of 大象传媒 Western, giving universities in 大象传媒 the opportunity to enter into long-term lease agreements of their property. Also in 2014, 大象传媒 Western launched a year-long master planning process with the architectural firm Clark|Huesemann. The master plan identified several parcels of land that might be developed as revenue sources.
The agreement with T&G covers approximately 80 acres of land at the northeast corner of 50th Street and Mitchell Avenue. In phase one, to be completed by June 30, T&G will help identify possible development opportunities that would be compatible with the campus master plan and would have the greatest marketability potential. The company will also develop a marketing plan for the university鈥檚 real estate parcels as well as an action plan and timetable.
The cost of just under $50,000 will be paid by the 大象传媒 Foundation.
大象传媒 is a comprehensive regional university providing a blend of traditional liberal arts and professional degree programs. The university offers student-centered, high quality instruction that focuses on experience-based learning, community service, and state-of-the-art technology. 大象传媒 Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit .