Ohio State University sold two properties worth more than $3.2 million in its master plan to consolidate and reinvest its funds in the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.
According to the Ohio Department of Administrative Services Controlling Board, Hawk’s Nest was sold to Gasser Brothers LLC, for $2.5 Million, while Grosjean Farm East was purchased by Mark and Brooke Imhoff, for $750,000.
As OSU closes these sales, another 42 acres could be in the hands of someone else, according to Graham Cochran, Associate Dean of Operations. These properties include properties in Wayne County and Coshocton County.
Cochran stated that “all this goes back to our masterplan, which will enable us to invest in the community.”
The Controlling Board approves sales of six parcels at an estimated value of $3.5million.
Uncertain future for Hawk’s Nest
According to Controlling Board documents, Hawk’s Nest Golf Course was three acres short of 200. It was valued at $2.4 Million and sold for $2.5 Million to Aaron Gasser and Debra Gasser and Steven Gasser.
Gasser’s family has nearby farms that include dairy production. It is not clear what their plans are for this land. Gasser family received messages seeking comment.
Earl and Betty Hawkins gifted the golf course to OSU almost 15 years ago. According to Hawk’s Nest, it was then appraised at $2.6million.
According to the OSU website, the university used the property for teaching turf maintenance to students and teachers in residential, commercial and recreational settings.
It is located close to 11 miles from Wooster CFAES campus. This makes it difficult for faculty and students to commute to work on their tight schedules according to the 2021 CFAES masterplan.
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Grosjean East and Other Sales
According to the master plan 2021, the two Grosjean farms are combined with Coshocton County properties that total approximately 80 acres. They are part of an university effort to consolidate CFAES to make it more accessible.
These are similar to Hawk’s Nest and could be sold to nearby property owners, Cochran stated.
Brooke and Mark Imhoff bought the 38-acre Grosjean Farm for $750,000. Cochran stated that the property was not being used by students prior to the sale and that the barn was primarily used for storage.
According to the Controlling Board, Diamond D. Properties LLC is selling the 31-acre Grosjean West Farm along Prairie Road for $95,000
Two properties in Coshocton County are up for sale at $162,000. Potential buyers are Miriam D. Miller and Daniel Ray Miller.
Two smaller sales of Ohio State University properties
According to documents submitted by the Controlling Board, the two smallest sales of six were not included in the 2021 masterplan but they do satisfy the university’s consolidation needs.
Nearly half an acre of land is left undeveloped along Fredericksburg Road. Although it was designated as a driveway easement in 1968, the university didn’t use it to access its larger 46 acre property.
Cochran stated that the easement had been in place for many years, so it made sense to help them out.
According to the Wayne County Auditor’s website, Cindy Weiner is the prospective buyer. She owns the property north of the parcel.
According to the board, two acres of a larger 35-acre property located off Dover Road in Wooster are also available for sale. The parcel could be purchased by A&J Exhaust LLC, a neighboring company that wants to expand its business.
OSU: “We want the community know that we aren’t going anywhere”
These sales represent a new chapter in the life of Cochran and CFAES colleagues. He said that selling the properties will help the college reduce its budget and bring in more funds.
He said that the fund will finance a variety of projects, including a $9 million boiler to heat large areas of campus and renovations of the Fisher Auditorium.
Cochran stated that they wanted to make it “a modern student union.” The $13 million project will add dining, library, and retail amenities to students and the community.
He said that a new swine farm would also be built for students during the next year.
Cochran stated that many of these plans, as well as previous builds, were made with state funds. Therefore, the college should only use 1% of those funds to support art.
He said that the newly built science center will soon feature a new art exhibit using those funds. This will brighten up campus.
Cochran stated, “We want the community know that we aren’t going anywhere.” “We are staying right here and we will invest in the community,” Cochran said.
