Missouri Western State University has reached an agreement with T&G Real Estate Solutions, LLC to begin planning for the possible development of university-owned property.
“One of Missouri Western’s unique assets is the size of the campus, more than 700 acres,” said Dr. Cale Fessler, vice president for financial planning and administration. “Most 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.”
T&G has worked on several projects in the Midwest in partnership with institutions of higher education.
“We are excited about developing a vision, in partnership with Missouri Western, and transforming that vision into reality,” said Chad Beeson, director of operations for T&G. “We believe this agreement provides a unique opportunity to implement a development plan to benefit both the campus and community.”
The journey toward land development began in 2014, when the Missouri General Assembly passed and Gov. Jay Nixon signed into law a bill sponsored by Missouri State Rep. Kenneth Wilson, a 1987 graduate of Missouri Western, giving universities in Missouri the opportunity to enter into long-term lease agreements of their property. Also in 2014, Missouri 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’s real estate parcels as well as an action plan and timetable.
The cost of just under $50,000 will be paid by the Missouri Western State University Foundation.
Missouri Western State University 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. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit www.missouriwestern.edu.