Rio Grande Campus set to expand

According to a press release, the ACC Board of Trustees unanimously approved the purchasing of three tracts of land adjacent to the Rio Grande Campus.

"Basically we purchased an office building we were already leasing," said Executive Vice President of Finance and Administration Ben Ferrell. "It's one property subdivided into three."
The tracts are located at 1209 and 1215 Rio Grande St., and 605 W. 13th St. The tracts add up to about half an acre, and will cost the college $2.1 million plus closing costs.  Revenue bonds from 2009 will be used to cover the cost.

ACC had been leasing the property for about $8,000 a month, Ferrell said.
"Over time it just makes since to go ahead and buy it," Ferrell said.  "Also, it just gives you more control.  It's beneficial to the district to have some growth options."

Final decisions for what the tracts will be used for won't be happening anytime soon.  Currently, ACC is creating a district wide master plan that, among other things, will recommend uses for the tracts.

"They will take all of 2010 and develop plans for all the campuses," Ferrell said.
The master plan will take a comprehensive look at the situation. Ideas will be taken from people who will use the facility as well as from students on the advisory committee. Also, nearby residents will be part of the planning.

"You want to get the people who live around the campus to be involved in the planning process too.  ACC likes to be a good neighbor," Ferrell said.

The purchase is part of an overall plan the board has to obtain land for future expansions.
"We just look around for land close to campuses, and when we find some where we can get a good price we buy it," Ferrell said.