Carthage, IL – After many possible sales collapsed, the former Robert Morris College campus in Carthage has been sold to a local partnership.
Mayor James Nightingale says the sale could be one of the most important things to happen during his 35 years in town.
The campus was sold to World Christian Ambassador Mission in the mid-90s, but was never used. The Korean owners paid property taxes and lawn maintenance fees, but the promise of a school for international students never materialized.
Doug Groth is one of the partners in Carthage Veterinary Services. He says the first step will be to remodel Anthony Hall into offices for his firm, which employs 55 people in Carthage.
He says some portion of the former dormitory could be used for an agricultural business technology center.
One of the buildings will be turned into a learning center. The veterinary firm has prepared learning modules for students who are studying how confinement swine operations are run .
Groth says another of the 14 campus buildings will eventually be renovated to serve as residence quarters for students who come for training lasting from two days to two months.
He says two of the buildings will probably be torn down. They include the 1906 Maintenance Building and the 1923 dining hall.
Groth says options are still open regarding the other buildings. He says some could be purchased by other businesses. There is also the posibility that the auditorium and gymnasium could be used by the veterinary service or opened for some community use.
The firm did not disclose the sale price for the land and buildings. The property transfer form has not yet been filed in the county Assessor's office.
The campus is in Carthage's new TIF District. Community Development Coordinator Brenda Pyatt says proceeds from the campus development could be used to help upgrade the infrastructure around the campus.