A donor who was considering building a new residence for Ohio University’s president has changed their mind.
The donor who approached the OU Board of Trustees last fall no longer views the building of a new presidential residence as a priority, said Jennifer Kirksey, OU President Roderick McDavis’s chief of staff, in an email.
“The grounds work that is being undertaken at the President's Residence includes seasonal work, such as planting grass and raking leaves, as well as needed improvements to the property, including fixing broken sidewalks and exterior improvements,” Kirskey said. “To be sure, 29 Park Place is the President's Residence and is a valued physical asset.”
McDavis is the only public university president in Ohio to live on-campus.
There has been no movement on this topic, said Peter Mather, secretary to the Board of Trustees.
“(My wife) Deborah and I are very happy at 29 Park Place,” McDavis said in a September Post article. “I especially enjoy being able to walk to work, the easy interaction with faculty, students and staff and the hosting of our community at our home.”
OU bought the current house in 1951 for $60,000, and it has housed seven OU presidents since, according to a previous Post article.
The house is currently valued at $926,050, according to the Athens County Auditor’s Office.
dd195710@ohiou.edu
