An aerial view of The Ridges brick building, surrounded by rolling hills and trees
The Ridges Development Strategy

Ridges Development Strategy

In 2015, the Athens community and Ohio University came together to explore the potential for future development at The Ridges, and The Ridges Framework Plan was the result of this collaborative work. This visionary plan gained traction in 2023 when the University began collaborating with a private development group and the City of Athens to create the Ridges New Community Authority (RNCA). The RNCA Board of Directors will provide guidance and direction for the private development of unused land at the Ridges and historic buildings that have yet to be renovated.

The development strategy’s overall vision is the continued rehabilitation and preservation of The Ridges’ historic structures combined with new development based on community feedback – all complementing the University’s use and including areas for the enjoyment of nature and outdoor education, places to live with a variety of housing types, and mixed-use spaces.

Recent development strategy progress

 

Goals

  • Putting actionable pieces in place, based off the Ridges Framework Plan
  • Revitalize The Ridges, preserving the buildings and conserving the land
  • Develop parts of the property to:
    • Create new housing opportunities, including affordable and low-income senior housing
    • Create revenue to reinvest in the land and buildings on the ~700 acres

Plans for Future Ownership of The Ridges Property

Ohio University is currently working with the Ridges Community Development, LLC and other stakeholders to finalize approval for the official transfer of select buildings and land at The Ridges for rehabilitation and development. 

Of the 700 acres at The Ridges, approximately 77 percent of the acreage will remain under a conservation easement that restricts and limits new development and ensures community hiking, birdwatching, research and other recreational activities remain part of the area’s collective vision for The Ridges. 

A map of The Ridges depicting historic buildings to be transferred outside Ohio University's ownership.

Historic Buildings to be Transferred

All buildings currently occupied and invested in by Ohio University will continue to be owned, utilized and maintained by the University. The University is working to finalize the official transfer of 21 currently unused historic buildings to The Ridges Community Development, LLC for rehabilitation and development. 

A map of the land at The Ridges shows areas that will be transferred outside Ohio University's ownership.

Land to be Transferred

In addition, 27.13 acres on The Ridges footprint have been identified for official transfer to the Ridges Community Development, LLC, who, alongside the New Community Authority, plans to first focus on mixed-use and community-identified development needs, including age-friendly (senior) and affordable housing. The transfer will also include deed restrictions to ensure appropriate development.

A map of the land at The Ridges shows the overall area that will be conserved as green space - which is a vast majority of the land.

Conservation Easement

The majority of the currently undeveloped land at The Ridges will remain under a conservation easement that restricts and limits new development and ensures community hiking, birdwatching, research and other recreational activities remain part of the area’s collective vision for The Ridges. 

Development Strategy Team

The project team consists of planners, designers, engineers, zoning administrators, market analysts and developers. This project is led by Community Building Partners/Buckeye Hills Regional Council, the Ridges Community Development, LLC and the Ridges New Community Authority, with guidance from Ohio University and City of Athens staff.

Buckeye Hills Regional Council
Praxia Partners