Ohio University has partnered with the Buckeye Hills Regional Council and Community Building Partners to create The Ridges Development Strategy with the goal of continued rehabilitation and preservation of the property, including the incredible historic buildings. The Ridges Development Strategy sets out to move The Ridges Framework Plan, approved in 2015, to implementation and create mixed use space that will benefit the larger community, leveraging an external investment strategy.
The overall vision is for a dynamic campus that compliments the university’s use and has areas for the enjoyment of nature and outdoor education, places to live with a variety of housing types, and a mixed-use center.
With this vision in mind, project partners have worked with the City of Athens to establish a New Community Authority, and stakeholders are pursuing transfer of certain sections of property on The Ridges to the Authority for future rehabilitation and development.
Ohio University is currently working with the recently established New Community Authority to seek approval for the transfer of select buildings and land at The Ridges to the Authority for future development. In addition, project partners plan to establish a Conservation Easement that will protect 77% of the land at The Ridges from any future development.
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 with guidance from Ohio University and City of Athens staff.
