Frequently Asked Questions

The Ridges is an approximately 700-acre property sitting across the Hocking River from Ohio University’s campus core in Athens. The property originally opened in the late 1800s as the Athens Lunatic Asylum, and the control of the vacant property was transferred to Ohio University by the state in 1993. Many of the historic buildings at The Ridges have been renovated for a variety of uses by the University, including classrooms, research labs, cultural facilities and more. 

The scale, historic significance, and infrastructure needs of The Ridges require a long-term tool that can coordinate development, finance shared infrastructure, and manage complexity over decades — without placing financial obligations on the City of Athens, Athens County or Ohio University. 

It provides a structure to align infrastructure, public improvements, and preservation over time, rather than relying on one-off projects or short-term decisions that could undermine the long-term vision. The RNCA structure is also used to facilitate the public aspects of development without burdening existing taxpayers, utilizing tax-exempt revenue bonds to fund improvements within a specific, self-taxing district. 

No. The Ridges development is intentionally incremental and multi-phased, involving multiple projects, partners, and timelines over many years. 

No. The development strategy is designed so that Ohio University is not required to fund redevelopment or assume new debt related to the development activities. 

No. The strategy was intentionally designed to avoid competing for University capital funding, alumni giving, or institutional resources needed to support the University’s core priorities. 

Infrastructure is funded through future revenues generated within the development area, such as community development charges, tax increment financing and assessments — not through general taxes or University funds. 

A community development charge is the charge a new community authority may levy on property within its district under Ohio law to fund the authority’s operations and community facilities. It applies only to property inside the new community district - this is what is meant by a “self-taxing district.” Properties outside the district are not charged. 

No. The RNCA does not levy general taxes, and it has no authority over property outside the new community district. Property within the district may be subject to a community development charge, which is disclosed and runs with the property. Owners outside the district are not charged. 

The RNCA model is structured specifically to limit public financial exposure by aligning infrastructure investments with development that generates the revenue to support them. 

Without an NCA, there would be no coordinated way to finance shared infrastructure, protect long-term public interests, or ensure that development aligns with preservation and community goals over decades. 

Much of the early work — planning, approvals, financing, preservation — happens behind the scenes. This deliberate approach prevents costly mistakes later and ensures development is sustainable. 

Construction will occur in phases as projects become ready and funding aligns. The focus is on getting the first projects right and ensuring zoning and building compliance. 

The Ridges is not a single project with an end date. It is a long-term district that will continue to evolve under ongoing stewardship. The Ridges Development Strategy anticipates a 7–10 year timeline until the current strategy is fully implemented. 

Yes. Historic preservation is a core objective of the redevelopment strategy. 

No. Existing community assets — such as trails, museums, and public spaces — are protected and will remain accessible. 

No. The majority of the Ridges site, including all of the existing green spaces and hiking trails are being committed to a conservation easement by the University, to be recorded in connection with the property transfer, ensuring conserved land and environmentally sensitive areas remain protected in perpetuity. Development is focused on underutilized buildings and appropriate areas identified in the master plan. 

The historic burial grounds on the property, where patients who died at the institution were interred, are part of the site’s historic and cultural landscape rather than part of the redevelopment area. They remain in Ohio University’s stewardship and are not included in the land or buildings transferring to the developer. Questions about the cemeteries are best directed to Ohio University. 

The long-term vision includes energy efficiency, renewable energy, and environmentally responsible infrastructure as the district evolves. 

The RNCA is governed by a seven-member Board of Trustees: three citizen members who represent the interests of present and future residents of the new community district — including Ohio University as an anchor institution — one member who represents local government, and three members who represent the developer responsible for the master development plan. The citizen and local government members are appointed by Athens City Council; the developer members are appointed by the Developer. Trustees serve two-year terms without compensation. 

The RNCA operates as a public entity, subject to public meeting requirements, transparency standards, and oversight by its appointing authorities. 

No. The RNCA does not replace zoning authority, elected bodies, or democratic processes. 

No. The strategy focuses on reinvesting in underutilized assets rather than displacing existing residents or uses. 

Potential uses include housing, arts and cultural space, small-scale commercial activity, and community-serving uses that align with the character of The Ridges. 

Community engagement is embedded throughout planning and implementation, and development occurs through public processes and partnerships. The Development Strategy that set the master plan for The Ridges development was based on The Ridges Framework Plan, which the University set in deep collaboration with the City and surrounding community. The Strategy itself also underwent extensive public feedback before being approved by Athens City Council and the Ohio University Board of Trustees. You can sign up to receive updates and find more information at https://praxia-partners.com/cbp/the-ridges/.  

Once implemented, the development strategy is estimated to create more than $220 million in direct investment, contributing approximately $180 million to Athens County and the six surrounding counties. The total economic impact of this effort, as calculated by the Ohio University Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service, is over $330 million and includes: 

• 2,342 construction jobs created
• $130,138,120 labor income
• $180,896,045 value added/contribution to GDP
• $338,957,014 total output

Economic impact analysis prepared by Clara Bone, Senior Project Manager, Center for Economic and Regional Development; Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service at Ohio University.

For questions not answered yet, please submit your question at https://praxia-partners.com/cbp/the-ridges/ where it will be routed to the Ridges New Community Authority Secretary so that the right partner can answer. This document is reviewed and updated periodically as the project progresses. 

For more information about the Ridges Development effort and to sign up for updates visit https://praxia-partners.com/cbp/the-ridges/. For more information about the history of The Ridges site and details about Ohio University’s stewardship of The Ridges you can visit www.ohio.edu/ridges.