BU ponders sale of ‘president’s house’
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 22/12/2014 (4126 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Brandon University’s board of governors is entertaining the idea of selling its property at 463 13th St., or what has commonly become known as the “president’s house.”
The more than a century-old building was purchased by the university in 1963.
The house had served as the residence for the school’s president as recently as this year, with past president Deborah Poff living in it. Poff was replaced in October by the school’s 15th president, Gervan Fearon.
Fearon has purchased his own home in Brandon, according to vice-chair of the board Bea Jolly, who said she’s heard from some people that feel it’s a beautiful house to entertain in, while others believe it should be sold.
A survey has been launched to gauge stakeholders’ opinions on selling the house.
The board of governors, which has an eight-person executive committee, believes the building should be sold.
“Due to its age, the cost of maintaining the property continues to increase and the appraised value has not been reflective of the significant repairs and investments made in recent years,” the survey states.
Jolly said the survey is designed to ensure nothing is being done behind closed doors at the school.
“We don’t want to do anything in secret. Some people were under the impression the house was donated and were wondering why we would want to sell a house that was donated to us,” Jolly said. “But that’s not right. We bought it and the upkeep is very expensive. Being open to the public is one of the strengths of the university right now … There is nothing being hidden and there is nothing being kept secret anymore. The university is an open book.”
The legacy of the house should contribute to a lasting benefit for Brandon University and its academic programs, according to the board’s message.
It proposes the proceeds be directed equally toward creating a fund for a new science building and supporting the Centre for Teaching, Learning and Technology.
The survey closes Jan. 12 and can be found online at surveymonkey.com/s/universityhouse.
» ctweed@brandonsun.com
» Twitter: @CharlesTweed