Austin Peay State University announced one of their largest expansions to date, after the purchase of a 10.75 acre lot on College Street in Clarksville.
City leaders and school officials learned more about it Wednesday during a special presentation. The $8.8 million purchase has been in the works since the Fall of 2014.
Don Jenkins of Jenkins and Wynne Ford-Lincoln-Honda told the audience he decided to sell his 10.75-acre lot on College Street to Austin Peay because of his deeply rooted relationship with the University.
"I grew up in Clarksville. When I grew up Austin Peay was the only thing around here," said Jenkins.
The school's current plan was to keep the property as is. The space currently used to show cars will be used for parking.
Doctor Alisa White, the school's president said they want to make sure they utilize the space as efficiently as possible. "It's an opportunity of a lifetime, it's one that will transform our city," said Dr. White.
While no final plans were in the works, the long-term goal was to transform college Street and connect downtown Clarksville to the University, something the city's mayor stood behind.
"We're a community that believes in working together for the betterment of our entire community," said Kim McMillan city of Clarksville Mayor.
The potential uses for this newly acquired land had not yet been approved by several departments, but the future looked bright for both Clarksville and the University.
The closing took place just last month, and the University will be able to move in April.
