51ÂÒÂ× has partnered with the 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.
51ÂÒÂ× is currently working with the Ridges Community Development, LLC 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 (or around 600 acres) 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.
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 51ÂÒÂ× and City of Athens staff.
