Fairmont Properties is commercial property development firm based in Cleveland, OH. The company also does about $250 million of work each year building College Towns.
One of the principals at Fairmont said, "We got a sense that in today's competitive environment, colleges can't solely count on academic programs and amenities within its four walls to sell the insitution."
Uh, why not?
What a sad commentary on the schools that do not offer the quality programs, the best instruction, the most adequate facilities students need.
Or does every school offer equal quality and thus better college towns are called for to tilt the balance? I hardly think so.
That same principal at Fairmont says they have explored more than 340 college towns to find out what colleges want. Of course, Fairmont used a consulting firm made up of ex-college and ex-university presidents.
So, that's where the higher ed presidents go...to a room to get paid ungodly sums to tell builders how to make better towns for the students they are no longer responsible for.
It makes sense that university towns should cater to students. Call me naive, but I hardly thought there was business in building such towns for colleges, letting the colleges foot the bill...that is letting the students and parents, gov't grants that pay for the tuition and such foot the bill.
Who is building those colleges and towns - we, the taxpayers and parents with kids in or going to college are.
What do you think?
.jpg)
Comment Preview