Ivy Tech to take over ownership of John Waldron Arts Center in Bloomington

April 12, 2010

Bloomington, Ind. – The City of Bloomington’s Mayor Mark Kruzan and Ivy Tech’s Bloomington campus Chancellor John Whikehart announced today that Ivy Tech will take over ownership of the John Waldron Arts Center downtown Bloomington.

The decision still has to be ratified by the Ivy Tech Community College state board of trustees and the Bloomington city council board.

The Waldron would allow Ivy Tech to have a continued presence downtown, as well as continue to serve as the community arts center.

Community radio WFHB is housed in the Waldron and is assured, per deed restrictions, to continue to have a place to operate rent free.

Chancellor John Whikehart says that taking over ownership of a building such as the Waldron gives Ivy Tech yet another opportunity to connect with the community. “Under Ivy Tech ownership and per deed restrictions, the Waldron Arts Center will be at least 70 percent dedicated to community arts,” he said. “As a comprehensive community college, this is just another way that Ivy Tech can fulfill its mission of lifelong learning for students and artists in the Bloomington area.”

Upon final approval from the Ivy Tech state board of trustees and city council board, Ivy Tech Community College will purchase the Waldron for $1. The college will also purchase the leftover assets of from the City of Bloomington, who is the current owner of the Waldron, for $150,000.

Ivy Tech Community College is the state’s largest public post-secondary institution and the nation’s largest singly-accredited statewide community college system with more than 150,000 students enrolled annually.  Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana.  It serves as the state's engine of workforce development, offering affordable degree programs and training that are aligned with the needs of its community along with courses and programs that transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana.  It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association.

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