I am pleased to announce that the College has purchased the building currently housing the CGU Art Department, seizing a generational opportunity to envision our future campus as the College approaches its centennial anniversary. This strategic acquisition, contemplated by the College for over two decades, coupled with the prior purchase of the McAlister Center from TCCS, unifies Scripps’ ownership of the corridor on the west side of Columbia Avenue from Ninth Street to Platt Street.
The CGU Art property, located at 251 E. 10th Street, on the northwest corner of Columbia Avenue and 10th Street will enable integration of the historic and modern zones of Scripps’ campus, allow development of cutting-edge academic and co-curricular facilities, and cultivate a more vibrant campus environment. The existing 30,000 square foot structure has undergone assessments for structural integrity and environmental safety, affirming its suitability for adaptable reuse. With its industrial-type design, the building can be reconfigured to effectively address a range of essential space needs, including but not limited to classrooms, research spaces, faculty and staff offices, and meeting rooms.
Funding for the acquisition will be secured through long-term financing, and Scripps will lease the building back to CGU until construction is finalized on their new building project at 11th and Dartmouth. CGU has an anticipated completion date between December 2025 and May 2026. I look forward to engaging the campus community in more discussion about this new opportunity as we explore options for the new property.
