Florida State University is mulling the idea of buying two parcels of land from Leon County Schools. The university has a 60-day period of exclusivity as the sole bidder on one of them.
The Carnaghi Arts Building sits on a 15-acre parcel that Florida State University currently leases from the school district. The building sits on the property that was formerly housed Belle Vue Middle School, which was shuttered by the district in 2009. David Thayer, the university’s Asst. director of facilities planning and management, is weighing the benefits of buying.
"It is the old Belle Vue Middle School property, and this is where FSU has the Carnaghi Arts Building," Thayer said. "We’re currently leasing that from the Leon County School Board, and we’re just exploring the option of making a further investment in not only our programs, but this facility."
The university is also eyeing a two-acre parcel at 2600 Plant Street. FSU currently owns the land next-door, and Thayer says the university would look to use it as outdoor storage space. The district’s Danny Allbritton says FSU has 60 days of exclusivity in negotiations before the district opens it up to more bidders. Prices for either property have not yet been named.
