Indiana Wesleyan University has officially acquired from Marion Community Schools (MCS) the Tucker Career and Technology Center building. The transaction was official as of Nov. 13, 2018 after the Marion Schools Board reviewed and voted on the proposal at the Public Board Meeting.
In exploring this opportunity, IWU and MCS both shared a goal for utilizing existing educational facilities, like Tucker, to continue the long tradition of educating students. IWU’s acquisition of the property provides a great resource to house new academic programming possibilities for the University.
“This acquisition is a step toward IWU having a more visible and broad impact to the economic development of the corridor leading to downtown,” said John Jones, interim chancellor at IWU. “We believe the presence of students, faculty and staff in that building as new programs unfold will continue the great work already underway toward revitalizing the downtown area.”
The former Tucker Career and Technology Center building is located at 107 S. Pennsylvania St., Marion, Indiana. It is a facility that once housed industrial and vocational education options in automotive technology, collision repair and construction trades for high school students.
"We believe this change at a visible and important gateway is a win for Marion Community Schools, IWU and the city of Marion!” said Dr. Brad Lindsay, Superintendent of Marion Community Schools. “Indiana Wesleyan University does things first-class, and this will be a positive lift for this part of our city.”
The transfer of ownership is expected to take place by mid-December. However, renovation and occupation of the building is likely still a couple of years away to allow for careful planning and program development.
“IWU is committed to the Marion Community,” said Dr. David Wright, IWU president. “Our hope is to use the Tucker facility for some innovative new educational opportunities. We have identified this as a high priority and are exploring many options. Once we have done significant research and strategic planning, we will have a more definitive direction.”