BGSU, Cedar Fair select site for downtown Sandusky's college campus

SANDUSKY — Higher-education officials developing an unprecedented academic program decided where they'll build the first-of-its-kind college campus.Project leaders representing Bowling Green State University and Cedar Fair announced Friday they'll construct a five-story structure at 250 E. Market St. in downtown Sandusky by Hancock Street beside the Schmidt Building.They expect to break ground on the space, presently a parking lot, sometime in spring 2019 with an expected opening date for classes pegged at fall 2020.New estimates show the Cedar Fair-funded initiative totaling somewhere between $13 million and $14 million, down from previous projections costing upward of $25 million.Project leaders constructing a college campus, a partnership between Bowling Green State University and Cedar Fair, selected a parking lot at 250 E. Market St. in downtown Sandusky to build the five-story, 78,000-square-foot structure. The mixed-use site will house this academic program in addition to retail space and up to 80 apartments.The academicsThe entire academic concept revolves around students taking tourism-related courses taught by Bowling Green State University faculty. A press release lists BGSU Firelands as the actual entity administering the degree program. Classes will focus on subjects pertaining to the business of traveling, hospitality and entertainment.Upon completion of the major, students would receive a bachelor's degree in resort and attraction management. During their studies, students can also receive on-the-job training opportunities through paid internships.Undergraduates at the junior and senior levels can register for classes on these subjects.BGSU students, no matter at the main campus in Bowling Green or BGSU Firelands in Huron Township, are eligible to sign up for these classes. Meanwhile, those enrolled elsewhere, such as at other colleges, can transfer into the program.No other accredited postsecondary organization offers this type of academic program and partnership between an accredited university and accomplished corporation.Cedar Fair executives envision this academic program serving as a professional pipeline, directing trained and skilled graduates to employment opportunities at one of the corporation's 11 properties, including Cedar Point in Sandusky. A degree can also prepare students to find work at other amusement parks, cruise lines, resorts, hotels and countless other tourism-related jobs or careers.The company will "be engaged in the program by providing input on the curriculum, adjunct instruction by qualified employees, paid co-ops and other experiential learning opportunities," according to a Cedar Fair statement.The buildingBlueprints show the structure totaling 78,000 square feet, which encompasses classrooms, meeting rooms, offices, storefront space for other businesses and about 80 apartments, open first for students and then anyone else.Officials said they'll relocate the Sandusky Farmers Market, operating from this parking lot, to Washington Park beginning next year.Cedar Fair would own and operate the building, vowing to front all related costs. The company hired Marous Development Group, the same company building City Hall in downtown Sandusky, as its project developer.Sandusky city commissioners, however, could provide some financial incentives, such as tax breaks and grant funds. Officials promised funds from the city's everyday operating budget wouldn't get earmarked for this project.Helping defray costs: Earlier this year, state Sen. Randy Gardner, R-Bowling Green, and state Rep. Steve Arndt, R-Port Clinton, secured $800,000 in state funds going toward this project.An artist rendering imagines what the new college campus, a partnership between Bowling Green State University and Cedar Fair, in downtown Sandusky could look like. The structure will get built at 250 E. Market St. next to the Schmidt Building.The importanceAfter Friday's announcement, several people spoke on the project's significance:• BGSU President Rodney Rogers: This is an innovative, high-demand bachelor's degree and a unique partnership. It will benefit the university, Cedar Fair and the city of Sandusky. As a public university, we are always looking at how best to serve our communities and be responsive to workforce needs.• Cedar Fair general counsel and executive vice president Duff Milkie: By working with Bowling Green State University and the city of Sandusky, along with efforts of Sen. Randy Gardner and Rep. Steve Arndt to obtain $800,000 in (state) capital funding, this cross-sector collaboration will have a positive impact for all the organizations involved and for Sandusky's future.• Sandusky city manager Eric Wobser: The city of Sandusky is proud to partner with BGSU, Cedar Fair and Marous to bring higher eduction to downtown Sandusky. An underutilized surface parking lot will soon give way to a sparkling new beacon of Sandusky's future. This new program will develop a workforce for our fastest-growing industry, bring us a step closer to a year-round economy and continue the renaissance of downtown Sandusky. We look forward to welcoming students to the community in 2020.Among those supporting a BGSU-Cedar Fair initiative to build a college campus in downtown Sandusky include, from left, BGSU President Rodney Rogers, Cedar Fair general counsel and executive vice president Duff Milkie and Sandusky city manager Eric Wobser.Reach reporter Andy Ouriel at ouriel@sanduskyregister.com and follow him on Twitter @AndyOuriel.