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Council meeting to discuss purchases for Cincy State branch

The Manchester Inn at 1027 Manchester Ave., Middletown. 89,699 square feet. It is the proposed for use by Cincinnati State's culinary arts and hospitality program. Staff photo by Pat Auckerman

PAT AUCKERMAN/AP The Manchester Inn at 1027 Manchester Ave., Middletown. 89,699 square feet. It is the proposed for use by Cincinnati State's culinary arts and hospitality program. Staff photo by Pat Auckerman

Thatcher’s daughter excited about Cincinnati State’s plans

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By Jessica Heffner, Staff Writer Updated 9:32 AM Thursday, October 28, 2010

MIDDLETOWN — City officials are expected to meet today in executive session to discuss the possible acquisition of three buildings for use by Cincinnati State Technical and Community College. But a posthumous gift by a local businessman may take care of two of them.

Bob Fairchild and Sheree Garrett, co-executors of the late Perry Thatcher’s estate, said they intend to gift the former CG&E Building and the estate’s interest in the Manchester Inn to the city or Cincinnati State. The buildings would be used for the new downtown Middletown branch campus announced by the school board of trustees Oct. 26.

While Thatcher’s will did not specifically outline donating the buildings, Garrett —Thatcher’s daughter — said he made it clear before his death how important the project was for Middletown.

“Dad always enjoyed giving and he just felt that education and a place like Cincinnati State would be such a good fit (for the city),” she said. “This is hopefully going to fulfill his legacy and what he wanted to see happen.”

College officials said for the start-up they wish to acquire the Manchester Inn, former Middletown Senior Center and CG&E Building.

Mayor Larry Mulligan said the city owns the senior center. The Manchester Inn is owned by Manchester Enterprises Inc., with Thatcher’s estate and William Akers Sr. having interest in the company. Thatcher’s estate owns the CG&E Building, according to Butler County Auditor records.

There have been no bids yet on renovations for the buildings, but Mulligan said the project is estimated at $10 million to $15 million. And while Cincinnati State plans to use the Manchester Inn for teaching purposes, he said talks have indicated the school would continue running the business as a hotel and banquet center.

School President O’dell Owens said while the culinary school and hospitality program would launch the new branch, eventually Cincinnati State would offer its full line of programing in Middletown.

Several other locations may be considered for use depending on the school’s need, Mulligan said. The mayor called a special meeting of City Council beginning at 5:30 p.m. today. Among items to be discussed in executive session are the purchase of property for public purposes.

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