Spent $5 million to purchase 41 acre facility; anticipates spending $6 million to renovate; will operate its own sewer and water systems and supply adjacent 40 acres owned by developer with water and sewer when homes there are established
The Yavapai Community College District Governing Board expanded its footprint by 41 acres on the west side of Mingus Mountain when it unanimously approved the purchase of the Prescott Pines Christian camp from a developer at its April 23 Board meeting. This was the largest expansion of the College on that side of the County since it was created more than 50 years ago. The purchase price of the property is about $5 million. The Community College intends to immediately spend an additional $6 million to renovate some of the 66 buildings and improve the infrastructure.
According to the Community College press release, the primary purpose of the acquisition is to allow Yavapai College to address student and employee housing needs. The facility, opened in 1941, has 66 structures, 12 RV hookups, two large cafeterias, a large gymnasium-like activity center, and a chapel. There are 12 houses, and cabins plus lodges that will accommodate approximately 110 students and about 240 campers.
While the College has apparently closed on the sale of the property paying $5 million using reserve funds, the $6 million needed for immediate renovation is contingent on the Board approving a $16 million revenue bond at its May 2024 meeting.
The College does not anticipate the project becoming a place for low income housing.
The camp is located at 855 East School House Gulch Road, about seven miles from the Prescott based Campus on Sheldon Street.
If you want more details regarding this major expansion of the Community College on the west side of the County, please click here and you will find a 25 minute video clip prepared by the Blog of Governing Board members discussing the project prior to unanimous approval.
