Ogden1From leasing to owning…it’s a good long-term investment

After leasing building space for the past 46+ years, ESD 112 at last is the proud owner of the Odgen Business Park, which has been its home for the past 23 years. The Board of Directors unanimously approved the $18 million purchase of the park at its September 2015 regular meeting. This was a historic moment for ESD 112. Until now, ESD 112 was the only ESD in the state that did not own its office space.

The purchase culminated a long-awaited endeavor that makes good financial sense, while allowing flexibility for growth in the future. Currently, ESD 112 utilizes three of the five buildings in the park and the remaining two are leased to other businesses. Rent payments from tenants will allow our ESD programs’ rent to remain stable for the next several years. Staying in the same business park saves ESD 112 money on construction and moving expenses.

Maintenance supervisor Rick Batterberry will now become the facilities manager for the park. While major improvements are not immediately planned, some minor improvements are expected. The ESD Print Center will move to the 2200 warehouse to open up more office space. In addition, safety and security enhancements, including building access cards and cameras, will also be installed.

The property that was previously purchased and planned for a new facility will be sold. I know the decision to stay in our current location rather than move to a new facility is met with mixed feelings. The Board of Directors felt that this decision was the most cost efficient move for ESD programs and our districts and will allow us to accommodate our current programs and grow new ones.

If you have questions, please give me a call, my door is always open.

-Tim