The Muskegon Community College Board of Trustees will consider a purchase offer for the Lakeshore Fitness Center by an unnamed Michigan not-for-profit organization.
The offer was announced by Chris McGuigan, the former executive director of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, at the Board of Trustees regularly scheduled monthly online meeting on Feb. 17. The previous day, she delivered to MCC President Dale K. Nesbary a purchase agreement for the Lakeshore Fitness Center from an existing organization whose name she kept private.
“I cannot tell you the name because this is a contingent offer until next week, when the Board of Directors meets and approves it, and we do expect approval of the offer as it was written,” explained McGuigan.
“I helped the organization put together an offer that serviced its needs and also took into account what I know are the college’s interests, primarily looking at price and future use. In particular, there is a paragraph that addresses our intent to offer the community use of the building as a fitness center. So, we are hoping that this will be a positive agreement for both parties and for Muskegon.”
McGuigan, who drafted the agreement, noted her experience with property deals both as a lawyer and with the Community Foundation.
“I would say based on my conversations with the leadership of the organization, they are eyes wide open,” she added. “They know they have to be in consultation with the College, particularly with the personnel who used to lead the fitness center when it was open, as well as with the Friends of the Lakeshore Fitness Center. They are excited about making a plan to operate it as a fitness center while, at the same time, integrating the fitness center operations with their core mission which is not running a fitness center but supportive of what they do.”
“This property and this building were a gift from the community to the community for health and wellness,” said McGuigan. “We want to build on that for generations. I know that fits with the College’s desires.”
The MCC trustees, who did not have the opportunity to review the hours-old proposal, raised several questions at the meeting regarding the terms of the agreement, the anonymous organization making the offer, and the long-term impact the proposal would have on the college and community. The Board voted to table the matter until its legal counsel has the opportunity to review the proposal and the procedure.
MCC Board of Trustees Chair Diana Osborn added that a date for a special board meeting, including a possible closed session, has not been set.