Update: The Board of Trustees approved the purchase during its meeting on Friday.
Original story:
Penn State intends to acquire a 20.36-acre property in Benner Township for agricultural science research.
The Board of Trustees Committee on Finance, Business and Capital Planning on Thursday recommended approving the purchase of 131-151 Mendels Way from Richard A. and Andrea Grazzini for $2.35 million. The full board will consider approval of the acquisition during its meeting at 1 p.m. on Friday at the Hintz Family Alumni Center.
The property, which is located off of Buffalo Run Road, has been home to a commercial plant breeding company. It contains a 25,000-square-foot research greenhouse and a 3,324-square-foot single family residence.
“This is a step that will increase access to modern facilities for both graduate and undergraduate students in the plant sciences with the use of that greenhouse,” Sara Thorndike, senior vice president for finance and business, said. “It will also aid in the recruitment of plant scientists and graduate students to Penn State.”
According to presentation documents, the facilities will provide opportunities for College of Agricultural Sciences research activities involving invasive and/or quarantined plant pests, genetically modified plants requiring biocontainment and ways to promote resiliency to climate uncertainty.
The nearly 10 acres of land adjacent to the greenhouses will provide space for field experiments, including studies examining protected agriculture, pollination services and new crop varieties, according to the university.
Funding for the purchase will be provided by the College of Agricultural Sciences.
The property has been listed for sale since 2019 at a price of $2.87 million. The sale price negotiated between the university and the Grazzinis is less than the appraised value, Thorndike said.
