UPDATE: A federal court has just appointed a receiver for the Notre Dame College property in South Euclid, Ohio, signaling a major shift for the future of the 48-acre campus. David Baker, the newly designated receiver, aims to sell the property quickly as the city anticipates a potential sale by 2026.
During a City Council meeting on November 10, Planning and Development Director Michael Love revealed that the appointment is a critical step towards resolving the college’s financial woes. “We’re confident that we’ll see a really positive outcome for the Notre Dame property in 2026,” Love stated. The college officially closed in May 2024 due to declining enrollment and mounting debt.
The Ohio Attorney General’s Office previously filed a lawsuit against the Notre Dame College Board of Directors, alleging misuse of restricted funds. This legal action prompted the appointment of Baker, who will manage the property and facilitate its sale. As Love noted, Baker’s goal is to expedite this process, allowing interested buyers to come forward soon.
“We have had an initial meeting with the receiver,” Love elaborated, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. “Baker said that getting the property sold quickly is his top priority.” While a few parties have already expressed interest, specific details remain confidential.
City Council President Justin Tisdale, a plaintiff in the ongoing lawsuit to reopen Notre Dame College, remains hopeful. “There’s still hope,” Tisdale assured. The lawsuit aims to prevent the sale of the property to allow for a potential reopening of the college.
Legal conflicts have surrounded Notre Dame College for months. In addition to the state lawsuit, Bank of America has sought to recover over $20 million from the college’s defaulted debt, further complicating the situation. The bank’s involvement has added pressure to resolve the matter swiftly.
The college’s property was valued at $30.7 million last year, making it an attractive target for potential buyers. “We think any of the interested parties would bring a good outcome for the property,” Love stated, hinting at promising developments on the horizon.
As the legal landscape evolves, the community is closely watching for updates. Joseph Carney, an attorney representing Tisdale and others, has indicated that they are approaching a settlement which could pave the way for bidding on the land. “We hope to get the college re-started,” Carney said, emphasizing the emotional investment of those involved.
With the recent appointment of a receiver and a settlement on the table, the future of the Notre Dame College property is poised for a significant transformation. Residents and supporters are eager to see what comes next—and whether the college may once again open its doors.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
