Ball State ceases eminent domain case: McKinley Commons postponed

Ball State University will not continue to use eminent domain to purchase land for a proposed hotel complex next to campus.

In April of 2012, Ball State announced it would build a hotel and restaurant complex on McKinley Avenue next to campus in the area called The Village.  McKinley Commons would feature two restaurants and a hotel to be run by Ball State students.

But the university first had to buy a local printing business – Hiatt Printing.  When the owners would not sell by November, Ball State Board of Trustees decided to pursue an eminent domain case.

During that November meeting, Board Vice President Frank Hancock says the project would be good for the University and for Muncie.

Late Thursday evening, Ball State officials announced the school would cease eminent domain proceedings.

In an email statement, Ball State spokesman Tony Proudfoot says that while Ball State believes the project would be “of great benefit” to the university community, the school will step back and consider options in a different location.”

According to Proudfoot, a Delaware County court appraised the Hiatt Printing property at $375,000.  Ball State says the Hiatt family wanted to sell the property to the school for $1.3 million.

Chris Hiatt could not be reached for comment.

Hiatt Printing has two locations in Muncie.  The North McKinley location has been in operation since 1985.

WCRD News contributed to this report.