Ball State University buys Hiatt Printing, announces new hotel will go forward

Ball State University says it will go ahead with building a hotel on its campus in Muncie after buying a local printing business that had stood in the project’s way.

Ball State University first announced its McKinley Commons project in April of 2012.  Slated for the corner of McKinley and University Avenues, the building with a full-service hotel and two restaurants was to be run by university students as an immersive learning project.

But local business Hiatt Printing was literally standing in the way of construction.  Owner Chris Hiatt wouldn’t sell.

As a public university, Ball State Board of Trustees voted to use eminent domain to force Hiatt to sell the building, saying McKinley Commons was for public use.

Chris Hiatt fought the eminent domain claim in court.

Last year, the university dropped its claim.  Today, officials say the school has reached a deal with Hiatt to buy the building on McKinley Avenue.

Hiatt could not be reached for comment.

Ball State officials also wouldn’t answer questions about the Hiatt Printing purchase or the final sale price.

In a statement, business affairs vice president Randy Howard says he’s happy that an arrangement satisfactory to all parties has been found.

Hiatt Printing will still continue to operate at its other building on Wheeling Avenue.

According to the university, the hotel portion of McKinley Commons will have about 100 rooms.  It will be built at the same time as a downtown Muncie hotel project – with about 150 rooms.

Ball State University did not say when construction on McKinley Commons would begin or end.