In the summer of 2012, President Marie George moved into the $1,400,000 Cabrini House. Now after her resignation, it is being sold.
The Cabrini house was first located on Crow Creek however the Board of Trustees felt the house was unsafe and an inconvenience after former president harmed herself.
“The house we had for the president on Crow Creek road had major flaws and was not very handicap accessible,” interim president Debra Takes said. “We thought if our president can’t walk up her own house how can her guests possibly walk it.”
The Cabrini house located on Matsonford road was to accomodate not only the president but guests as well.
“Sometimes the groups were too small to utilize the mansion,” Takes said. “The Cabrini house is a little more personal.”
There were some concerns that there would be major financial cutbacks from the purchasing and almost immediate selling of the house. “We sold the house on Crow Creek added some money to that and bought the Cabrini newer Cabrini house,” Takes said. “So there was no true financial loss at all.”
“Decisions to sell, to buy or any kind of assets and real estates falls under the purview of board of trustees,” Takes said.
Despite rumors, the newer house was not at the demands of former president Marie George.
“When the house was first bought the college was smaller,” Takes said. “When we grew we outgrew the house.” The ever growing community of Cabrini called for a larger space.
At the moment, the selling of the Cabrini house is a proposal.” Oct. 18th, we will have our board meeting,” Takes said. “The selling of the house is on the agenda to be discussed.” Although a former member of the board, Takes has no final say in the decision to sell. “While I expect that they will approve the sale of Cabrini house, I can’t guarantee that,” Takes said. “I can’t imagine that why wouldn’t sell the house.”
Although the Cabrini house is being sold, Cabrini still owns property that will serve the same purpose. “Back in April we purchased property along Upper Gulph road,” Takes said. “It was paid for by an anonymous donor.”
The two houses has been in the eye of Cabrini for a while according to Takes. “Had those houses been for sale at the time we were looking, the house on Matsonford Road would not have been purchased,” Takes said.
As interim president Takes decided there was no reason for her to even move into the house. “I already have a home,” Takes said, “it would make no sense for me to move in to have to move right back out.” Takes has no true need for the house which currently awaits the decision of being sold.
One house will serve similarly to Cabrini’s previous house before to house the president of the school as well as host events for donors of the Cabrini community. The board is still deciding on the purpose of the second house. “One house really needs a lot of work done to it,” Takes said. “We don’t know if we are going to make it an office or tear it down.”
The house most recently purchased is even more accessible as far as distance and parking. “You can walk right to the house from this campus,” Takes said. “I think its an extension of the campus.”
Takes knows that the board will make the right decisions at the Oct. 18th board meeting. She has no doubts that this decision will ultimately benefit the Cabrini community as a whole. “This is a very pragmatic board, they take their positions very seriously,” Takes said. “They take care and are very concerned with the business of this school.”
