College to buy 7.5 acres near campus

Flathead Valley Community College trustees voted Thursday to buy a home on 7.5 acres next to the college’s south border.

Located at 691 Grandview Drive, the property includes a 2,361- square-foot home, a 534-square-foot garage and a tennis court. The college agreed to pay $690,000 for the property.

College President Jane Karas said the price was the middle point between two appraisals that were $200,000 apart.

She said the plan calls for the college to lease the home back to Jackie Wildgen, one of the property owners.

“This is a great opportunity to set the college up for future development and use of the property,” Karas said.

She said Wildgen approached the college about purchasing the property that she owns jointly with Dr. Jerome Wildgen.

Karas said that Wildgen has been a longtime supporter of the college and she wants the property to provide opportunities for students and the college.

Trustees voted unanimously on a motion to purchase the property and on a motion to approve seeking financing for the purchase.

Karas said the college would look at all options for financing and work out the details of the lease.