SOUTH EUCLID, Ohio — The City of South Euclid is making a play for the former Notre Dame College campus, which is headed to the auction block this week.
With City Council’s blessing, officials submitted a $7.9 million offer for the 50-acre property on Friday. That’s the minimum amount South Euclid needed to offer to participate in the auction, which is expected to take place on Thursday.
Leaders say the city isn’t looking to be a developer or the long-term owner of the whole campus. But officials see a chance to shape the future of a high-profile property — ensuring that public access and neighborhood input are part of any redevelopment plan.
"We recognize the deep history and significance of the Notre Dame College campus to our community,” Mayor Georgine Welo said in a written statement. “If we are fortunate to acquire the property, we look forward to partnering with community organizations and experienced development partners who appreciate its legacy.”
The nonprofit college closed two years ago, citing shrinking enrollment, rising costs and a heavy debt burden. An initial attempt to sell the property stalled out amid legal fights over why and how the college folded.
RELATED: An effort to sell Notre Dame College stalled. Lawsuits explain what's going on.
Bank of America filed a foreclosure lawsuit on the campus and a few nearby homes in May 2025, saying Notre Dame had defaulted on more than $20 million in debt. Late last year, a court-appointed receiver took control of the property, paving the way for a sale.
In April, a Jewish day school and a partner company emerged as the first suitors for the campus, with a $7.5 million bid. That purchase offer, from Yeshiva Derech Hatorah and Seven Wells LLC, set the floor — the starting price — for anyone else to beat.
RELATED: Jewish day school, partner offer $7.5 million for Notre Dame College campus in South Euclid
To get a shot at bidding, other potential buyers had to offer at least $400,000 more.
City Council gave Welo the green light during a special meeting on April 30. The city had to make a $790,000 deposit. That money is refundable if the city loses the auction.
Court records show the sale is expected to take place by June 30. The identity of the winning bidder will be available by early next week.
If the city wins, South Euclid expects to issue short-term debt to cover the purchase price. The city ultimately would pay off that debt by selling part or all of the campus. In the interim, South Euclid would make interest payments using general-fund money.
City officials won’t say how much they’re ultimately willing to bid. But City Council will have to sign off on issuing the debt for a purchase.
Michael Love, the city’s planning and development director, described the auction as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. He and other city officials have had many discussions about the campus with potential occupants, developers and South Euclid residents.
"We believe there’s a very strong appetite in the community for people to take on a portion of the site — if not the whole site — to do something the community and the city can be proud of,” he said during a phone interview.
Community Reaction
News 5's Kaylee Olivas took to a South Euclid resident's social media page Monday afternoon, looking to hear from people on what they'd like to see happen with the campus space.
Many suggested:
- Recreational center
- Housing complex
- Park
- Senior living facility
Marisa Warrix, a 15-year resident of South Euclid, said she believes the city's acquisition of the property would be a big opportunity to grow the city in the right direction.
"I think it's a fantastic opportunity for the city to possibly do a rec center for residents. There's income-producing ideas like renting out the fields to youth soccer, football teams, there's a swimming pool. Could you make it a money-making venture for local schools and other entities that need sports facilities? Bring it alive," she said.
She believes the potential $7.9 million price tag for the property is well worth it.
She described the city as a wonderful community with an even better administration. She feels like an opportunity, such as buying the Notre Dame College campus, would put the city over the top.
Leanne Werneke echoed the same.
Werneke, who has called South Euclid her home for three decades, said she wants the plot of land to continue being an area of education and community.
"We have an opportunity to create something impactful for the community, for the city," she said. "This is an opportunity to really define the city and create something for it that people would be really proud to be a part of."
Werneke, too, said she wants to see an indoor and outdoor recreational center and potentially a walking trail.
"It would be nice to have another space for people to congregate and get together," she said.
Casey Miozzi has lived in South Euclid since 2022, and while a newer resident to the city, he said he wants to see it evolve into something great.
"I talk to my friends and neighbors all the time in the area, and they talk about a community anchor, a place that's really important for people not only to congregate at, but to walk through, meet people at, so it's really a cornerstone of the community," Miozzi said.
He wants to see it as a space where families can frequently gather.
"Not only should the city take it and turn it into a place for the community, but also use it to rent and potentially make it an investment not only in the citizens, but the city itself," Miozzi said. "The people on my block have been very nervous about what's going to happen to the property, that it's going to be sold to a private entity where we're not going to have any control or say over what happens, so the city stepping in here is a big positive for us."
While the three residents News 5 spoke with on Monday are in favor of the city acquiring the property, several people told Olivas via a social media post that they're against the city's bid.
One South Euclid resident commented, "It seems like a major waste of money considering that our taxes just went up and there is another party which is willing to buy it and put it to good use. The argument for buying it by the city that they don’t want it to go to waste makes no sense. There is already another buyer."
"This city does not need to be spending money frivolously. There are people in the community who cannot afford simple home repairs because property taxes keep going up," another resident said.
A third resident brought up concerns of transparency surrounding redevelopment, saying, "Living just a couple of blocks away, I am particularly concerned about how potential development—especially large-scale housing or a shelter—could affect property values, density, and the overall character of the neighborhood. These are legitimate concerns for homeowners who have invested heavily in this community."
