Johnson said the University felt the sale would benefit students because a convenient store would sit on the edge of campus, making it accessible to all students. For Drake to sell land, the Board of Governors must approve it. Johnson said the administration has the authority to buy property within the master plan boundaries, but outside the boundaries requires board authorization. With the sales of master-plan property, Drake limits its expansion capabilities and leaves questions as to why. But Johnson said the University did not sell its land on the basis of making money.
Convenience is a major factor.
Walgreens and McDonald's are not the first sales that have affected master-plan property. Molenburg said part of the downsizing was an effort to sell homes and attract families back to the neighborhood. When we lost those schools, we lost a lot of families with children. While the outskirts of campus and the number of its residential units have shrunk, Molenburg said there are about eight to 10 properties Drake would like to own within the master plan. He said neighbors own the land and the University has a good relationship with them.