Georgian Court Selling Land To Beth Medrash Govoha, Expanding Programs

With more than 150 acres, Georgian Court University president Joseph R. Marbach said land is one of the institution’s greatest assets. (Photo courtesy Georgian Court University)

  LAKEWOOD – In order to help pay for new buildings and programs, Georgian Court University is selling some property to a neighboring school, Beth Medrash Govoha.

  Georgian Court President Joseph R. Marbach announced an agreement to sell approximately 42 acres of “mostly unused land at the edge of our campus, and several administrative buildings along Lakewood Avenue, to our neighbors at Beth Medrash Govoha. As a Catholic university, we are called to be responsible for each other and care for the common good. This mutually beneficial partnership reflects our commitment to this core value and the Mercy tradition, enabling both communities to forge ahead to a better and brighter tomorrow.”

  Both of these schools are private institutions, and the costs of the transaction were not described in the announcement.

The iconic mansion will be renovated for administration. (Photo courtesy Georgian Court University)

  The funding brought about by this sale will assist GCU in a number of ways. First is the construction of a new nursing and health sciences center “to expand on our tradition of training caring professions and to meet a pressing nationwide shortage of nurses.”

  Second, the 1899 Casino building will be “reimagined” as a 21st-century student center.

  Third, the historic mansion – one of the more recognizable buildings – will be renovated for administration purposes.

  Fourth, the student housing will be modernized.

The dorms will be modernized. (Photo courtesy Georgian Court University)

  “While this sale will allow GCU to reinvest back into our campus and fuel enrollment, it will also contribute to the development of the greater educational community as Lakewood gains respect as a center for the advancement of young people,” Marbach said. “As stewards of the land bestowed to us by the Sisters of Mercy, we are pleased that this partnership will also provide Beth Medrash Govoha an opportunity to build new student housing units. These residences may ease the demand for housing, reduce local traffic congestion, and improve current parking shortages in the area. While the precise construction timeline is undetermined, it will be planned to impose minimal interruption to the student, staff, and faculty experience.”

  Georgian Court currently has more than 150 acres, which Marbach described as far more than any other private religious educational institution in the state.

The 1899 Casino will be reimagined into a modern student center. (Photo courtesy Georgian Court University)

  “The proceeds from this sale will expedite the launch and expand the scope of our master plan, allowing us to reinvest in the historic heart of campus and provide dedicated facilities to accommodate some of our most rapidly growing academic programs,” he said. “The enhancement of existing spaces and the development of cutting-edge new facilities will propel Georgian Court into the 21st century and improve the student experience, while preserving the classic charm that makes GCU such a special place to learn and teach.”