The closure of Presentation College in Aberdeen left holes in the community, literal and metaphorical. Now, the first steps are being taken to reclaim the space the college once stood on.
The Aberdeen City Council has approved the purchase of the colleges’ nursing building for $330,000 from the Presentation Sisters.
The Catholic organization lives on following the colleges closure, which was once a major school to educate medical providers for the great plains.
While Aberdeen still hosts the public Northern State University, officials say there remains an educational gap in the area. Hence, among the proposals are allowing use of the space by Southeast Technical College, and city leaders say education is a primary target for the buildings.
Sister Mary Thomas said the group hopes the space can be accessible beyond its time as a college.
“This is another situation where people who might not have the ability to access a typical four-year school can access a trade school — and we certainly need the trades," Thomas said. "So, I’m trusting Southeast Tech will be a partner for you and that things will flourish in a way that leads beyond what our dreams would be at this point.”
Council member Erin Fouberg said it’s a great chance to create something good out of the space.
“You only get one opportunity to figure out the future of the Presentation campus, and the sisters have been very measured and thoughtful about the fit and what to create in that space," Fouberg said. "I appreciate everything they’ve done for our community for over a century, and I think that the position of continuing to make sure this area of campus is used for the public good and the city is a good fit.”
Other proposals for the building include the new home of the Aberdeen Area Senior Center.