OSU spends millions to fix up mansion

COLUMBUS (AP) — Ohio State is shelling out $2 million to update and remodel the mansion that houses the university’s president, just seven years after spending $1.3 million on a previous renovation of the house, university officials said.

Incoming president Gordon Gee officially takes office Oct. 1. He’ll stay at a hotel on campus until next spring, when the work is scheduled to be completed.

Gee said he views the residence as a sort of bed-and-breakfast, where he can host donors, dignitaries and world leaders.

Renovations to the Ohio State mansion will be paid for through private donations to the University Foundation, the private fundraising arm of Ohio State which owns the pre-1920s home, said James Schroeder, the foundation’s president. No tax dollars will be used, he said.

The 9,630 square-foot house in the Columbus suburb of Bexley is valued at about $2.6 million. The property includes a guest house, pool, tennis courts and a bath house.

For more, see Tuesday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com