Clark University announced today that it has purchased a 7.3-acre parcel at the corner of Park Avenue and Maywood Street, representing a milestone in setting the course for Clark’s future and an opportunity to expand its well-known community engagement to reenergize vacant land.

“For Clark, this land represents an extraordinary opportunity to further imagine our institutional presence within Worcester while offering space we currently do not have but need in order to enhance our campus experience for our students,” President David Fithian said. “We also see this as an important opportunity to work with community and city leaders on a project that could have benefits for many.”

The site has been vacant since 2010.

The property, consisting of two lots located at 520 Park Ave. and 111 Maywood St., has undergone a lengthy environmental review and has successfully completed all legal and regulatory processes. While no decision has yet been reached on the ultimate use of the site, Clark is considering a range of options, including an athletics/wellness facility, academic space, and student housing.

Clark is developing a strategic framework for the university that will formalize its short- and long-term goals in a number of areas, including academic and research excellence, diversity, equity and inclusion, the campus experience, and community engagement. President Fithian said the Park Avenue purchase will help the university to realize some of its aspirations for enhanced student life.

“At Clark we are working to draw on a culture of possibility in all that we do, and in what we aspire to do,” President Fithian said. “Today, the margins of possibility have widened. I am thrilled with the potential that this acquisition offers and am excited to work with our students, faculty, and staff and our neighbors to plan for the future.”

Read President Fithian’s full announcement here.

The sale was managed by listing broker Kelleher & Sadowsky.