A year after Wells College shut its doors, at least nine bids are now vying for its historic Aurora campus. Proposals range from a private boarding school to an indigenous studies institute, and even a revived “Wells 2.0” led by alumni hoping to honor the school’s legacy.
The Cleveland Commission for Wells has offered to absorb the school’s unknown debts and reimagine a liberal arts institution. Other bidders include a historic preservation firm and education-focused nonprofits with no physical campuses yet. Despite murky finances and unanswered questions from trustees, the college says buyer intent will weigh into its final decision.
One parcel has already found purpose: part of the lakefront land will become a public park, thanks to a recent land trust donation.
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