PHOENIX — In late October, Grand Canyon University (GCU) in Phoenix, Ariz., backed out of a deal to accept a free 217-acre campus in Massachusetts, saying millions of dollars in unanticipated costs made the project too risky.
In September, Steve Green, whose family owns the Hobby Lobby craft store chain, awarded GCU the campus after determining the school’s financial strength, growth and vibrant Christian life made it a great choice.
But GCU President Brian Mueller said closer examination revealed that an additional $30 million worth of renovations would be necessary to make the campus functional. He also concluded that the campus’ remote location would eventually be a liability.
“We didn’t want to accept a free gift in a very bad location and try to fight that for the next 30 years,” Mueller said.
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