Gutenberg College is one step closer to Sisters

Gutenberg College has decided to pursue a move to Sisters.

"At a special meeting of our board recently, we formally made the decision to pursue the purchase of the building in Sisters with the goal of moving Gutenberg College to Sisters," said Peter Wierenga, provost for the college.

Although the ball is now rolling, there are still obstacles that need to be overcome, including purchase of the former Weitech building which would house the college.

"There will be some additional hurdles to overcome before actually making a move. We have begun discussions about a contract to buy the building and hope to have a formal agreement in the next couple of weeks. The owner of the building has been extremely helpful and cooperative in our efforts," said Wierenga.

"I am delighted that Gutenberg is continuing to consider its relocation to Sisters. It would really help to diversify the economy here, and that would be very welcome. This would just be fabulous for Sisters," said Cheryl Mills, executive director of the Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce.

There are some contingencies that will need to be met before the move can be formalized and Gutenberg College is able to enter into a purchase contract.

"Those (contingencies) will involve primarily issues about getting approval from the city to be able to use the facility for the college, including dorm space in the building," said Wierenga.

"The other contingencies will have to do with financing the move. Besides simply purchasing the building, there will be significant improvements to be made to the existing structure, the costs of physically moving the college from Eugene to Sisters, the increased cost of living in Sisters for our faculty with regard to housing and other costs associated with the move."