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http://www.omniture.com --> Email Story to a Friend June 8, 2006 Cascade Christian seeks property appraisal By SANNE SPECHT Mail Tribune JACKSONVILLE — Cascade Christian School officials are getting an appraisal on their historic property, which could change its current $5 million price tag. Cascade Superintendent Ray Johnson confirmed the school has suspended negotiations with potential buyers Mel and Brooke Ashland. The Ashlands are currently offering more than $3 million and less than $5 million, Johnson said. The school's board of directors has suspended negotiations until it can get a property appraisal that will be based upon a proposed zone change. "We need to get an appraisal to see if we have the correct price on the property," said Johnson. "If it comes in low, then we'll probably accept their offer. If it comes in high, we'll have to see what happens." On April 28, Cascade announced its intent to file a Measure 37 claim against the city of Jacksonville. The property's current "special protection" zoning is limiting its use and also its price, Johnson said. City officials zoned the school grounds in a "special protection" category, along with several other properties within city limits, to preserve their historic character prior to Cascade Christian's purchase of the school property. "The city thinks our price is too high and so do the Ashlands," said Johnson. "But we based it on property in the area that is not zoned special protection." The 7.57-acre school property — located in the cultural and historic heart of Jacksonville — includes six tax lots and 44,642 square feet of aging structures that have been assessed by Jackson County at $1.25 million for taxation purposes. The former Jacksonville School was remodeled to house Cascade Christian High School in 1994. Johnson wants the special protection zoning removed so the property will be more attractive to potential buyers. If the city does not change the zoning, the school will seek financial compensation from the city for the difference in valuations, he said. "Our understanding is, if we prevail, that the city can pay the difference or remove the zoning," said Johnson. "We need the appraisal to set the value and prove our loss." The city had tendered its own offer of $3 million for the property with several contingencies which could have significantly impacted its final payout. After months of negotiations failed to result in an agreeable sales price for either side, the council voted to terminated its attempts to purchase the property. The Ashlands are longtime Rogue Valley business owners. Mel Ashland operates Medford-based Ashland Partners & Co., a global accounting firm he founded in 1992. Their plan for the property calls for maintaining the area's open spaces and historical nature while providing a new headquarters for their company, Cutler Investment Group LLC. A schematic of their plans by IPA Design depicts an educational and community arts center in the current school gymnasium, an executive retreat and office center in the 1906 Jacksonville School building, and a new amphitheater and affordable housing at the old bus barn. Johnson said the Ashland's proposal "would be a wonderful win for the city and for everybody," but negotiations are on hold until the appraisal comes in, he said. "We're not trying to make a killing," said Johnson. "We just want a fair price." Reach reporter Sanne Specht at 776-4497 or e-mail: [email protected] Advertisement s Mail Tribune Home | Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life | Opinion AP News | Archives | Site Map | Community | Classified Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback www.bingo.com Home Security Systems Trunks, Footlocker Custom Build Computers Discount Hotel Reservations --> online casinos news Ashley Furniture HomeStore Send Flowers California Casinos GMAT Prep Windermere Van Vleet Sports Equipment Online Casino Reviews Entertainment Guide --> Online Casino Fundraisers Sudoku Online Casinos Canada Online Pharmacy