Clark Atlanta University, the historically Black educational institution in Georgia, won a significant victory in the Georgia Court of Appeals.
In 1940, what is now Clark Atlanta University deeded 13 acres of land to Morris Brown College. The agreement stated that ownership of the land would revert back to the university if the property no longer was used for educational purposes. Morris Brown College lost accreditation in 2002. In 2012, the college filed for bankruptcy. It emerged from bankruptcy after it sold much of its campus to the Atlanta Development Authority for more than $14 million. The land has become increasing valuable because it is adjacent to the location of Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the new home of the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League.
Now the Georgia Court of Appeals has ruled that Clark Atlanta should regain ownership of the 13 acres of land. The university is now considering what should be done with the 13-acre plot. The city had hoped to build a motion picture production studio on the site. It is considering an appeal of the court ruling or coming to an agreement with Clark Atlanta University.
The G.C.A. has rendered the only verdict that it could in face of the 1940 agreement. So maybe C.A.U. could become involved in a motion picture production studio in terms of communication studies in this and other media, if such a program does not already exist. This would be a win-win for all if done in the right way.
I am an AUC Product (CAU 01 and 11). I really hope that Morris Brown is able at some point to get back. I remember a thriving campus and now it is a boarded up ghost town. Perhaps that 30 million Dr. Dre gave to a white school could have helped…
A movie studio would be nice only if the CAU Board decide on it and have total control of such developement. This is a huge win for the institution that serves many of our future leaders. The value of this land should give CAU the push it needs to attract more bright minds and talented youth to our area.