Pierce College Considers Plan for $10-Million Horse Center

Pierce College officials are considering a proposal by a Burbank-based investment and management firm to build a $10-million equestrian center on the campus.

The proposal, presented to the college about two months ago by John P. Graham, a partner in the firm of McKittrick, Graham & McKittrick, includes a polo arena, about 400 horse stalls, a training area and a veterinary hospital.

Graham, a Pierce alumnus, said he approached the college with the plan after associates told him the campus was interested in expanding its equestrian program.

David Wolf, college president, said that, if built, the new facilities would be added to existing equestrian facilities, which include some stables and related classrooms.

Wolf emphasized that the plans for the center are merely in the discussion phase. “No formal negotiations are under way,” he said.

College officials will meet next month to evaluate Graham’s offer, Wolf said.

An improved center, Wolf said, would enhance the college’s agricultural program and attract more students.

Tailoring Program

“We’ve been taking a look at our programs here, and we need to realign the entire program around the needs and interests of residents of the San Fernando Valley,” Wolf said. “We’re trying to re-emphasize horsemanship, horticulture and veterinary science. The demand in those areas is higher than we’ve been prepared for.”

A sticking point in the discussions with the investment firm may be over control of the equestrian center, Wolf said, adding that the college would like to have “control and maintenance” of the new facilities.

If discussions with the college continue, Graham said, he will ask investors to put up the $10 million to $12 million needed to build the facilities. As part of the deal, Graham said, the college would invest the land, about 80 acres bordered by Victory Boulevard, De Soto Avenue, Mason Avenue and a farm on campus.

“The school would get 80% of the revenue,” he said. “They would have a great deal of say-so in the educational aspects of the project. We would handle the day-to-day operation of the center.”

Wolf acknowledged that Pierce does not have the resources to develop the land on its own. He said considering proposals like Graham’s is not new. More and more colleges are working with developers to build on college property in return for revenue because they do not receive enough money from the state to do the work alone, Wolf said.

For instance, a private developer, Watt Investment Properties, is working with California State University, Northridge officials to build a $150-million complex on the CSUN North Campus. The project includes a 200-room hotel, a stadium, restaurants and student dormitories.