University of St. Thomas - Gainey Conference Center

Owatonna, MN

Project Overview

SVN | Northco Golf & Hospitality (“SVN | Northco”) was initially engaged by the University of St. Thomas (“UST”) to provide a use/valuation analysis for their southern campus – the Gainey Conference Center (“Gainey”). This facility was primarily used as a corporate conferencing facility along with classroom space for UST.

Located in Owatonna, MN, Gainey is a historic facility consisting of 35 guest rooms, a full service kitchen, a conference center, horse arenas, and numerous other buildings on 178.77 acres of land. After the valuation and presentation to the board at UST, SVN | Northco was engaged to sell the property and procured a premarket buyer who wanted to convert the facility to a rehab retreat center. Working with the city and community, the property went through a zoning change and the buyer expedited the close on the transaction.

"Thanks to the creativity and expertise of the SVN | Northco team, we ultimately closed a very complex asset sale with great results for all involved."

"Based on the recommendations of people we respected, we engaged SVN | Northco to assist us with the sale of the Gainey Conference Center and Hotel. The Gainey Center was a very unique property with a limited potential market. The University of St. Thomas had used the off-campus center for events and classes over the years, but decided that it was time to sell. The SVN | Northco team was professional, engaging, optimistic and impressive. Thanks to the creativity and expertise of the SVN | Northco team, we ultimately closed a very complex asset sale with great results for all involved."

Mark Vangsgard

Seller

Vice President for Business Affairs and CFO for University of St. Thomas, Seller