Tennessee Wesleyan University and the City of Athens, Tennessee, have entered into a multi-year agreement on the property that was home to Ingleside School. The anticipated use of the property will be beneficial for the University and residents of Athens.

The parcel of land was originally owned by Tennessee Wesleyan and used for athletic fields and recreational purposes in the early 1900s.

In 1935, Tennessee Wesleyan sold the property to the City of Athens to build a new school. It was then that Ingleside School was constructed and later, recreational facilities were added for residents of Athens.

The approximately fifteen-acre property, as it sits now, is divided by a drainage ditch between the school and the recreational facilities, which include the newly renovated tennis and pickleball facility. The almost nine acres west of the ditch, which includes the former Ingleside School, is included in the long-term lease to Tennessee Wesleyan.

“We want to thank the City of Athens, the Athens City Council, and all those involved in making this lease agreement happen between TWU and the City of Athens,” said Tennessee Wesleyan University President Dr. Tyler Forrest. “This marks the largest expansion of the Athens campus in more than half a century.”

As funding becomes available, the University plans to construct a multi-purpose athletics facility that will be home to the Bulldogs soccer, lacrosse, and track and field teams. These facilities will also be made available to the City’s Parks and Recreation department when collegiate activities do not have the field in use.

“Leadership at the University has already begun the process of talking with donors and submitting grant applications that could transform this property into a showpiece for the City and TWU,” Forrest said. “Exit 52 and Ingleside Avenue continue to become increasingly travelled as visitors find their way to our campus, the downtown district, festivals, and the Mayfield Visitor Center. This athletics facility could provide a gateway to those destinations.”

In addition, the proximity to Tennessee Wesleyan’s downtown campus is very advantageous as it is a quarter mile to the Ingleside property, making access very convenient for student athletes, training staff, and coaches.

Regardless of improvements to the property, Tennessee Wesleyan officials vow to preserve the history of the school as much as possible.

“Personally, I am a product of the Athens City School System, and for many Athenians, Ingleside holds a special place in their hearts. We know the condition of the school is not great, but as we meet with our architect and structural engineers, all efforts will be made to preserve part of the character of the school for generations to come,” Forrest said.

The addition of the multipurpose facility will complement the facilities the City of Athens has continued to enhance, including the aforementioned tennis and pickleball courts, swimming pool, and skate park. The Ingleside recreation facility will provide families, student athletes, and visitors with another resource for healthy activities at a first-class amenity.

“On behalf of the entire city council, the City of Athens was happy to partner with and provide a long-term lease to TWU for the Ingleside School property,” said Randall Dowling, City Manager for the City of Athens. “This will be a benefit to TWU and the residents of Athens.”