Wells College Seeks Court Approval to Sell Seven Village Properties

Wells College has filed a petition in Cayuga County Court requesting approval to sell seven off-campus properties in the Village of Aurora as part of its ongoing dissolution process.

According to reporting by Robert Harding of The Auburn Citizen, the properties are under contract with multiple buyers and would generate approximately $2.8 million if approved. The sales include residential and historic properties along Main Street and Wells Road, as well as apartment units and other campus-affiliated structures.

Among the buyers are alumna Pleasant Rowland, who is purchasing two properties, and several private individuals and organizations acquiring additional homes and buildings. One previously announced transaction involves the Paul Jones House, which is slated to be transferred to a preservation nonprofit.

In court filings, the college stated that the properties are no longer necessary for its operations and are costly to maintain as it winds down. Proceeds from the sales would first cover transaction-related expenses, with remaining funds directed toward outstanding obligations. Any residual funds, according to the filing, would be distributed to charitable causes.

This petition is one of three currently before the court. Separate filings address the proposed sale of the Wells College campus and the liquidation of artwork, rare books, and other assets. A preliminary conference regarding the petitions has been scheduled at Cayuga County Court in Auburn.

Source: Robert Harding, The Citizen, “Wells College seeks court approval to sell 7 properties for $2.8M,” Feb. 5, 2026.