Despite a recent negotiation setback, Miles College President Bobbie Knight expressed her determination to acquire the now-closed Birmingham-Southern College campus. Knight shared her disappointment with AL.com after the college’s request for a second extension on its purchase agreement was denied.
The 192-acre Birmingham property was placed back on the market on Nov. 25, following the expiration of a purchase agreement originally signed two months earlier. Initially set to close on Oct. 25, Miles College had sought an extension to both Nov. 25 and a further extension to Dec. 25. However, the Birmingham-Southern College Board of Trustees turned down the latest request.
“We are not going to stop trying,” Knight stated. “I’m feeling fine. Just have more work to do.”
In a press release, BSC trustees acknowledged their respect for Miles College and its community but stressed the urgency of selling the campus to fulfill obligations to creditors. “To meet its commitments to lenders and other creditors, the BSC Board of Trustees is obligated to sell the 192-acre campus property as quickly as possible,” the statement read.
Birmingham-Southern’s financial struggles have been well documented, culminating in the decision to cease operations in March 2024 after failing to secure a $30 million bridge loan from the state legislature.
With the expiration of the purchase agreement, it remains uncertain if Alabama A&M University, which previously submitted bids for the campus, will re-enter the bidding process. Earlier this year, Alabama A&M proposed a $52 million offer, later raising its offer to $65.5 million. However, those proposals were ultimately rejected due to being deemed “considerably lower” than competing bids.
