We were proud to represent Matta Fresca LLC in the acquisition of the former Cazenovia College campus, a landmark real estate transaction that returns local ownership of the historic property to the Cazenovia community. The transaction closed on December 19 and involved the purchase of the entire campus, with concurrent closings that transferred select parcels to the Town of Cazenovia and Madison County—a complex, multi-party transaction totaling $9.5 million.
Founded in 1824, Cazenovia College was one of New York State’s oldest private colleges before permanently closing in 2023. Since then, the vacant campus presented both challenges and opportunity. Through this acquisition, Matta Fresca LLC, has laid the groundwork for a future-forward, mixed-use district that will reintroduce residential, commercial, cultural, and community-focused activity to the main quad and surrounding properties.
As part of the transaction, Madison County acquired Reisman and Sigety Halls for public safety and administrative uses, while the Town of Cazenovia purchased the Jephson Campus to serve as its future town hall. These coordinated sales ensure that key portions of the campus will remain active, publicly accessible, and aligned with long-term municipal needs.
This project represents a major milestone for Cazenovia and a meaningful example of how thoughtful redevelopment, local leadership, and careful legal planning can work together to preserve history while creating new economic and community opportunities. We congratulate Matta Fresca LLC and its partners on bringing this significant transaction to completion and look forward to seeing the campus’s next chapter unfold.
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For over 50 years, Newman & Lickstein has helped businesses and entrepreneurs navigate complex legal transactions, grow their operations, and protect their assets. Our attorneys serve as trusted advisors throughout every stage of a company’s lifecycle, with a focus on venture capital, private equity, mergers and acquisitions, and technology transactions.
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