News

Inn on the Green, Middlebury

Middlebury College issued the following statement on Friday, August 20 regarding its purchase of the Inn on the Green in Middlebury.

Middlebury College plans to purchase the Inn on the Green in downtown Middlebury and will use the property for student housing for the next few years. We expect to house about 25 upperclass students (juniors and seniors) in the 12 rooms and carriage house on the property starting in the fall semester and for the next few years. The inn property offers a convenient location within close walking distance to campus and amenities. Our plan is to resell the property at a later date for use as an inn serving Addison County, visiting families, alumni, and tourists.

We are gratified by this community partnership as we continue to respond to and manage effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, including higher than usual enrollment. This includes accommodating students who opted for leaves of absence, students whose study abroad programs were canceled, and a larger than usual number of first-year students, due to record enrollments. Our highest priorities are responsibly managing the health and safety of our community and maximizing access to an in-person education for our students.

The expected timeline for use of the property for student housing is about three years, after we return to a more regular enrollment of about 2,500 students.

Frequently Asked Questions

How did the purchase come about?

The Inn was on the market as we began to explore additional housing options for our students in the coming academic year, so we approached the owners about possible purchase. We have been in contact with abutting property owners and town officials and they support our plans.

Does current zoning permit student housing on the property?

Yes, the property is conditionally zoned for this use. We have applied for a 540(c) exemption and hope to have that in hand by September 1. We also have conferred with abutting property owners about our plans.

What is the purchase price?

We plan to purchase the property for $1.285 million.

When will the purchase be complete?

We expect to close on the property in September.

What is the expected fall enrollment?

Our present count is approximately 2,865. This could drop slightly as is common as we get closer to arrival day.

Why is enrollment higher than usual?

Middlebury College continues to respond to and manage effects of the pandemic. This includes accommodating students who opted for leaves of absence, students whose study abroad programs were canceled, and a larger than usual number of first-year students, due to record enrollments. Our highest priorities are responsibly managing the health and safety of our community and maximizing access to an in-person education for our students.

Will the College honor existing reservations at the inn?

Unfortunately, existing reservations at the inn will have to be canceled as we prepare for students to move into their rooms in mid September. The current inn owners will contact those who made reservations directly with the inn. Reservations made through outside vendors will be canceled according to their policies.

We are working with parents and families who made reservations for the fall to help them with other options.

Will students living at the Inn on the Green have access to parking?

Yes, there are parking spots located directly at the Inn as well in the parking lot of the neighboring Painter House, which the College owns and currently uses as office space.

What are the accommodations like at the Inn on the Green?

The Inn on the Green is a historic Victorian building with two stories and a carriage house. It was renovated in 2018, including the addition of fire safety equipment. The Inn is conveniently located at 71 South Pleasant Street, just steps from the center of downtown and a five-minute walk to campus.

We anticipate having a mix of room types including two singles, doubles, and triples. All rooms have private bathrooms. The Inn has one shared lounge space, but does not have a kitchen. We currently expect to be able to house between 24 and 27 students at the Inn on the Green.

Can students assigned to other housing move to Inn on the Green?

There will be a lottery process for students who did not pre-select Bread Loaf or who were assigned to the Courtyard Marriott hotel in Middlebury as their housing or who are not on the housing wait list. Those students have been informed of this option.