The prestigious Rhode Island School of Design is considering opening a campus here, the Charlotte Business Journal has learned.
The campaign to land a commitment from the Providence, R.I.-based school began more than a year ago, say sources with knowledge of the talks. The campus would be a center city development coup that could match the successful pursuit of Johnson & Wales University five years ago.
Board members from Rhode Island School of Design, often referred to as RISD, have visited Charlotte and also have hosted Queen City leaders in Rhode Island during the past year.
Former Bank of America Corp. Chairman Hugh McColl Jr. is leading the recruiting effort with Charlotte Center City Partners.
The response has been enthusiastic, though a timeline for a decision remains uncertain.
“They are excited about the success of (Johnson & Wales), and they see Charlotte as an up-and-coming city,” says one prominent uptown executive, who requested anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the discussions. “They move more slowly and cautiously, but they are interested.”
RISD President Roger Mandle couldn’t be reached for comment.
An expansion into Charlotte would mark the school’s first move outside Providence.
RISD shares its hometown with Johnson & Wales’ main campus. Johnson & Wales relocated its secondary campus to Charlotte from Charleston, S.C., in 2004, lured, in part, by discounted land and other incentives attached to the deal.
The school’s campus at Gateway Village has grown to an enrollment of 2,500 students, with more expansion anticipated.
From: Charlotte Business Journal – by Erik Spanberg
