Garrett Neese/Daily Mining Gazette The sale of the Jutila Center was approved in Ingham County Circuit Court earlier this month after it and other former Finlandia University properties were auctioned off in December.

HANCOCK — Former Finlandia University buildings have begun changing hands.

The sales of the Jutila Center, Old Main and other properties auctioned off in December received final approval in Ingham County Circuit Court on Jan. 3.

Hancock Offices, LLC, a division of Moyle, will take over the Jutila Center, City Manager Mary Babcock said at Wednesday’s City Council meeting. The sale is expected to close within the next two weeks.

The city is also working on a property split for the parcel including the Paavo Nurmi Center, Babcock said.

Earlier this month, Hancock received a $50,000 Rural Readiness grant from the state for a feasibility study to determine best future use for the former Finlandia buildings, and also conduct environmental assessments of the area ahead of any redevelopment project.

The city purchased Mannerheim, Nikander and Wargelin halls last year for a combined $30,000. The study will also look at other buildings such as Paavo Nurmi and Finlandia Hall, Babcock said.

“We were very fortunate to get it,” Babcock said of the grant. “It kind of just fit right into where we’re going with it. It’s money that we don’t have to spend.”

The council also heard an update about another former Finlandia property recently purchased by the city. Councilor Amanda Lounibos gave an update on the Ryan Street Garden, for which she serves as board president.

Lounibos said she plans to provide an annual update on the garden, which the city purchased last year to maintain public access. The garden raised $6,000 toward the purchase from 88 donors, which was combined with funds from the city, Michigan Economic Development Corp. and the Copper Shores Community Health Foundation.

The garden has been operating since 2010. It has 19 plots available for rent each year, costing $15 each. Each household must volunteer at least eight hours per season. In return, the garden provides tools, seeds, fertilizer, and other support.

“If you don’t know much about gardening, I really encourage you to rent a plot from us, because you can learn all the basics in a year, and then move on if you want to have your next garden spot in your house,” she said. “I didn’t know anything when I started gardening there, and now I run the place.”

In addition to a healthier diet and reduced food spending, the garden also provides learning opportunities, Lounibos said.

“It’s great exercise and stress relief to be out in the fresh air,” she said. “A lot of people walk to their class every day.”

While only members can harvest or grow food, residents can walk the gardens and relax at park benches. The garden also does outreach and education, participating in local events such as Make a Difference Day and Key Ingredients.

Future plans for the garden include raising funds to build a raised bed for members with disabilities who have difficulty bending down. Lounibos would also like to survey members on other ideas for the property.

The garden expanded by two beds in 2021, creating an additional eight plots. There is a waitlist, but it’s short, Lounibos said.

People interested in signing up for the garden can reach out to Lounibos at louniboss@gmail.com or via the Ryan Street Garden Facebook page. Lounibos suggested reaching out now, as the garden usually fills up by March.