B
lugold Real Estate has acquired the former Sacred Heart Hospital, according to an announcement made Friday. The organization had previously expressed interest in purchasing the property, as reported by 18 News in January.

    As part of the UW-Eau Claire Foundation, Blugold Real Estate's decisions are guided by a desire to benefit the university, but this does not necessarily mean the hospital will become university-owned property. Curt Krizan, executive director of Blugold Real Estate, stated that they are exploring multiple options for the site.

    The former Sacred Heart Hospital is a 600,000 square foot building situated on 27 acres of land adjacent to UW-Eau Claire's upper campus. The purchase contract transferred the property to BHEI, Inc., a newly formed non-profit entity with Krizan as its president.

    "We are excited about the future possibilities and hope to share details about our plans in the coming months," Krizan said. Blugold Real Estate has been involved in various projects, including purchasing The Priory for The Children's Nature Academy and donating land for the County Materials Complex. They also own part of the Aspenson Mogenson Apartments on Water Street, which houses 201 UW-Eau Claire students.