Wells College Faces Uncertain Future, Nominated for Endangered Sites List
As efforts to protect Wells College’s historic buildings and collections intensify, the Preservation Association of Central New York (PACNY) is spearheading an effort to nominate the college for inclusion on the Preservation League of New York State’s 2025-2026 Seven to Save list. If selected, the campus will benefit from the League’s technical assistance, advocacy, and increased visibility as the community works to preserve the legacy of the Aurora-based institution.
PACNY President Andrew Roblee, a Wells College alumnus, shared with Finger Lakes News Radio, “It’s our hope that by nominating Wells, we can attract attention to some of the things we’re concerned about.” These concerns include the impact of Wells’ impending closure after over 150 years of operation. The college, citing financial challenges, plans to shut down following the spring semester, raising significant questions about the future of the campus, its collections, and the community it has shaped.
Earlier this fall, the Wells Legacy Society called on elected officials to intervene and prevent the college from shutting off heat and water during the winter, which they argue will cause “irreparable harm” to the historic buildings and the artifacts housed within. With winter approaching, Roblee emphasized the urgency of finding a solution that preserves both the physical campus and the legacy of Wells College. “Our hope is that by nominating the campus to the Seven to Save list, the Preservation League can help bring together stakeholders—including the attorney general’s office and the Wells College Board of Trustees—to find a path forward.”
The deadline for the nomination submission is Friday, November 1, and PACNY encourages anyone interested in supporting Wells College’s nomination to submit a letter of support to email@pacny.net. Nomination details can be found on the Preservation League’s website.
By securing a spot on the Seven to Save list, Wells College would receive essential resources and advocacy, increasing the chances of preserving its irreplaceable historic buildings and collections for future generations.
