WEST GREENWICH, R.I. (WPRI) — The University of Rhode Island (URI) is seeking proposals for the future use of its W. Alton Jones Campus. URI shuttered the Whispering Pines Conference Center and Environmental Education Center at Alton Jones more than four years ago, citing ongoing financial struggles exacerbated by the pandemic. URI, which has owned the West Greenwich campus since 1964, is now soliciting requests for information on how to best utilize the space. The campus is home to more than 2,300 acres of forests, lakes and farmland and used to be a commonly utilized spot for conferences, retreats, team building programs and summer camps. "[URI] wishes to receive a wide range of proposals for potential uses of the property that support the university's mission as a land grant institution while not conflicting with research and education activities on the campus," the request for information states. "The W. Alton Jones Campus has been an important asset to the university for over 50 years and the university seeks to find the next best use of this important property." The university has no plans on selling the campus, but will consider leasing portions of it. "The university will reserve and maintain full control and exclusive use of roughly 785 acres of the campus specifically for the purposes of current and future research and education activities," the request for information continues. There are also a number of restrictions listed for the requests for information, which include the construction of industrial, commercial retail or commercial office spaces, residential housing, parking facilities and entertainment venues. Requests for information must also not include activities that "would demand extensive clear-cutting of forested areas." URI urged those interested to "put forward proposals that emphasize sustainability and stewardship of the natural and historical assets of the campus." The university stressed that this is not a request for proposal and does not constitute an invitation to bid. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup SIGN UP NOW