Two years after the Batavia Ford transmission plant closed its doors the University of Cincinnati celebrated its new UC East facility Thursday, Oct. 28.

UC spent the summer remodeling the administrative building at the plant and began holding classes in the building in September.

“Today is an important day in the history of Clermont College and Clermont County,” UC Clermont Dean Gregory Sojka told the crowd gathered for the opening ceremony. “In the past this building was located on Front Wheel Drive and was known as a place of opportunity and prosperity for families. Then it became a symbol of failure and abandonment. The lights were off and everyone had gone home. But today the lights are on and there are cars in the parking lot. We can move into a future of promise, hope, and prosperity.”