Image courtesy of Clark University

Worcester’s Clark University has purchased a 7.3-acre parcel at the corner of Park Avenue and Maywood Street in the city, three blocks from its main campus as it contemplates an expansion.

The school said the purchase is “a milestone” for the school’s future plans.

“For Clark, this land represents an extraordinary opportunity to further imagine our institutional presence within Worcester while offering space we currently do not have but need in order to enhance our campus experience for our students,” President David Fithian said in a statement. “We also see this as an important opportunity to work with community and city leaders on a project that could have benefits for many.”

The site, a former car dealership at 520 Park Ave. and 111 Maywood St., has been vacant since 2010. Public records show the school paid $6.95 million for the land.

Clark said in a statement that future uses could include an athletics/wellness facility, academic space and student housing. The school said it is still developing a strategic framework for the university that will formalize its short- and long-term goals that could influence development plans, particularly around enhancing student life.

“At Clark we are working to draw on a culture of possibility in all that we do, and in what we aspire to do,” Fithian said. “Today, the margins of possibility have widened. I am thrilled with the potential that this acquisition offers and am excited to work with our students, faculty, and staff and our neighbors to plan for the future.”

The sale was managed by listing broker Kelleher & Sadowsky.