Specific development plans remain unknown for a $2.3 million property that Sacramento State purchased in 2005 to build Ramona Village, a faculty and staff housing community.

University Enterprises Inc. provided funding to purchase the 25-acre site, located at Power Inn Road and Ramona Avenue, spokeswoman Kimberly Nava said. The site was formerly occupied and owned by the California Youth Authority, a correctional facility for underage offenders.

Funds from campus business operations, like the Hornet Bookstore, provided the funding by UEI, said Gloria Moraga, associate vice president for public affairs. She said the economy is the reason for postponing the project.

“There was a time when the economy was booming and it fell off,” Moraga said.

The property, which used to have 21 buildings, has faced two fires within the last three years. One of which happened in June and the other in 2008. Nava said the first fire was arson-related, and the cause of the recent fire is still unknown.

For safety reasons, Moraga said demolition of the California Youth Authority buildings is ongoing and will be completed in October.

Today, the buildings are marked with graffiti and surrounded by litter. Ashes from the June grass fire are still noticeable.

Nava said there are no plans for the style of the homes and the amenities that would be included with a faculty and staff housing project.

Mary Reddick, head of user services in the university Library, said that faculty and staff housing can be a positive aspect to working at Sac State.

“I know many faculty and staff who would be interested: newer faculty and staff whose salaries are not as competitive, who are just starting their families, or have not started,” she said.

Michelle Curtis can be reached at [email protected]