The University of Akron on Wednesday, Feb. 15, took a step toward putting what used to serve as the home for its presidents on the market, as its board of trustees authorized the administration to seek legislative approval to sell it.

The property at 465 Burning Tree Drive in Akron is owned by the state, so the university needs state approval before it can sell it. The university announced the move in an email to faculty and staff.

This is the same house that attracted complaints over the high cost of renovations — particularly concerning the cost of a now-infamous decorative olive jar — before former President Scott Scarborough moved into the house. According to information provided by the university, the residence was purchased in 1998 for $850,000 and was paid for by the sale of other former presidential residences. Those had been gifts from private individuals.

The university required presidents to live in the university-owned home from 1999 through July 2017, the university said. Before that, presidents either lived in university-owned residences or were given a housing allowance. President Matthew J. Wilson and the board had agreed he would not receive a housing allowance or live in the university-owned home.

Chief communications and marketing officer Wayne Hill said the decision was made to save the university money. Also, Wilson already has a home in Hudson and children in those schools, he said.

If granted state approval, the intention is to sell the house, Hill said.