Widely known as the Boren Mansion, the late Leland Boren’s estate has recently transferred home ownership to Taylor.
The Boren house, located less than two miles from campus, was built by Leland Boren and his wife in 2009. The house was only a quarter of a mile from their previous home.
“The Boren house is very well and elaborately constructed… it is very nicely done,” Stephen Olson, vice president for business and finance said.
Boren was the owner of Avis Industrial, the company directly across the street from Taylor's main entrance. According to Olson, Avis Industrial is a holding company for multiple other companies.
Boren lived in the house until his passing in November, 2018. Following his passing, the house was owned by the Boren’s estate.
“Mr. Boren was a very astute businessman, a very smart man and in many ways, a very wealthy individual,” Olson said.
Due to his wealth, Boren’s estate is highly complicated.
In unwinding this document, the estate stated that Taylor University would take ownership of the Boren house. The home ownership was transferred to Taylor in May of 2020.
This new ownership leaves the question of what the house might be used for.
Taylor's administration is prayerfully considering several options and Olson teased some potential uses of the Boren house such as a new home for the president and a conference/retreat center.
As of now, the house is being rented out to a faculty member and his family.
Olson also highlighted Taylor’s extensive gratitude for Boren and his family and expressed how grateful Taylor is for their relationship with Boren.
This relationship is rooted in at least 50 years of history.
“The Borens have been a wonderful benefactor for Taylor for many years,” Olson said. Through his generous scholarship donations, Boren allowed countless students to attend Taylor.
The Boren legacy lives on through Taylor through more than just the Boren house. The Larita Boren Campus Center also stands as a reminder of Boren and his family.
In the same breath, the construction of Taylor’s Euler Science Complex was made possible by Boren through significant donations.
“We’re very appreciative of the gift of the Boren House,” Interim President Paige Cunningham said. “This year, it’s being used by a Taylor family, and the rental income helps a bit with the bottom line. The Senior Leadership Team has explored a range of future uses, including meeting space, a retreat center, and outright sale. The important thing is that this gift be used in ways that support the mission of Taylor.”
