Bradley isn’t saying exactly how much they invested in Main Street Commons, but they are saying this, from the Bradley University Scout:
Vice President for Business Affairs Gary Anna said Main Street Commons construction had been delayed due to the struggling economy, but Bradley had a hand in funding the first phase of building. “We took a piece of our endowment that had been set aside,” he said. “The preliminary stage of the project is $12 million, and we gave less than 10 percent of that. The money is not coming from a source that would construct a building on campus or for equipment for labs, so we’re not shortchanging the students. There is a return on our end that will go back to the endowment.”
Less than 10% of $12 million is any amount up to $1,199,999.99.
The key to this decision is the last line you have quoted, “There is a return on our end that will go back to the endowment.”. If this is well structured this could likely be a win-win. If it is debt for the developer that bears say 4-6% interest for Bradley this could on its own be a good investment decision (with returns on savings so low and the stock market so volatile).
Plus if it is debt and the operation goes bust – Bradley may be able to acquire the property either directly (in lieu of payment) or perhaps at a greatly reduced cost in bankruptcy property sale.