St. Joseph County commissioners have approved the sale of Portage Manor and about 40 acres of surrounding land to St. Thomas More Academy.

The academy plans to create a unified campus for its St. Joseph Montessori Children’s House and K-12 classical education program. School leaders say the property also would provide space for academic, artistic and athletic activities, along with outdoor learning opportunities.

Under the purchase agreement, St. Thomas More Academy has committed to invest at least $9 million to renovate the historic Portage Manor building and establish a nature preserve that would be accessible to the public.

Kevin Powers, the school’s head of school, said the academy is grateful for the opportunity to become the next steward of the property and thanked county commissioners, community leaders and residents who supported preserving Portage Manor.

The school says the project is intended to restore the historic building while giving the academy room for future growth and establishing a permanent campus in St. Joseph County.