With Campus Partners reneging on the purchase of the Newport Music Hall yesterday, Thomas Higgins, owner of the Mekka nightclub downtown is the next in line to purchase the Newport. Higgins has 30 days from Nov. 16 to inspect the property for potential renovation and repair costs and make the purchase.Higgins has said that if he follows through on the purchase of the Newport, he plans to keep it as a concert hall because he’s a concert promoter, not a developer. Besides, he wants what’s best for the Newport and OSU students.And we’re certain that Higgins is aware of the sentiments of students regarding the preservation of an historic building such as the Newport, and the commendations and praise that was heaped upon Campus Partners for its initial purchase of the Newport. Students had finally felt that Campus Partners was taking account of their concerns, needs and wishes. So whether it’s Campus Partners, Higgins or another buyer who eventually owns the Newport, most students just want the place to be preserved as a music hall that will be renovated into a technologically updated music venue.We only hope that the $1-1.5 million in renovations that’s been estimated for the Newport to bring the building up to current health, safety and structural codes, will not turn away future purchasers of the Newport as it turned away Campus Partners.Ohio State felt the potential cost of renovation increased the purchase price to a level not anticipated by Campus Partners and the university wouldn’t be able to break even. Therefore, Campus Partners didn’t complete its purchase of the Newport, and the baton has been passed to Higgins for consideration. Let’s all hope for the best. And let’s not forget the five tenants in the building; what does the future hold for them?Whether Higgins or someone else purchases the Newport, we hope Campus Partners will continue to encourage the new owner to preserve the historic site, and commence to redevelop and renovate it into a state-of-the-art music facility.So students, let’s make the new owner of the Newport aware that we don’t want the Newport demolished; we want it preserved as an ongoing music venue.Stay involved in this matter and let your voices be heard.