Oklahoma State University’s ambitious plans to build an athletics village adjacent to its campus, banking on a $165-million gift from the oil tycoon T. Boone Pickens, took a major step forward on Monday, when a state judge ruled that the university could use eminent domain to acquire land from the only property owner unwilling to sell out, the Tulsa World reported today.

The land is the last piece of property needed to commence construction. The process of assembling the tract to develop the village antagonized some local residents, who said Oklahoma State had not considered other locations for the village and had not given them fair offers for their property. Eminent domain allows government entities, such as the university, to take private property for public use after paying for it, even if the property owner objects. The owner has vowed to appeal the judge’s decision. —Andrew Mytelka