Amarillo College has issued a new statement following a December 2025 court ruling that ordered Sharpened Iron Studios to immediately vacate property owned by the college, marking a significant development in a long-running legal dispute between the two parties.
According to court documents, a Potter County judge ruled in favor of Amarillo College in its eviction case, determining that the college has the right to immediate possession of the premises. An eviction notice has since been posted on the door of Sharpened Iron Studios, formally notifying the studio of the order to vacate.
The ruling also denied any motions or counterclaims filed against Amarillo College by Sharpened Iron Studios, effectively clearing the way for enforcement of the eviction order. In addition to vacating the property, the studio was ordered to pay Amarillo College’s attorneys’ fees and court costs, totaling approximately $13,500.
The decision was issued by Judge Walt Weaver of the Potter County Court at Law #1.
Amarillo College’s Response
Following the ruling, Amarillo College released a brief statement addressing the outcome and the next steps in the legal process:
"Because this matter is still part of an active legal process, Amarillo College is unable to provide an interview at this time.
Following a court ruling on Dec. 15, 2025, Sharpened Iron Studios was ordered to vacate the AC Downtown property. Sharpened Iron has asked the court to reconsider the ruling, or alternatively, to be given extra time to vacate. A hearing on the matter is set for Jan. 20, 2026.
This location, like all Amarillo College–owned properties, will be reviewed through a comprehensive Master Plan currently in the request-for-proposals stage. The Master Plan will be important in strategically planning the future of Amarillo College for the benefit of our students and our community, and that includes the use of our downtown campus."
Sharpened Iron Studios has formally asked the court to reconsider the ruling or, if that request is denied, to allow additional time to vacate the property. A hearing on that request is scheduled for Jan. 20.
Background of the Lease Dispute
The eviction ruling follows actions taken earlier in 2025 by Amarillo College regarding its lease agreement with Sharpened Iron Studios, commonly referred to as SIS. On June 24, 2025, the Amarillo College Board of Regents voted to terminate the lease, citing what they described as the studio’s failure to meet its contractual obligations.
According to the regents, Sharpened Iron Studios did not perform under the lease “in accordance with the terms of the lease.” Central to the dispute is a provision requiring the studio to complete specific “tenant work,” including providing at least $8 million in funding for the installation of a sound stage and related improvements.
Amarillo College has maintained that Sharpened Iron Studios did not meet the required spending threshold by the agreed-upon deadline of May 31, which the college considers a violation of the lease.
College officials have said the original lease agreement began on Oct. 29, 2020, and was amended on March 1, 2023. According to Mark White, the college’s executive vice president and general counsel, the amendment did not alter the requirement that Sharpened Iron Studios meet the financial commitments tied to construction and development of the facility.
Sharpened Iron Studios’ Position
Sharpened Iron Studios has disputed the college’s claims. In a statement released on June 27, 2025, the studio said it was not in violation of the lease agreement. In early July, CEO Sean Doherty said he was unaware the Board of Regents had voted to terminate the lease until the decision was reported by the media.
At that time, Doherty said the company was actively negotiating contracts for three films. He has also stated that the lease language specified the $8 million investment would be applied toward renovations, construction, and equipment for the existing facility. Doherty said progress was slowed by factors outside the company’s control, including the writers’ strike that lasted from May through September 2023 and the broader impacts of the coronavirus pandemic, both of which he said affected financing and production timelines.
Current Status and Next Steps
The court’s December ruling brings the dispute closer to resolution regarding possession of the property, though the legal process is not yet complete. The upcoming January hearing will determine whether Sharpened Iron Studios is granted reconsideration or additional time to vacate.
Following the original court order, Amarillo College issued another statement emphasizing its long-term planning priorities:
"We appreciate the courts careful consideration of the circumstances surrounding Sharpened Iron’s use of the property. This decision affirms the position Amarillo College has maintained throughout the process. Our focus is now on developing our next facilities master plan to ensure all campus spaces including the downtown campus are used in ways that best support our students and strengthen the community for the future."
%20(1).png)
%20(1).jpg)
