After years of sitting vacant, the former St. Vincent’s High School building in Saint John has finally been sold to Fredericton-based City Line Holdings Ltd. The company, known for purchasing a former west side school last month, acquired the property for $700,000, according to Service New Brunswick records. Although the seller’s real estate agent, Jason Stephen, did not disclose the buyer’s name, he revealed that the plan is to transform the former school into residential units.
With the designs still in the works and the exact number of units yet to be determined, one thing is certain: the former school will be converted into spacious apartments. The gymnasium will be transformed into multi-level units, offering unique living spaces to future residents. The project aims to breathe new life into the street and revitalize the community.
St. Vincent’s High School, which originally opened its doors in 1919 as a boys’ school before becoming a Catholic girls’ school in 1954, operated until its closure in 2002. Since then, it has remained vacant. A decade ago, a non-profit group had plans to convert the old school into apartments and a daycare, but their efforts were unsuccessful. Now, City Line Holdings envisions approximately 50 residential units being built on the site.
City Coun. David Hickey, a resident of Waterloo Village where the former school is located, is optimistic about the sale and the potential it holds for the area. He sees this development as transformative and a testament to the community’s untapped potential. Hickey believes that the addition of these residential units, along with another unrelated development adjacent to St. Vincent’s, will contribute to community revitalization.
While further details about the project and the buyer remain undisclosed, the sale of the former St. Vincent’s High School building marks a significant step towards repurposing a long-vacant property and bringing renewed energy to the neighborhood.
FAQ
1. Who purchased the former St. Vincent’s High School building?
The property was purchased by Fredericton-based City Line Holdings Ltd.
2. What are the plans for the building?
The buyer intends to convert the former school into residential units, including spacious apartments.
3. How many units will be built?
The exact number of units is yet to be determined, but the plan is to develop approximately 50 residential units.
4. What will happen to the gymnasium?
The gymnasium will be transformed into multi-level units as part of the residential development.
5. How long has the former St. Vincent’s High School building been vacant?
The building has been vacant since its closure in 2002, remaining unused for over two decades.