St. Paul’s College in Lawrenceville is for sale. (Photos courtesy of Motley’s)
Richmond-based Motley’s Auction and Realty Group has sold its share of unusual things, including a vodka distillery and the state fair. But an entire college campus is a first for the firm.
“It’s not just bricks and mortar,” said Patrice Carroll of Motley’s. “It really is an ‘if these walls could talk’ kind of legacy.”
The legacy is that of St. Paul’s College. The historically black Lawrenceville school was founded in 1888 by a freed slave and held classes until June 2013, when it closed amid financial struggles. A limited administration has been overseeing the maintenance of the campus since its closure.
An Episcopal church on the property.
The 182-acre campus has 36 buildings, two of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. An adjoining 577-acre property is also up for sale, separately or as a package. A listing price has not been released.
Selling St. Paul’s is a challenge Carroll thinks Motley’s can handle.
“We’re big enough to bring in buyers from all over,” she said.
The in-house telemarketing team at Motley’s has been reaching out to schools across the country. They’ve contacted historically black universities, Christian colleges and other schools that might be looking to start a satellite campus. They hired John Hancock Productions of Richmond to put together a video tour.
The property has attracted some interest. Carroll would not say who is interested but said Motley’s is “in discussions with several potential universities.”
Ultimately, St. Paul’s leaders will decide which offer to accept. But some are rooting for a scholarly use.
“I really want to see it brought back to life,” Carroll said. “It needs to have that spirit and students walking around that campus again.”
St. Paul’s College in Lawrenceville is for sale. (Photos courtesy of Motley’s)
Richmond-based Motley’s Auction and Realty Group has sold its share of unusual things, including a vodka distillery and the state fair. But an entire college campus is a first for the firm.
“It’s not just bricks and mortar,” said Patrice Carroll of Motley’s. “It really is an ‘if these walls could talk’ kind of legacy.”
The legacy is that of St. Paul’s College. The historically black Lawrenceville school was founded in 1888 by a freed slave and held classes until June 2013, when it closed amid financial struggles. A limited administration has been overseeing the maintenance of the campus since its closure.
An Episcopal church on the property.
The 182-acre campus has 36 buildings, two of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. An adjoining 577-acre property is also up for sale, separately or as a package. A listing price has not been released.
Selling St. Paul’s is a challenge Carroll thinks Motley’s can handle.
“We’re big enough to bring in buyers from all over,” she said.
The in-house telemarketing team at Motley’s has been reaching out to schools across the country. They’ve contacted historically black universities, Christian colleges and other schools that might be looking to start a satellite campus. They hired John Hancock Productions of Richmond to put together a video tour.
The property has attracted some interest. Carroll would not say who is interested but said Motley’s is “in discussions with several potential universities.”
Ultimately, St. Paul’s leaders will decide which offer to accept. But some are rooting for a scholarly use.
“I really want to see it brought back to life,” Carroll said. “It needs to have that spirit and students walking around that campus again.”