As soon the Brick Block was presented for an opening bid of $760 this morning, the room went silent at the Elk County Courthouse Annex in Ridgway, PA.
Once, twice, no bids.
The building next goes into repository (with Elk County, the Borough of Johnsonburg, and the borough’s school system.) Those seeking the property could then get it for $500--but only with a solid plan, for the building, approved by the three, interested parties listed above.
One thing is clear--many see the value of the Brick Block, in the Borough of Johnsonburg, and want to help make the right thing happen. The borough already has a feasibility study in the works; this report, to be conducted by a private company, will help assess the place. Also, a county representative explained to me that grants for the Brick Block could, perhaps, be cobbled together to approach a million dollars. But, that amount would be a stretch and likely not possible unless the Brick Block is purchased by a non-profit, since these funds are not for the enrichment of individuals or for-profit companies. And, I know of people, from the borough, who are now planning to organize and investigate grants to help the Brick Block.
It's my hope to publicize the building in a listing before a national audience of non-profits and for-profits interested in historic properties. So, I’m on the lookout for someone who would enjoy taking calls, which could come in from this listing, and who would enjoy giving tours of the building, if requested.
More to come on this topic, I’m sure.
For now, Out Here,
Megan
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