Auction of former convent scheduled
A developer whose plans to operate a boarding house in a former convent were repeatedly rebuffed now intends to sell the property at auction.
Robert Starr of Phive Starr Properties LP purchased the building at 130 N. Franklin St., Washington, with the intention of converting it into a 28-room boarding house for temporary natural gas industry workers.
The proposal was opposed by Immaculate Conception Church leadership and parishioners, who cited the transient nature of potential boarders and a lack of parking. The building was once a residence for nuns assigned to the parish.
In February 2014, Washington City Council rejected a zoning ordinance amendment sought by the original owners, PA Wealth Builders, to define boarding houses and allow them in the city’s business improvement district. Starr, who was a part of the previous ownership group, bought out his partners and moved forward with plans. He appealed the city’s denial of his conditional-use application in Washington County Court, arguing that the city’s ordinance omitted boarding houses.
The city’s decision was upheld by Washington County Court, and then by Commomwealth Court in April 2017.
“There are no hard feelings about it. It’s business,” Starr said. “It’s just not something I wish to pursue at this time.”
Starr, who purchased the building in March 2014 for $39,245, will attempt to sell it at auction Oct. 11. He said he has been asked by several people to donate the building or sell it.
“(The offers were) all over the place,” Starr said. “This way, everybody will have the opportunity to bid and buy.”
Starr said potential recovery house developers have approached him, as have Immaculate Conception parishioners.
“I think the right people will have success with that building,” he said.
According to Starr, there are 20 rooms and eight one-bedroom apartments in the 15,000-square-foot structure.
There will be no reserve price on the building, which will be auctioned by Joe R. Pyle Complete Auction & Realty Service.