I.J. Samson school sold for $189K, new owners eye housing development

The new owners of a 72-year-old former schoolin St. John's are hoping to turn the property into a housing project.

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Metro Environmental Services will pay $189,000 for I.J. Samson Junior High, a53,000 square foot building, according to the Newfoundland and Labrador School District.

OwnerTerrance Penney is eyeing a housing project on the land, but says heneeds to get into the building to see what's there first.

"We'rehoping to salvage the building, but we're going through with our engineering firm," he said.

"Once the engineers get a chance to look at the building itself, we'll decide what can be done with it."

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Metro Environmental Services, based inHeart's Desire, is behind other projects including a proposal to build an industrial composting facility near Holyrood, and is licensed to clean up hazardous material such as asbestos.

Penney says his company specializes in cleaning up older buildings, which is the "first thing" that will be done with the building.He says although the sale price looks like a deal, there's a lot of work to be done.

"You got to keep in mind, the clean up on this building will probably run us $325,000," he said. "It's not low."

Historical property

The building operated as a junior high until its closure in 2011. The300 students there were sent to other schools.

Terry Hall, an assistant director with the school district, saidthe sale is a sad moment for some.

"The districts have changed so much over the past few years, with amalgamations," he said.

"There is certainly a bit of history and nostalgia for any teachers or students who would have been in there, when they see a school structure sold and not knowing what the ultimate end state is."

Police used the building for tactical training exercises after it closed.

The school district originally acquired the property from the Anglican church in 1969. A tender for the disposal of the building went out last fall.