Northampton County Sells Governor Wolf Bldg

Real estate developer Mark Mulligan is a Julliard grad

The latest chapter in Easton's Governor Wolf Building, named after the only Northampton County resident to ever become the state's Governor, is about to begin. At a May 29 news conference at the steps of this 1893 schoolhouse, Executive John Stoffa announced that he's found a buyer. Mark Mulligan, along with partners David Dallas and Bill Vogt, have signed an agreement to purchase the 52,171 sq ft schoolhouse, which sits atop 3.4 acres with a commanding view of the Delaware.

In addition to paying $1,925,000 for this property, located at 45 North Second Street, Mulligan and his partners plan to invest another $3.5 million and completely gut the interior for a June 2015 grand opening for high end apartments, with the possibility of some commercial use.

Stoffa explained that, in 1986, when the County purchased the schoolhouse for $912,000, it was intended to be the "One stop" center for human services. But as the demand grew, the County purchased the Bechtel building, located in Bethlehem.

"It's a great day for Easton," claims Mayor Sal Panto

But both buildings require $4.3 million in capital repairs and improvements, according to County officials. So in February, Council voted, 8-1, to lease a new human services building on Emrick Boulevard in Bethlehem Township. That decision came on the heels of a jaw-dropping power point presentation by caseworkers depicting grisly conditions at Governor Wolf that endanger not only the people who work there, but innocent children who are already the victims of abuse and neglect.

Governor Wolf is plagued by asbestos, mold, chipping lead paint, bats, guano and an excessive number of large bugs. Supervised child visitation takes place in rooms where lead paint is chipping along the floor and windowsills. Mold is all over ceilings and vents are collapsing.

The "Penny Arch" at Governor Wolf

This is where real estate magnate Mark Mulligan, who specializes in the adaptive reuse of historic buildings, comes to the rescue. His Master's degree was not earned at Harvard or Wharton, but at Julliard.

"He studied to be an opera singer, so I trust him," joked Stoffa.

Stoffa called the sale “a win - win situation. Northampton County will reinvest the revenue from this sale into the new Human Service facility that can better serve our 18,000 clients while at the same time we are able to contribute to the economic development and historic preservation of downtown Easton.”

Exec John Stoffa announces sale of Wolf Building

Buyers Mulligan, Vogt and Dallas have over 50 years experience working in real estate development, property management and commercial real estate. Their partnership is developing the Simon Silk Mill and recently renovated the Pomeroy Building, just a few blocks away from Governor Wolf.

According to Easton Mayor Sal Panto, who lauded the sale, Mulligan's group was also involved in the redevelopment of the now-full National Building as well as Maxim's 22, which employs between 70-80 people. The second-term Mayor pointed to the mix of development on Second Street, which includes a combination of modest homes with high-end law firms and other businesses and homes. Panto, who lives on the City's South Side, eschews the gentrification model practiced in many other cities. "I don't believe in it," he said, adding, "We still want to be a City - an urban center."

Panto also praise Stoffa, whose government service is ending this year. "He will be missed," Panto said.

Mulligan plans to make no changes to the building's exterior, which includes elaborate brickwork, stained glass windows, a bell tower and the ornate Governor Wolf Memorial Arch,. It's also known as the "Penny Arch.because it was funded by pennies donated by school children and their families. The arch is topped by a marble globe of the world.

The agreement of sale has provisions requiring the preservation of these historic features.

The agreement also includes the county leasing back the 5,883 square foot warehouse behind the Wolf Building to consolidate storage it has in other leased or owned facilities. This will actually save the County approximately $2,700 per year.

This agreement must be approved by County Council, which will review the matter in June.

Final closing is scheduled for the end of the year.

L to R: Mayor Sal Panto, State Rep Bob Freeman, Council member Peg Ferraro, Exec John Stoffa and developer Mark Mulligan