Closed St. Ann’s School Likely To Be Converted Into Condos

A little more than a year after the first try, a developer is moving forward with plans to convert the closed St. Ann School and convent into condominiums.

Frank Dillon, an attorney representing developer Vlad Brodsky of Northampton-based BG Holding, said the project would create 12 condos in the former school, four units in the old convent, a facade refresh, the addition of green areas, and 43 parking spaces. The gym area of the closed school would be demolished.

When the plans for the .7-acre property bordered by Jefferson Avenue and Logan Street were introduced last year, they included more than 20 units but that number was reduced as planning moved forward.

The condos will all be offered for sale and not for rent, Dillon said, but he did not add the pricing.

Brodsky, the developer, said last year that the condos would be targeted at millennials but welcome all age groups. He added that the units would breathe some new life into the borough.

Earlier this month, Bristol Borough Council approved several waivers relating to parking, setback lighting, and other relatively minor issues.

One of the agreements the developer and borough came to was that the complex would only have an entrance on Jefferson Avenue and not the smaller Logan Street.

The proposal came before zoners last summer and failed. The developer and borough worked out their issues in the time since.

The project is expected to come before Council to request final approval in September. There was no resistance to the pan at the August Council meeting.

Councilman Tony Devine said he grew up across from the school and is happy to see the building will not be demolished.

Councilman Louis Quattrocchi noted the developer has been very cooperative with the borough.

“You considered the borough and not just the end result,” Council President Ralph DiGuiseppe said.

The St. Ann School shut its doors in June 2009 after 89 years in operation. Financial difficulties and low enrollment were cited as reasons for the closing.

The convent has been empty since 2014 when the sisters of The Trinitarians left Bristol.

BH Holdings Ltd. bought the property from the church for $350,000 in 2017, according to county property records.