Vacant property in Phenix City used to change lives — and it has a chance to do it again

The Phenix City Board of Education will buy a former private school for an undetermined purpose to accommodate growth.

During a called meeting Monday night, the seven-member board unanimously approved superintendent Randy Wilkes’ recommendation to purchase the vacant St. Patrick’s Catholic School from the Archdiocese of Mobile for $1.75 million.

The 16-acre property has two buildings comprising 16,000 square feet each at the intersection of 40th Street and Lakewood Drive. The three-story building is a former convent and the one-story building is the former school, which was severely damaged in a January 2010 fire at 3910 Lakewood Drive and was rebuilt at 2701 40^th St., reopening in August 2014.

But in May 2016, due to declining enrollment, the Rev. Jose Paillacho announced he concurs with the recommendation of the parish council and finance committee to not reopen for the 2016-17 school year. The school, which served students through eighth grade, has been vacant since then, leaving St. Anne-Pacelli as the only Catholic school in the Columbus area.

Since the school was founded 100 years ago, St. Patrick’s has “changed the lives of countless people in the communities of Columbus and Phenix City,” Paillacho wrote in his 2016 announcement. “… I believe that we can be proud of the history and accomplishments of St. Patrick’s School. Please know that this decision was not an easy one to make. Our school and parish community are in my daily prayers. Despite the closing of our parish school, St. Patrick Parish remains a vibrant community of faith where faith is taught, celebrated, and lived.”

The Ledger-Enquirer didn’t reach Paillacho for comment Tuesday.

The former school building has offices, 11 classrooms, a media center, a teacher work area, a common area and a commercial kitchen.

PCBOE has no immediate or definitive plans for the site, the board said in its news release Tuesday, but the site “has potential to house expanded preschool services or a new school.”

Asked to be more specific, Wilkes told the Ledger-Enquirer in an emailed interview, “I apologize that I cannot be more specific at this time regarding the intent of the purchase. I can say that there are many possibilities including, but not limited to, expanded preschool services, K-5 elementary school, and/or offices. Also, the board has discussed in the recent past a ‘land bank’ whereas we invest in property for future development. In the least, this property fits that description.”

Enrollment in Phenix City School has increased in the past 10 years by 24 percent, from 5,636 to 6,988.

“The assistance with enrollment increase is dependent on our desire,” Wilkes said. “If we choose to place preschool services in the building then it may not help so much with K-12 enrollment. If we choose to place another elementary school on site, then yes it would create space.”

Existing funds can cover the purchase of the property, so no loan will be needed, the board said in its news release. The deal has a 60-day period for due diligence, but Wilkes expects it to be finalized sooner.

This story was originally published April 17, 2018 at 5:05 PM with the headline "Vacant property in Phenix City used to change lives — and it has a chance to do it again."