Town and Country Newspaper

Local News Article

Quakertown Borough Purchases Former Moose Lodge

Written by Kelly Kalb, Correspondent
2012-04-26

The former Moose Lodge, an expansive, 6,500-sq. ft. building, will soon belong to the borough of Quakertown.

At Monday night’s borough council work session, officials announced the purchase of 113-115 East Broad Street. Home to the former Moose Lodge for decades, its owners have been fighting a financial battle which has caused multiple tax liens to be placed on the property.

Councilman Ed Scholl declared the purchase was made in the hopes to “maintain a little bit of control” in the economic revitalization of the borough. Officials feel by acquiring the property, which should be finalized in 60 to 120 days, the borough will be able to seek out an appropriate developer that will complete necessary improvements and aid in economic growth for the borough.

The borough’s involvement with this property will also give it a clean slate as far as the tax liens it has accumulated over the years.

The lodge was under sheriff’s sale and is owned by First Niagara Bank. Officials made an offer which was accepted by the bank and, once settlement is reached, will obtain the property at a cost of $280,000.

There are no plans to own the property long-term and officials said they will hold the location making no improvements until a suitable buyer is found.

The three-story building has its top floor as predominantly open storage space. It sits on approximately half an acre and contains three bars, several dining rooms, and a ballroom. The building itself is approximately 35 years old per real estate records.

Quakertown officials are very interested in bringing new businesses to the community, but are not planning on any further purchases of real property in the near future, they said.

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