Episcopal Wins Bid For Wyola School Auction

NEWTOWN SQUARE–Episcopal Academy was the sole and highest bidder in the public auction for the historic Wyola School at the Newtown Township municipal building Monday.

The public auction occurred at 10 a.m. and the historic school–located on 0.41 acres on the Episcopal Academy campus at 556 N. Newtown Street Road–was sold for $250,000. 

The school executed a Purchase Agreement and presented a check of $25,000 to Newtown Township. Township Manager Mike Trio stated at Monday's meeting that the total purchase is projected to settle in three weeks. 

The Property was acquired by the township from G&W Land Company, LP, by a deed dated February 26, 2001, and is currently leased and occupied by The Episcopal Academy.

Supervisors approved the sale of the property with a faceted easement condition. According to Township Solicitor Richard Sokorai, the school is required to preserve the front and sides of the building as well as the school bell. The only changes that are made may only be in the interior of the building and in the rear of the property, said Sokorai.

According to Sokorai, The Episcopal Academy has the intention of using the historic school as a daycare or preschool. 

The public notice states: "The Episcopal Academy maintains that the current driveway and septic system of the Wyola School property encroach upon Episcopal Academy property. The Wyola School is subject to a covenant protecting the historic character of its facade."

The historic school house, which dates back to the 1870s, is just south of St. Davids Rd.

On June 5, Delaware County Court of Common Pleas Judge Joseph Cronin approved the petition for approval of the sale of the historic Wyola School, free of use limitations, in Newtown Square. The petition was filed by Newtown Township on April 27 to the Orphans' Court for approval of sale. 

Advertising to bid on the Wyola School site was approved by supervisors at a meeting in August and a miniumum bid price for the Wyola School was approved in October.