Valuing Unique Properties - Clarke School

Set on a hill overlooking the Connecticut River Valley and across from prestigious Smith College, this property is a historic cornerstone of the city of Northampton, Massachusetts. Founded in 1867 as the first permanent oral school for the deaf in the United States, the Clarke School encompasses 11.9 acres of land and includes 7 historic school buildings and 3 support buildings.

When the trustees of this institution decided to close the campus, they turned to LandVest to market the property. The LandVest team prepared a Request for Proposals that described the land and buildings offered, existing zoning in the city, and market information for similar properties in the area. The team aggressively distributed the RFP to local, regional, national and international developers through direct contact, internet, and on-site meetings. They reviewed purchase offers and development proposals and provided recommendations to the Clarke School trustees on the selection of a buyer. The aggressive marketing effort brought in many inquiries and four serious offers, one of which was accepted. The campus is being converted to luxury condominium units.