The historic six-bedroom John Street home traditionally occupied by Laurentian University’s presidents has now been listed for sale for $899,000.
If you’d like to take a peek, an open house has been scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 25 from 2-4 p.m.
Laurentian’s board of governors made the decision to sell the property a year ago.
Given the length of time that had passed without the house being listed, Sudbury.com reached out to Laurentian for an update earlier this month, and learned the property’s listing was imminent.
The university said earlier this month the process of the sale of the home was more complex than the average home. A request for proposal had to be issued to select a realtor, and various repairs were necessary to prepare the house for sale.
Laurentian University interim president Sheila Embleton also addressed the issue during the Feb. 13 senate meeting.
She said the property would have been listed earlier this month, but “there was a leak in the ceiling of the kitchen, or something like this. Anyway, it’s all fixed and it will be open soon.”
The Laurentian president’s house at 179 John St. has been listed for sale with Didi Martin of Unreserved.
“A home fit for a star!” said the listing, adding that “this historic home is a must see.”
The listing said the home has six bedrooms and six bathrooms, a grand entrance leading into a spacious living room, bright windows providing natural light, a detached garage, lower level family room, with gas fireplace, laundry area, sauna and potential for a second kitchen.
“This home has a history so let us tell you all about it, Sudbury's most historical property!” said the listing.
A 2023 internal email from Laurentian said 179 John St. “has a long and storied history that dates back nearly 100 years, when its construction was commissioned by Ralph D. Parker, Laurentian University’s first board chair.”
Since purchasing this house in 1965, the university’s various leaders have hosted thousands of guests and hundreds of important community gatherings.
It welcomed world leaders, internationally renowned artists and many celebrated alumni.
“However, notwithstanding its historical significance, our current and future needs for spaces that support academic excellence and the student experience, supersede holding on to this piece of our past,” the 2023 email from the president’s office said.
The email also said “the funds generated from the sale of the home and the annual cost savings on property maintenance will be used to address vital investments to the university’s sustainability.”
Heidi Ulrichsen is Sudbury.com’s assistant editor. She also covers education and the arts scene.
