Laurentian University completes sale of Bell Mansion

Devla Properties has purchased the historic Bell Mansion from Laurentian University in Sudbury for $1.25 million. Angela Gemmill has more.

The sale of the historic Bell Mansion in Greater Sudbury is complete, Laurentian University announced Monday, with the new owner formally taking possession of the property Nov. 1.

The mansion sold for $1.25 million, LU said in a news release, which said there had been “multiple” offers for the John Street property.

“The proceeds from this sale will be solely used to support the ongoing renewal of Laurentian University’s facilities,” the release said.

The 8,000-square-foot building is 118 years old and sits on 2.1 acres of land, not far from Bell Park. It was built in 1907 by William and Katherine Bell, then donated to Laurentian University in 1968.

The mansion is a designated historical site. That means under the Ontario Heritage Act, any new owners must adhere to specific guidelines for any potential changes.

Tanya Vanden Berg, of Sutton Benchmark Realty, said potential buyers were made fully aware of all aspects of what buying the mansion entailed.

“Certainly, a heritage-designated building with some structural issues is a little bit more complicated than your regular building that might require some work,” Vanden Berg said.

“So I do believe everybody was informed. And some people did feel they could take that on and others felt it was just too much.”

The building had most recently been occupied by the Art Gallery of Sudbury, but it had to close the space to public use two years ago due to structural issues.

The purchaser, Devla Properties Inc., is owned and operated by local developer Peter Nault, LU said, “who is well embedded in the Greater Sudbury community.”

“Our hope was to be able to transfer this property to someone who can carry forward the legacy of the Bell Mansion, engage with local cultural and community groups, and honour the history of this important Sudbury landmark,” LU president Dr. Lynn Wells is quoted as saying in the release.

New owner

“We are pleased to have realized this with the new owner.”

The sale is the latest chapter as Laurentian recovers from its insolvency declaration in February 2021. It completed the sale of $53.5 million in real estate to the province in August, a key part of accessing provincial money to help end its financial crisis.

“We extend our gratitude to all who have contributed to the stewardship and care of the Bell Mansion throughout its history,” the release added.

“We would also like to thank the Art Gallery of Sudbury for their collaboration and partnership during their occupancy of the building.”

With files from Angela Gemmill