When it comes to real estate, everyone has heard that the most important part of that business is “location, location, location.” If numbers are any indication, then there’s some truth to it.

 

On Wednesday afternoon, one of the older buildings in Bridgeport – situated in the heart of the downtown area – was auctioned off. And the auction drew a great number of bidders.

 

According to Joe R. Pyle, more than 20 people registered to bid. There were also two individuals bidding by phone for the property that formerly housed the offices of Dr. Susan Miller and also the Hobby Stop for a number of years.

 

Those businesses were in place for years and were preceded by others at 140 West Main Street. According to Bridgeport’s own historian Richard “Dick” Duez, the building and lot that was sold was the former home to an Esso Service Station as well as a Keystone Gas Station.

 

After about 10 minutes of bidding that began shortly after noon Wednesday, the property was sold. Bridgeport businessman John Marks and Clarksburg businessman Anthony Mancuso were among several bidders and turned out to be the winning bidders as the reserve on the structure was met.

 

“We had 23 people registered to bid (Wednesday) and we were pleased with the turnout,” said Pyle. “The bidding went well on it and it’s exciting.

 

“I think the reason you saw the turnout you did was for a couple of reasons. You don’t see a whole lot of businesses for sale in the downtown Bridgeport area,” said Pyle. “The other thing that really made this property attractive was the parking. Not many businesses in this area have parking. That’s unusual and the possibility to add a few more spaces is also unusual.”

 

Those factors led to a winning bid of $172,000. The total bid, with fees, came to $189,200.

 

So what’s the future hold?

 

“It’s a great location, but we don’t have any immediate plans for the property,” said Marks shortly after the bidding was complete and documents were signed. “You just don’t see a lot of property in this area available that also has a decent amount of parking.”

 

Mancuso, a familiar business name with current and past operations throughout the area and in Clarksburg and Bridgeport, thinks it’s a good site.

 

“We definitely see a lot of potential here,” said Mancuso.

 

It was one year ago today that Pyle auctioned off the building directly beside it opposite of the Dairy Queen. That building, at 132 West Main Street, houses Senior Audiology as well Lizards and Lollipops Consignment. That building sold for $145,000. Hawk Rajjoub, who was representing a local LLC and was not the actual buyer, was the winning bidder at the Dec. 14, 2016 auction. Rajjoub was in attendance at Wednesday’s auction.

 

Now, Mancuso and Marks are the owners of the 3,050 square feet, which was listed as having updated electric service and a partially newer roof. It also has two store fronts, one of which housed Miller’s practice and the other that housed The Hobby Stop.

 

As for parking, Pyle said there are eight parking spaces available. He said more could be added to the property.

 

According to the advertisement for the property for the auction, Miller’s portion of the building has five offices, a receptionist area, waiting room areas, three half baths, a kitchenette and a storage room. The area that primarily housed The Hobby Stop consists of large open retail space, an office and a half bath.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo show Joe R. Pyle as the auction was in action, while the second photo shows John Marks, right, singing paperwork with fellow Auctioneer Jordan Kiger of Joe R. Pyle Auctions. In the third picture, Pyle talks with Anthony Mancuso, while the bottom photo shows a portion of the crown on hand.