Former Melrose School campus sold

The 24.23-acre campus that formerly was the home of the Melrose School in the town of Southeast in Putnam County has been sold to Copland House Inc. for $3 million. The property is located at 100-120 Federal Hill Road.

Copland House Inc. is a nonprofit organization that is involved in music, supporting composers with all-expenses-paid residencies, financial sponsorships and the commissioning of works. It also produces events for the public, including concerts, broadcasts, recordings, webcasts and various exhibitions. Copland House Inc. is based at the former home of American composer Aaron Copland in Cortlandt Manor. It intends to expand its operations through acquisition of the campus in Southeast.

The Melrose School was founded by the Sisters of the Community of the Holy Spirit, and became an independent entity in the early 1990s. It was a tenant on the property owned by the Community of the Holy Spirit, which was the seller in this transaction. Houlihan Lawrence Commercial, a division of Houlihan Lawrence, was the lead selling broker in the transaction.

“The transaction represents a big milestone for the town of Southeast,” said Tom LaPerch of Houlihan Lawrence Commercial. “Copland House plans on working with the town to bring a wide spectrum of musical and cultural programs to the community.”

There are about 37,000 square feet of buildings on the property. There are offices, meeting rooms, a library, classrooms, a private apartment, a gym, an auditorium, a large commercial kitchen and several residences.

The Melrose School closed about a decade ago. It was facing falling attendance and increased costs.