Susan Hallock | Democrat THE OLD NARROWSBURG Central School Bus Garage on Bridge St.

SW finds buyer for empty bus garage

By Dan Hust
NARROWSBURG — Grady Avant and Will Geisler first set eyes on the Sullivan West school bus garage in Narrowsburg three years ago.
Dreaming of the possibilities ever since, the Milanville, Pa. residents eagerly submitted a bid when the district put it up for sale for $125,000 earlier this year.
But with five other bidders, Avant really didn’t believe he would prevail.
On Monday, he found out his $228,000 bid had beaten every other offer.
“I was amazed,” he said on Wednesday. “I just had no idea. I was so thrilled!”
So was SW Superintendent Ken Hilton.
“This is good for the taxpayers of the school district,” he remarked, noting the unexpected value of the property. “… We’re pleased also for the hamlet of Narrowsburg.”
That’s because Avant and Geisler plan to transform the 1929 structure into a 3,600-square-foot community gathering space. They envision auctions, weddings, even performances amidst its brick and steel supports.
Though parking is virtually non-existent (the building sits right on Bridge Street), the couple doesn’t mind.
“It’s just a walk around the corner from Main Street,” Avant pointed out. “It will make them walk through town.”
They already have two businesses in downtown Narrowsburg: the popular Narrowsburg Roasters coffee shop and a men’s clothing store called Atelier Homme.
And once the SW school board approves the sale and the Town of Tusten subsequently signs off on the renovations, Avant and Geisler hope to have their third venture open in the spring for all to see… and use.
“It is a community space for everybody,” said Avant. “I really want it to be everybody’s space.”