The Riverview organization can no longer cover the costs of maintaining the century-old building, a board member said.
The Phillipsburg Riverview Organization was once barred from its headquarters by rivals claiming ownership.
This time, the group is leaving on its own.
The Riverview Arts Center is up for sale because the PRO can no longer afford the upkeep of the century-old building at at 68 S. Main St. in Phillipsburg, the group's treasurer said.
"It costs more and more to maintain an older building. And insurance rates keep going up," said Barry Glassman. "We're focusing more of our efforts on our mission of protecting and preserving the environment in and around Warren and Hunterdon counties."
In a social media post promoting the sale, Weichert Commercial Brokerage describes it as an "iconic brick building on (the Delaware) river, priced to sell." The listing asks for $275,000 for the 8,000-square-foot building. A parking lot overlooking the Delaware River farther up the block is also for sale.
Find 68 & 86 South Main Street, Phillipsburg, NJ at: http://www.weichertcommercial.com/property-listings/for-sale/retail-properties-for-sale/Iconic Brick Building on River,Priced to Sell, #CRE!
Posted by Weichert Commercial Brokerage on Wednesday, March 9, 2016
Glassman said that despite the sale, "the organization is still alive and well."
What would become the arts center was built in the early 1900s as a freight building for the railroad behind it, according to the PRO website. The site also served as the town post office for about 20 years until the 1950s when chemical company JT Baker moved in.
The nonprofit volunteer group's was founded in 1989 and took ownership of the arts center then, according to its website. The stated mission of the PRO "is to preserve the character, environment and culture" of the area.
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The organization has had trouble in the past with disputes over ownership and taxes, which nearly led to eviction in 2013. For two years starting in 2010, an effort to oust the current PRO board members kept them locked out of the building.
All of those issues were resolved and the group's tax-exempt status was maintained, Glassman said.
At this point, it is unclear if the Riverview group will establish a new, smaller headquarters or hold artistic or cultural events. Glassman said those things will eventually be determined.
"Right now the board is focused on the environmental aspects of our mission," he said.
Steve Novak may be reached at snovak@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @type2supernovak. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.