Walcourt sells, again

The Walcourt, after sitting vacant for at least 40 years, sold Friday for the second time in three months.

Steven Morris, as part of Walcourt Partners LLC, purchased the building from Brent Swift, who had previously bought the building from longtime owner Mary Williams for $475,000 in September.

The sale to Walcourt Partners LLC went for an undisclosed price, Swift said, and the deal was made due to the group’s vision for the property.

The building is at 141 NE 13, just east of Interstate 235 near downtown Oklahoma City.

“After we closed, it seemed like there were people out there who

were interested in purchasing the Walcourt, and after we purchased it they all surfaced,” Swift said. “Ultimately, we felt Steve

was the best fit for what we hoped for the Walcourt. He’s a great guy and I really think they’re going to do a standout job.”

Morris said he is passionate about historic preservation and excited about the opportunity.

“I’m just ecstatic that

Brent chose us,” Morris said. “It all worked out, (and) we are going to make it very successful and a beautiful building again.”

Swift had interest in the property for a long time, and choosing to sell was a difficult, but necessary decision.

“It’s not an easy decision when you’ve had your eye on it, but at the end of the day sometimes there is someone who is a better fit for it,” Swift said. “From a financial comfort level, I could restore the Walcourt, but I couldn’t develop the surrounding

land.”

Morris and Walcourt Partners LLC demonstrated the development experience, historic renovation knowledge and financial capital necessary to successfully restore the Walcourt building, Swift said in a news release.

Walcourt Partners LLC was chosen from among six interested parties.

The building was originally apartments, but Morris said he and his partners will explore the best economic options for the building, and no final plans have been made.