By Denise Allabaugh, Wilkes-Barre Citizens Voice
WILKES-BARRE — Wilkes University has purchased Dr. John “Jack” Consalvo’s property at 182 S. Franklin St. for $600,000, according to a property transfer in Luzerne County Recorder of Deeds office.
Wilkes University spokeswoman Gabrielle D’Amico said an opportunity came up to purchase the property in the heart of the university’s campus and they couldn’t pass it up.
Wilkes University officials do not have specific plans for the building yet but will “make a significant investment in the property, preserving its place both on the campus and in the downtown Wilkes-Barre community,” she said.
Consalvo, a critical care surgeon who formerly served as Luzerne County coroner, declined comment.
The property is assessed at $271,600, according to county property tax records.
The building is adjacent to Weckesser Hall, which houses the president’s office, support staff, the vice president of student affairs and the marketing and communications department.
It also is located by the Karambelas East Campus Gateway that was completed in 2015 with new crosswalks and a metal archway. A $600,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation helped fund the $1 million gateway project.
