Vacant Former South Shore High School Headed to Auction in Kingston, MA

A long-vacant Catholic high school on the South Shore is about to enter a new chapter — and it’s drawing significant attention across the South Shore real estate market.

The former Sacred Heart High School in Kingston, Massachusetts, which has been closed since 2020, is headed to public auction later this month, presenting a rare large-scale opportunity in a region where developable land has become increasingly scarce.

The 123,000-square-foot, two-story building sits on 82 acres near the Plymouth town line, just over a mile from the Colony Place shopping center. The auction will run January 26–28, with bidding starting at $750,000, according to the Conrad Group, which is listing the property.

For investors, developers, and long-term planners, this site represents one of the most notable South Shore real estate opportunities to surface in years.

A Rare Large-Scale Opportunity in the South Shore Real Estate Market

Large parcels of land with existing infrastructure are increasingly uncommon throughout the South Shore. Over the past decade, housing demand in Kingston, Plymouth, and surrounding communities has steadily increased, while available land and inventory have remained limited.

This imbalance has pushed buyers to explore underutilized institutional properties, such as former schools, churches, and medical campuses. From a South Shore real estate perspective, the former Sacred Heart High School fits squarely into that trend.

Sites of this scale are rarely offered publicly — and even more rarely with a clear path to redevelopment.

Location, Access, and Long-Term Value

Once a regional educational hub, the property’s appeal today is driven by its location and accessibility.

The opening of Colony Place in 2005, along with continued improvements to Route 44 through Plymouth, Kingston, Plympton, and Carver, significantly enhanced access to the site. Proximity to retail, commuter corridors, and surrounding residential neighborhoods strengthens the property’s long-term value.

As Jim McEvoy, senior vice president at the Conrad Group, noted, improved infrastructure and nearby amenities have made the location far more attractive for future use.

From a Greater Boston and South Shore real estate standpoint, this combination of scale, access, and surrounding development is difficult to replicate.

Residential and Recreational Redevelopment Potential

A return to educational use appears unlikely. Sacred Heart is one of many Catholic schools across Massachusetts that have closed in recent years due to declining enrollment and rising operational costs.

More realistic redevelopment paths align with current South Shore real estate trends:

Residential Use

Zoning currently allows for single-family homes on two-acre lots, a development model consistent with nearby communities. Higher-density residential projects would require rezoning but could be pursued by buyers willing to engage in a long-term entitlement process.

Recreational or Club-Style Use

The property may also attract a recreational or private club buyer, thanks to existing amenities that include:

• An athletic track

• Six tennis courts

• Two softball fields

• One baseball field

In a region where open land and private athletic facilities are increasingly difficult to secure, these features add flexibility to future redevelopment scenarios.

Pricing, Auction Process, and Community Considerations

The property was last assessed at nearly $39 million, yet the auction’s $750,000 starting bid represents a dramatic pricing reset.

According to the listing broker, the lower entry point may allow buyers the time and financial flexibility needed to evaluate zoning options, pursue community engagement, and phase redevelopment responsibly.

The property is owned by the Sisters of Divine Providence, which continues to operate the nearby Sacred Heart K–8 School.

It’s also worth noting that in 2023, a proposed housing plan by Thorndike Development was withdrawn following community opposition — a reminder that large-scale South Shore real estate projects require careful collaboration with local residents and officials.

What This Auction Means for South Shore Real Estate in 2026 and Beyond

As housing demand continues to outpace supply across the South Shore, properties like the former Sacred Heart High School highlight the growing importance of creative redevelopment and adaptive reuse.

Whether this site ultimately becomes a residential neighborhood, recreational destination, or hybrid use, its next chapter will reflect broader forces shaping the South Shore real estate market heading into 2026.

After more than five years of vacancy, this auction represents the first meaningful step toward reactivating one of the region’s most prominent unused properties — and many across the South Shore real estate community will be watching closely.

FAQ

Is the former Sacred Heart High School in Kingston still for sale?

The property is scheduled to be sold via public auction running January 26–28, with a starting bid of $750,000.

What can the former high school property be used for?

Zoning allows for single-family residential development on two-acre lots. Other uses, including higher-density housing or recreational facilities, may require rezoning.

Why are large redevelopment sites rare on the South Shore?

Limited land availability, strong buyer demand, and restrictive zoning have made large parcels increasingly difficult to find across the South Shore.

How does this auction affect the South Shore real estate market?

It highlights growing pressure to creatively redevelop underutilized properties as housing demand continues to outpace supply.