POINT PLEASANT — It was a great turnout Thursday at the former middle school property in Point Pleasant.

Nearly 100 people gathered to watch the much anticipated auction that took place. Twenty bidders registered, but Frank Athey of Mineral Wells was the top bidder, purchasing all 7.159 acres for $551,250.

According to R.F. Stein, the 20 bidders were local as well as from out of town, including bidders from Winfield, Fraziers Bottom, Gallipolis, Ohio, Columbus, Ohio, and even as far as Missouri.

“I am happy I was able to assist in disposing of this real estate and I look forward to what Mr. Athey does. I know it will be for the betterment of Mason County and for Point Pleasant in particular,” Stein, who owns Drop Tine Properties, LLC, one of the companies that conducted the auction, said.

Rick Pearson of Rick Pearson Auction Co. described the auction as “a big turnout that went very well.”

Athey, who owns a business in Point Pleasant as well as others throughout the tri-state area, purchased the entire parcel after choice was sold on the individual seven parcels. A five-percent increase was added to the bids making the grand total worth $551,250.

According to Athey, he has big plans for the property. Once the buildings are demolished, he is thinking about building a shopping center, which would include a grocery store. Whatever comes about, Athey definitely intends on developing the grounds in some fashion or other.