Zion college opens

After eight years, site is again a campus

Parents and students gather for the admission process at Zion Bible College's registrar's office. (Essdras M Suarez/Globe Staff)

What seemed an implausible goal for years is now a reality on the campus of the former Bradford College in Haverhill: School is in session again.

Zion Bible College, formerly of Barrington, R.I, began classes yesterday after just a few months of renovations to the historic buildings and grounds of the long-vacant, 18-acre property.

About 300 students from around the world have come to be trained as ministers, missionaries, and teachers - living and studying on the campus.

"We are ecstatic," said Charles Crabtree, Zion's president. "It was done in just a few months and now looks like a really beautiful, classic New England campus. It's a treasure."

Bradford College, a 197-year-old liberal arts school, closed in May 2000 because of financial problems. The property was purchased in 2002 by GFI Partners, a real estate development firm, for $10.1 million.

Rezoning of a portion of the campus allowed GFI to develop condominiums on about 17 acres at the rear of the campus. The front 18 acres remained zoned for educational use.

Angelo, Gordon & Co. of New York, a GFI partner that took over ownership of the campus, tried unsuccessfully for years to find a school to buy or rent the property. As it remained empty, the buildings and grounds deteriorated.

There was consideration of other uses for the campus, such as housing, corporate offices, or a medical center, but residents of the neighborhood continued to push for an educational use.

In November 2007, David Green, billionaire founder of Hobby Lobby stores of Oklahoma City, bought the property for $3.5 million and donated it to Zion.

At the time, Zion officials - who had decided the college had to move from its Barrington campus because of costly renovations required by the state of Rhode Island - said Green's actions were "an answer to prayer."

The neighbors say it also took persistence and determination.

"I knew we would see this day," said Barbara Greenwood, copresident of the Bradford College Neighborhood Association. "It got shaky, but I think the work of the neighborhood really paid off."

Renovations began last winter and cost more than $5 million. "We wanted to maintain the integrity of the campus and keep the historic buildings protected," Crabtree said. "It was a huge project and the people did an impossible job."

Only two of the eight buildings on campus have not yet opened, the old gym and Denworth Hall, which has been renamed Gibson Hall, after Zion's founder, the Rev. Christine Gibson.

The other buildings have gotten new windows, carpeting, appliances, and paint, and have been updated to meet building codes. There's new landscaping and a pond has been restored. "It's an amazing rejuvenation of the whole campus," said William Pillsbury, Haverhill director of economic development and planning.

Throughout the renovation, Pillsbury worked closely with Zion officials.

"There is great leadership in the president and dean and they are very committed to working with Haverhill and making it a success for everybody," he said.

Haverhill Mayor James J. Fiorentini said, "We're absolutely thrilled and consider it part of Haverhill's renaissance. There are a lot of great spinoffs."

Like many business owners, Estelle Perrault of Cut Above, a hair salon in Bradford Square, is excited about Zion's arrival.

A sign outside the salon reads, "Welcome Zion Bible College. Students and faculty, 20 percent off any service on the first visit."

"We are very happy about them being here," Perrault said. "Everyone in Bradford is. The campus was empty for so long, we were skeptical as to whether it would happen. It's a miracle."