St. Pius X High School officials closed a deal last week to purchase a neighboring 3.63-acre field that will be turned into the Lancer baseball field, said Jim Lehn, the Catholic school’s president.
He said the school paid $950,000 for the property near the intersection of Hwy. 61-67 and St. Pius Drive in Crystal City.
Lehn said the school bought the land from a company that acted as an intermediary and purchased the property for $1.3 million from ACGMA Group LLC and then sold it to the school.
According to Jefferson County Assessor’s Office property records, Robinson Real Estate Easement Co. LLC based in Perryville acquired the land from ACGMA Group LLC early this year.
Missouri Secretary of State records list Edward Robinson as the registered agent for the Robinson Real Estate Easement Co. and Claudine Adem as the registered agent for the ACGMA Group.
“A very generous supporter purchased the property from the original owners, Tony and Claudine Adem (through their company, the ACGMA Group),” Lehn said. “The transaction to transfer ownership of the property (from the Robinson Real Estate Easement Co.) to St. Pius X Catholic High School was completed (Sept. 8). The school now owns the property.”
Lehn later released a written statement that said the land purchase had been in the works for a long time.
“After more than five years of diligent discussions and with the invaluable support from our community, St. Pius X Catholic High School is delighted to announce the successful acquisition of the 3.63-acre parcel of land situated at the forefront of our school,” the statement said. “This significant development marks a pivotal moment in St. Pius X history, and it would not have been possible without the dedication and contributions of numerous individuals. We are immensely grateful for your support and look forward to the promising prospects that this expansion will bring to our school. Thank you all for being a part of this exciting journey.”
Lehn said the school will build a new field for the Lancer baseball team on the property.
“At this point, it’s highly unlikely it will be ready for play by spring 2024. The target is spring 2025.”
Lehn said the land purchase sets into motion several projects that will improve conditions not only for the Lancer baseball players, but also for other athletic squads. Currently, the baseball and soccer fields adjoin each other on the school campus, and when the teams practice or play at the same time, baseballs can fly onto the soccer field, he said.
“This (new property) allows us to convert the current baseball field into a football field with a track around it,” he said. “Soccer will be played in what is now the football field.”
He said the Lancer softball team has its own field on the opposite side of the campus from the existing football, baseball and soccer fields.
Lehn said he greatly appreciates the help St. Pius X got to acquire the new property.
“I’m overwhelmed and amazed at the generosity of the supporters,” he said. “Without their support, this five-year journey would not have come to fruition.”