CANTON — St. Lawrence University has sold the Court Street building that has been home to several failed restaurants to a Massachusetts man.

The former Glass Onion was sold last week to James Wolf, Holden, for $243,375. Mr. Wolf didn't return a phone call for comment on his plans.

"Every intention I got he intends to put something in the building," said Benjamin R. Dixon, university coordinator for economic development. "I'll be interested to see what goes in there."

The three-story 19th century building has been empty since 2006 when Cuca's, a Mexican restaurant, closed after operating intermittently for two months. At four years, the Glass Onion had the longest tenure of any restaurant. The building has also been home to the Elegant Frog, the first eatery that opened during renovation of what had been the Canton Club.

The university became involved when it loaned money and later leased the building to Marlene M. Connolly, one of the founders of the Glass Onion.

After Cuca's, St. Lawrence considered several other tenants but decided the upkeep and headache of being a landlord didn't make sense.

"Ultimately, the university wanted to sell it," Mr. Dixon said. "Mr. Wolf came forward with a cash offer and the university accepted. I don't know if he represents a corporation but he bought it as an individual."