Former elementary schools officially reopen as senior housing

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January 29, 2010

By DUANE NOLLEN The Oskaloosa Herald Fri Jan 29, 2010, 10:07 AM CST

OSKALOOSA — Local and state officials, as well as representatives of Community Housing Initiatives, gathered at Grant School Wednesday morning to celebrate the grand openings of new apartments at the former Grant and Lincoln schools.

Randy Irwin, the former director of community development, cut a red ribbon to cap a dedication ceremony for the former elementary schools that will now serve as apartments. The buildings are now known as Grant Terrace Apartments and Lincoln Terrace Apartments.

CHI Vice President Sam Erickson thanked the many organizations and individuals who contributed to the success of the renovation efforts at the school buildings, but she singled Irwin out for praise. He was “the godfather” of both buildings, she said.

“To you, this day belongs,” Erickson said to Irwin.

“This has been a huge team effort,” Irwin said. “You all have to pat yourselves on the back.”

Erickson said that after the dedication and open houses Wednesday afternoon, the buildings would be bustling with activity on Thursday as people move in to their new apartments. Currently, there are four apartments leased at Grant and five leased at Lincoln.

There are 15 one- and two-bedroom apartments in each building. The buildings each include amenities such as a fitness room, a community room and a computer room with Internet access. Also, there is an elevator in the Grant Terrace Apartment building, Erickson said.

Mayor David Krutzfeldt praised all the organizations and people involved with the renovation efforts at the two former school buildings. He said that the buildings’ architectural style is important to Oskaloosa.

Oskaloosa City Manager Michael Schrock Jr. just recently arrived in Oskaloosa and said that a renovation project such as the new apartments is a city manager’s dream.

“This is a fantastic project,” he said. “I’m proud to see this happen.”

Oskaloosa Housing Trust Fund Chairman Rob Taylor thanked all the companies and individuals who contributed money to the organization.

“Those dollars help get this done,” he said.

Dan Garrett of the Midwest Housing Equity Group said that Oskaloosa’s idea to convert former school buildings to housing is catching on with other communities. He mentioned that CHI also is doing a similar project in Spencer.

After the ribbon cutting, people toured the building to see the new facilities.

“They’ve done a wonderful job with the renovation,” Irwin said. “Each apartment is unique, especially in Lincoln,” he said.

City Council member Pam Blomgren agreed with Irwin about the apartments.

“These are incredible,” she said. “Each one has its own unique personality.”

Chuck Russell was heavily involved with the renovation effort with the Historic Preservation Commission. Russell said he spends a lot of time looking back into the past, now with this project, he is looking to the future.

“It’s something of the past we can enjoy in the future,” he said.

Russell said this was a special occasion for his wife, Emily. She attended Grant School.

Herald editor Duane Nollen can be reached by email at oskynews@oskyherald.com