The Greene County School Board heard proposals for two vacated structures at a work session this past Wednesday.

Developer Nate Adams showed the Board floor plans to turn the over 100-year-old middle school on Highway 4 in Jefferson into 25 apartments, ranging from studio to three bedrooms. The Carroll native works for Principle Real Estate Investors and also manages over 3,000 apartments in the Des Moines area.

One caveat with the financing for Adams is receiving state historical tax credits. Adams said the building qualifies to apply for the tax credits, however because the 1950s era gym is attached, that structure would need to be removed before he could apply. He didn’t see a viable and sustainable solution to continue to use the gym. Instead he said he would turn that space into an urban park. Other financing included a home loan program with Iowa Economic Development Authority. 

A proposal was then made to the Board from Jeramie Hinote for the gym. He owns the “Play For Him” youth academy program. There are 16 basketball and four volleyball teams, which includes over 150 kids. He is currently using the Scranton Community Center gym. He wants to locate in Jefferson and use the middle school gym. He thought that by having consistent tournaments and other programs would generate more economic revenues for the City and was willing to work with Adams for a solution. However, he didn’t present any financing or funding mechanisms to the Board.

Superintendent Tim Christensen gave his reaction following the discussion.

“I think the Board, I think everybody would love to see one or both of those facilities made use of. They’re both well built structures (and) you hate to demolish something that if somebody truly can give it a second life that we would not have to demolish one or both would be great.”  

The Board instructed Hinote to present financials before the Board could make a final decision.