East Spencer to accept development requests for former school building

Published 12:00 am Sunday, July 7, 2019

EAST SPENCER — The town is accepting letters of interest from developers for the former Rowan-Salisbury Schools administration building and will discuss the requirements at a board meeting Monday.

The historic building, which has been largely vacant since it was purchased by the town in 2016, has been used for special events and for training of town employees.

The board meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. Monday at Town Hall, 105 S. Long St.

There are two buildings, both built in the late 1920s, that sit on 4 acres.

The town partnered in 2015 with the UNC School of Government Development Finance Initiative to evaluate redevelopment options for the property. The agency conducted a study looking at several options that included residential, office and retail space.

In 2016, the town partnered with a potential developer to pursue a low-income housing project. The developer was unable to secure housing tax credits, and the agreement expired.

Now the town is seeking interest from developers who may have different strategies for reuse of the property. Those interested must submit letters that identify a development team, list past experience and other information.

The board will also discuss:

• Essie Mae Kiser Foxx Charter School is requesting use of the former school administration building for an upcoming marketing event and will request that Long Street be closed.

• A budget amendment for fiscal year 2019-20 would increase the Powell Bill fund balance appropriation to $163,672 and add the comparable expense for Powell Bill professional service paving.