Firm Proposes to Turn Nathaniel Hawthorne Into Senior Apartments

Would you like to live in a former classroom? According to Tim Persons and Associates, historic school buildings make great apartment buildings.

The firm proposed converting the School District of University City's Nathaniel Hawthorne Elementary School into senior apartment homes Thursday.

The school, which currently does not serve students on a daily basis, has not been placed on the district's surplus property list or listed for sale.

The firm noted the great neighborhood surrounding the school building, located at 1351 North Hanley Road, and the nearby access to transportation, goods and services as some of the draws to repurposing the historic building.

The school itself could house 30 senior apartment units, and additional villa units could be built around the school on surrounding property.

Person and Associates presented its plan, which could be eligible for Missouri Housing Development Commission Tax Credit and low-income housing tax credits, to create affordable senior housing. The company noted a September deadline to apply for such tax credits as part of its reasoning for soliciting the board of education at this time.

Person listed the following reasons why the district should consider selling the property:

• Race to try to beat the elimination of the tax programs
• Severe reduction in federal funds for senior housing
• Market value of school drops if development dollars are no longer available
• Limited repurposing options for building
• Cost factor to School District of University City 
• Negative impact a vacant building has on surrounding community.