reZONED TV show-Question about buying a school, factory or church

[magellan]

Originally Posted by summer22

There was a wave of school consolidations in the midwest in the 1950's-60's... there were a host of school buildings left behind in the smaller townships, and even in the bigger towns, that were replaced by modern buildings that could handle larger number of kids.

With schools at least, each project like this is a one-of-a-kind endeavor depending on community dynamics... or that's my perception... I doubt if anyone could really successfully create a system for redeveloping these or shop these without getting to know the individual history, the economics and needs, and demographics of each community... since people in the communities see them as historic, you will have to win over the residents and the planning commissions to be able to get a project done. If you prefer to be more involved in design rather than implementation, that would be something a consultant would have to do for you is take care of the local consensus-building, and I'm sure there are consultancy firms that specialize in just that. That's something I've contemplated doing as a service offering.

Magellan, I'd love to find out more about the project pics you posted... I'm only a couple hours south of you and that would make a fascinating road trip. That high school is amazing... I'm imagining living there would be quite a feeling... is that a gym building on the right/back of the property?

Yes, it was the original gymnasium that was split up into 2 and 3 story lofts. I believe they also took the old auditorium and split up into separate units. It's really fascinating to go through it, as most of the condos have at least some part of the old school left in them, like old chalkboards, lockers, desks, chairs, old wooden floors, signs, fire extinguishers and places where people carved their names into the wood going all the way back to the early 1900's.

You can see a photo gallery here (click on "Building" toward the bottom):

http://www.unionsquaregr.com/new_gal...show=&ok=1#615

They still have 10 (?) of the 250 or so condos still for sale, and they have open houses every Sunday.

http://www.unionsquaregr.com/index.htm#

The same development company is also doing The Boardwalk, which is a residential conversion of the old Berkey & Gay Furniture Co. factory. Not quite as fascinating as the school, but still a cool project and HUGE (500,000 square feet):

http://boardwalkgr.com/

Shoot me a Direct Message if you need directions or more info.

[lologroh]

These properties are available everywhere. I have looked at firehouses, schools and churches. Usually they are less money than a regular house because they require a lot of work. I live in a converted church which has been an unbelievable amount of work but worth it.

[Panks]

Originally Posted by lologroh

These properties are available everywhere. I have looked at firehouses, schools and churches. Usually they are less money than a regular house because they require a lot of work. I live in a converted church which has been an unbelievable amount of work but worth it.

What city do you live in? did you use a regular realtor to find the properties or did you find it on your own?

All the commercial buildings I've seen are super expensive especially if they are made of brick or could be made into lofts, then you can fegetabout it since the developers are all over it!