Converting A High School Into Housing

In a creative deal to save a historic structure and also add to the city's desperately needed stock of workforce housing, the school district in Waco, Texas, agreed to sell the old Waco High building to a private developer.

1 minute read

December 18, 2006, 9:00 AM PST

By Alex Pearlstein

"Waco schools trustees voted unanimously to sell the vacant old Waco High School building Thursday night in a deal that would allow a private developer to transform the landmark into an affordable-housing project in the heart of downtown."

"The project will turn old Waco High into about 70 loft-style apartments for families with incomes between $20,000 and $30,000. Once the development deal is finalized, the Waco Independent School District will net $900,000, which excludes $350,000 the developer has dedicated for asbestos abatement as part of the deal."

"Officials from Landmark Group, based in North Carolina, say they plan to put about $11 million into the development, which will be done in accordance with federal standards for the treatment of historic buildings."

FULL STORY: Waco trustees unanimously agree to sell former high school to North Carolina-based developer

Friday, December 15, 2006 in Waco Tribune-Herald

History / Preservation Housing Urban Development Texas

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Start Learning

Advertise with us

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.