Senior housing suggested at soon-to-be vacated Marion school

MARION - Officials at Garling Construction Inc. think the Marion Independent School District's soon-to-be vacated Emerson Elementary School could be repurposed for senior apartments, but they need 160 days 'due diligence” to determine if they have a workable proposal.

Representatives of the construction company, including president and CEO Troy Pins, presented their preliminary proposal at this week's Marion school board work session. The work session, which was moved to Emerson Elementary, 1400 10th Ave. in Marion, attracted about 50 people.

Garling Construction has offices in Cedar Rapids and Belle Plaine.

The centerpiece of the construction company's proposal is the installation of 11 apartments, primarily efficiency and one-bedroom units, on the main floor.

Parking would be moved closer to the building and the existing playground would be renovated. The company would strive to maintain as much of the historic character of the structure, built in 1929, as possible.

Emerson is to be vacated over the summer, as the district moves into Longfellow Elementary School, which is in the final stages of being built.

Marion school board Vice President Jill Hansen, who led this week's work session, stressed that no decisions have been made on any possible reuse of the Emerson building and school board members continue to explore options. The district has at least one possible internal use.

'We're just looking to do what's best for residents in the area,” Hansen said.