New life for Arthur and Garfield elementary schools

The Cedar Rapids school board is on track to sell Arthur and Garfield elementary schools to developers who will give the historic buildings new life.

It’s very good news for the school district and the community.

Arthur Elementary will house the Eastern Iowa Arts Academy, which offers after school arts education programs for K-12 students in Eastern Iowa and human serv ices agencies.

Garfield Elementary s being purchased by local developer Steve Emerson, who will transform the school into a 30-to-40-unit apartment building. He plans to apply for workforce housing aid as well as state and federal historic preservation grants. It would be at least a year before construction would begin at Garfield.

These are both great projects. District officials are to be commended on finding solutions for the buildings quickly as they continue to work to build support and trust for a future bond vote.

The new, larger Eastern Iowa Arts Academy will expand its educational offerings to local students. And along with educational offerings, the academy will expand its food pantry and clothing closet, as well as helping families seeking mental health resources and transportation.

It’s a terrific use for a former school and instead of an empty building, the district is selling the property so it can become an important community asset.

Emerson has been the driving force for many development projects in the community. The city’s shortage of workforce housing is well-known, and Emerson’s project will expand the number of units in Cedar Rapids, while preserving a historic property.

So, we’re thankful for these projects. But we’d also like to see other developers and organizations rise to the challenge. The fate of other historic schools slated for closure in the coming year remains uncertain. We’d like to other outside-the-box, creative projects that will enhance the neighborhoods around them.

One of the biggest sources of community concern when the district’s facilities plan for elementary schools was unveiled was the fate of closed buildings. So far, we’re encouraged that quality reuse is possible. We’re hopeful for more good news in the years ahead.

(319) 398-8262; editorial@thegazette.com