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Bay City ISD explores options for old lending‑house property; historic marker restrictions complicate reuse
Summary
Board members discussed relaunching an RFP or issuing an RFQ for a realtor to market a historic district property, but a state historic‐marker designation requires preserving the building exterior and limits reuse options.
The Bay City ISD Board discussed options for marketing and disposing of an older district property during the facilities portion of the workshop, and staff warned that a state historic‑marker designation constrains exterior changes and raises rehabilitation costs.
Staff said the district’s previous RFP for the property has expired and presented three scenarios for next steps — sell, lease or accept donation — that the board could authorize for a relaunched RFP. Mr. Gomez told the board he planned to work with the district’s attorneys to prepare a request for qualifications (RFQ) to hire a realtor to list the property if the board wanted to proceed.
A state historic marker tied to the property was discussed at length. Staff said the state denied a request to remove the marker and that because the designation covers both land and building, any exterior alterations would have to restore or match the existing historic appearance. As one board member summarized, "it has to stay and it has to be restored," and that requirement would significantly increase renovation costs and limit potential buyers. The state reportedly told the district it could demolish the building and then reapply for different status, but that option brings its own legal and practical complications.
Board members also said a prior signature on the marker paperwork by a former superintendent, identified in the record as Dr. Marshall Scott, lacked clear board approval; the board asked staff to confirm whether that process was properly authorized.
No decision to sell or relaunch the RFP was made at the workshop. Staff said they would return with the RFQ/RFP language and the preferred scenario for the board to consider at a future meeting.
