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Conroe Council approves sale of old Sam Houston School to developer for affordable housing
Summary
Council authorized sale of 5.67 acres including the old Sam Houston School building to a private developer for $4.3 million; the buyer plans about 71 affordable housing units and the sale will pay off outstanding city debt on the property.
The Conroe City Council on Sept. 25 approved the sale of 5.67 acres that includes the historic Sam Houston School building to OPI 601 Partnership LLC (Overland Group) for $4.3 million.
City staff said the 1937 school building sits on more than 11 acres and that the city will sell a portion of the land — 5.67 acres — to the developer. Ms. McKeska, city staff, told the council the buyer plans a project of roughly 71 affordable housing units and will begin restoration work that the city had been unable to fund.
"We are selling the building for 4,300,000 dollars," Ms. McKeska said, and the sale proceeds will pay off about $2.9 million remaining on the debt the city holds for the property. Council members praised staff for reviving the deal and noted the redevelopment will return the property to the tax roll; staff estimated a post‑restoration value around $28 million.
Councilman Hardman thanked staff for resurrecting the transaction and called it a rare good deal for the city. The council approved the mayor’s authorization to sign the special warranty deed and related sale documents. The motion carried on a voice vote with one nay recorded.
The sale leaves the city with roughly six additional acres to use or sell for other purposes, staff said. The buyer will begin restoration and rehabilitation of the historic structure under the terms of the sale agreement. Councilmembers noted the affordable housing outcome and historic preservation of the school as key benefits.
No detailed preservation covenant language or final site plan was discussed in open session on Sept. 25; staff said additional development approvals and building permits will be required before construction or adaptive reuse work begins.
