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Residents urge exploring storm-shelter or community uses for old Salisbury Elementary; town outlines preservation aims and costs
Summary
Public commenters proposed converting the town's recently acquired Salisbury Elementary into a storm shelter or community center. Officials said the town obtained the building to preserve its façade and that renovation estimates exceed $8 million; the current tenant Growing Minds holds a lease through May 30, 2026.
At the April 14 meeting, several residents urged the council to consider repurposing the old Salisbury Elementary School as a storm shelter or community center. Von Andres (recorded as Von/Andrews/Andres in the transcript) and other speakers cited recent storm concerns and suggested redevelopment authority funding or grant opportunities could support renovation.
Von Andrews said the town should "look into making a storm shelter slash community center" and noted coordination with Clark County EMA. He and other residents raised concerns about where vulnerable residents would go during severe storms, and noted that historic buildings, including the elementary school façade, are valued by the community.
Town staff replied that the town took possession of the building to preserve it from demolition and to "retain the facade of the building." Staff and council discussed that the town acquired the property through an interlocal transfer with the school corporation largely to avoid demolition, not as a finalized redevelopment plan. Staff noted the Growing Minds tenant has occupancy through May 30, 2026, under its current lease; the town said it is exploring options but emphasized preservation would require substantial investment.
An engineering estimate referenced in the meeting said rehabilitation would be substantial: the facility assessment discussed in public comments indicated an approximate investment of $8.5 million, with the roof alone estimated at more than $700,000 and the building needing an elevator to meet accessibility requirements. Council members said the town is not likely to remain a long-term landlord and would prefer redevelopment that preserves the historic façade while returning the property to the tax rolls when feasible.
Why it matters: Residents expressed safety and community-service concerns (storm shelter, community center) and asked whether redevelopment authority funding, block grants, or other sources might be available. Town officials said acquiring the structure preserved a historic façade and gave the town time to explore options without immediate demolition.
Next steps: Staff listed the facility assessment and related documents on the town website’s document library for public review and said the redevelopment authority will explore future options and potential private redevelopment proposals.
