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Developers propose converting Poindexter Elementary into 25–30 affordable apartments, district told
Summary
Developers told the Jackson Public School District board that a proposal to repurpose Poindexter Elementary would create about 25–30 affordable housing units and community space, financed primarily through low-income housing tax credits and historic tax credits; the district’s advisory committee recommended the proposal for board consideration.
Developers and district staff presented a proposal to repurpose Poindexter Elementary School into affordable housing and community space at a special Jackson Public School District Board of Trustees meeting.
The proposal, submitted by the Center for Social Entrepreneurship in partnership with Gulf Coast Housing Partnership, would create an estimated 25 to 30 apartments and community space in the roughly 38,000-square-foot landmark building, Mary Elizabeth Evans of Gulf Coast Housing Partnership said. “We’re looking at 25 to 30 apartments there, as well as some community space,” Evans said.
The developers estimate total development costs near $15,000,000 and plan to pursue low-income housing tax credits, state and federal historic tax credits, federal home loan bank funds and private lending. Evans said the application for housing tax credits has a March deadline, a timing factor the development team said is driving the next steps.
District staff and the facilities repurposing advisory committee reviewed the unsolicited proposal and determined it met the committee’s evaluation standards. Mr. Burke, a district staff presenter, told trustees the committee found the proposal met required standards and recommended it for board consideration. The proposal packet includes Belinda Stewart Architects as the proposed architect; the developers said Stewart has experience rehabilitating historic school buildings.
The building is identified as a Mississippi landmark, and developers said they have begun conversations with the Mississippi Department of Archives and History about the rehabilitation. The district’s packet and presentation described the repurposing process and noted proposals are accepted on a rolling basis via the district’s repurposing web page.
The presentation was informational only; no final action was taken. District staff said the Poindexter proposal will be brought back to the board for a vote at a later meeting. The packet did not specify a purchase price for Poindexter.
Speakers who presented or answered questions about the Poindexter proposal included Dr. Green (district staff presenter), Mr. Burke (district staff), Lee Harper (chair, Center for Social Entrepreneurship) and Mary Elizabeth Evans (Gulf Coast Housing Partnership).
