The Moline City Council voted to declare the former McKinley School site at 4108 5th Avenue surplus and authorized the mayor and city clerk to execute a purchase-and-sale agreement with McKinley Lofts LLC, a special-purpose entity assembled by developer 3 2 1 Partners.

City staff (Parr) said the roughly 6.06-acre site includes the vacant school building and that the city issued a request for proposals seeking rehabilitation of the historic school and sensitive redevelopment of the adjacent land. The top-ranked proposers (3 2 1 Partners, operating through McKinley Lofts LLC) proposed rehabilitating the former school into about 20 residential units and building roughly 12 townhome-style rental apartments on the west portion of the site for a total of about 32 market-rate and workforce rental units. Staff recommended approval of a purchase price of $10,000 and asked the council to authorize staff and the city attorney to complete the city’s obligations under the agreement.

Jens Baker, who identified himself as a partner with Pete Sapulis in 3 2 1 Partners, told the council the team intended to preserve the property’s historic features, retain much of the existing mature trees where feasible, clean up brush and restore the school’s terrace and landscape where practicable. “We want to restore what’s there, restore that building, keep it nice for the surrounding community,” Baker said.

During public comment, Ursula Minitor, a neighbor, asked whether the council had projections about how the project could affect nearby property values or property taxes. Staff replied the typical expectation with new development is that values rise but said a specific projection would require a staff analysis and invited the resident to follow up with staff by phone or email.

Council discussion was limited to congratulatory remarks to staff for the procurement process and to the developer for proposed preservation-minded design; no design approvals were sought or given at the meeting. The resolution passed by voice vote.