Council approves sale of former McKinley School site for redevelopment into about 32 housing units

The Moline City Council on Nov. 5 approved a resolution declaring the former McKinley School site (4108 5th Avenue) surplus and authorized staff and the mayor to execute a purchase-and-sale agreement with McKinley Lofts LLC, the development entity selected through a request-for-proposals process.

City staff described the site as approximately 6.06 acres and said three proposals were received and evaluated by a review team. Staff recommended the top-ranked respondent, identified in the record as working through a special-purpose entity, McKinley Lofts LLC, to rehabilitate the former school and develop the adjacent land. City staff said the rehabilitation plan would create about 20 residential units within the preserved school building and roughly 12 townhome-style rental units on the western portion of the site, producing approximately 32 market-rate and workforce rental units in total.

"We're excited to have a development plan that will preserve the former McKinley School building," City Attorney/Staff member Parr said, and noted staff recommended approval of the purchase-sale agreement with a purchase price of $10,000 "as is beneficial to the city in order to dispose of the surplus property held in inventory."

Developer representative Jens Baker, speaking for the development team, told the council they plan to restore the historic building, retain mature trees where possible and create a campus-like setting. "It's a beautiful property that just needs some care, love, and attention," Baker said. He said the team does not intend to "distract or take away from" surrounding views and hopes to preserve historical elements while addressing topography.

Neighbors raised questions during public comment about potential impacts on property values and taxes. Ursula Miniter, who lives near the McKinley site, asked whether the council had projections for how the development might affect home values or tax bills. Mayor and staff said the specific effects will require follow-up analysis by staff and that residents may email or call for more detail.

Council discussion was largely supportive: Alderman McNeal thanked staff for the process and said early design concepts sounded promising; Alderman Timmyan noted the site lies within his ward and congratulated the team. A motion to approve the resolution passed on a voice vote after a second; the record shows the motion carried.

Staff said they will coordinate future design discussions with the community as the project proceeds through any required approvals.