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Hebron council weighs purchase of former elementary school as Sept. 3 deadline approaches
Summary
Mayor Valerie Mockus told council the village’s $375,000 offer for the former Hebron Elementary (with a $25,000 deposit) was accepted; council reviewed building assessments, private developer feedback and funding options while noting a Sept. 3 contract decision deadline.
Mayor Valerie Mockus told the Village of Hebron committees on Aug. 21 that the village’s $375,000 offer for the former Hebron Elementary — backed by a $25,000 deposit — has been accepted and that the village is concluding a six-month due-diligence period required by the contract. “Our options are: Don’t acquire the property and forfeit the deposit; Acquire and demolish the entire building; Acquire and demolish part of the building and renovate the rest; or Acquire and fully renovate the building,” she said, laying out the alternatives before council.
Economic & Community Development Director Brittany Misner said a design firm found the building’s structure to be sound but identified substantial mechanical, electrical and plumbing deficiencies, including no air conditioning. Misner relayed independent feedback from local developer Steve Laymon and Project Construction that they would not restore the building for apartments; they estimated the 9-acre site might yield approximately $675,000 if demolished and sold for multi-family development or more than $405,000 if subdivided into about 27 lots. Mayor Mockus emphasized timing: the contract requires a decision to Lakewood School District by Sept. 3.
Council members pressed on costs and ongoing maintenance. Chief Fiscal Officer Deborah Morgan said utilities are significant — electricity averages about $2,000–$3,000 per month and gas is similar — and that the village has not budgeted for demolition or renovation; she said any capital work would likely require outside grants or financing. Several councilmembers, including Annelle Porter and Andrea Chapman, voiced concern about taking on year-over-year expenses without secured funding. Misner noted state and county demolition and redevelopment grants, land bank channels, historic and low-income housing tax credits and other financing tools that could be pursued to offset costs.
No formal vote was taken. Mayor Mockus said no decision was required at the Aug. 21 meeting but urged council to review the due-diligence materials and grant options so the village can decide whether to proceed before the Sept. 3 deadline.
