Marinette, Wis. – At a Monday school board meeting, the Marinette Area School District approved the sale of the former Garfield Elementary School to Woda Cooper Companies, an Ohio developer specializing in affordable housing. The district agreed to a purchase price of $218,000, with the developer planning to transform the vacant school into housing for residents 55 and older.
Background and community impact
Garfield Elementary closed after the 2021‑22 academic year as part of a district‑wide consolidation effort aimed at streamlining resources and improving educational outcomes. The building has stood empty for several years, prompting discussions about how best to repurpose the property while honoring its role in the community.
Among the interested parties was St. Thomas Aquinas Academy, a private Catholic school, which the district viewed as a potential competitor. Ultimately, the board chose a proposal that would keep the property in public‑service use rather than returning it to a rival educational institution.
Developer’s plan
Woda Cooper Companies intends to convert the former school into a senior‑focused affordable housing complex. The plan includes renovating the existing structure to meet modern accessibility standards and creating a range of unit sizes suitable for older adults. By providing housing for those 55 and older, the project aims to address a growing need for affordable senior living options in Marinette and the surrounding region.
Superintendent’s statement
Superintendent Matthew Smith praised the agreement, saying, “We are pleased that this proposal offers an opportunity to give the former Garfield Elementary School a new purpose while preserving an important part of our community’s history. We look forward to seeing how this property could continue to serve the Marinette community in the years ahead.”
The sale has not yet closed, and final paperwork is pending. Once completed, the development is expected to create construction jobs in the short term and provide long‑term housing stability for senior residents.
Local reaction
Community members expressed mixed feelings. Some welcomed the prospect of new senior housing, noting the shortage of affordable options for older adults. Others voiced concern about preserving the historic character of the school building. The board’s decision reflects a balance between honoring local heritage and meeting contemporary housing needs.
The Marinette Area School District will continue to monitor the project’s progress and work with the developer to ensure that the redevelopment aligns with the district’s vision for community stewardship.
Original reporting: FOX 11 WLUK Green Bay (local) — read the source article.
