Vacant School Project

VINCENNES, IND. (WTHI) -       A plan to renovate and improve 3 vacant school buildings in a southern Indiana community is very quietly moving forward.

     Myszak and Palmer Architects are working on a $9-million project that will affect the old Administration Building, Adams Coliseum and the former Clark Middle School Properties near downtown Vincennes.

     The project  now appears to need one final approval to capture the money to make it a reality.

     The old school buildings in downtown Vincennes have been sitting empty for 2 years, but they are not forgotten.

     Andy Myszak told the League of Women Voters that his firm is moving forward on a  plan that would turn the old Administration Building into a 47 unit affordable housing complex, renovate the old Adams Coliseum and turn the Clark Middle School property into a park and parking lot.

     "There are no guarantees, but we have put our application in," said Myszak.  "We have done what we promised to the community and we'd like to see these building renovated and rehabilitated instead of just deteriorating in the middle of downtown Vincennes."

     The firm made an application for both historical and affordable housing credits to cover the 9 million dollar cost.

     Developers say the key to the project is whether those tax credits are approved at the end of next month, but if they are this is a project that has a lot of people excited.

     "You're talking about $9 million going into our downtown area," said Vincennes Mayor Joe Yochum.  "It will absolutely help our downtown and I can tell you the city's behind this 100 percent."

     Even though it may be next fall before the public sees any action, the work behind the scenes is now being completed to make the new Clark's Crossing a reality.

     The Clark's Crossing Project is one of 60 being considered by the state and only 13 will receive approval for the affordable tax credits.