Dear Residents,

 
The Twinsburg "Old School" has been a recent topic of discussion.  The following information will provide an overview of the research the City has conducted on the potential re-use of the building.

The Twinsburg "Old School" is located at the corner of SR91 and Rt82. The building is comprised of two portions, the 1921 school to the South and the 1952 classroom annex to the North. 

The building is owned by the City of Twinsburg. Although the building is over 50 years old it is not in a historic district and is not on the National Historic Register.

Over the years the City has worked hard to mitigate the "Old School" maintenance costs associated with an old building of this size.  The City was fortunate to keep the building occupied with tenants who paid the utilities and contributed to routine maintenance.  During the last 10 years, the building was leased to Kent State, an excellent tenant and partner. They helped to maintain the building while growing their student body and establishing a regional presence in Twinsburg. Kent State vacated the building when their new location on Creekside Drive was completed in July of 2012.

Even before last year's departure of Kent State University from the "Old School", the City was considering options and opportunities for the potential re-use and/or redevelopment of the "Old School" property.

The City considered many options for the building including a business incubator, museums, office space, and loft apartments. However, a feasibility study and building analysis indicates that it would cost the City between $4 million and $8 million to renovate.

In making any future decisions for this property, the City must consider its fiscal responsibility to its residents and how the residents may be impacted if monetary resources are diverted to this building's rehabilitation. 

It is very difficult to justify the fiscal liability and ongoing operational expenses against the potential loss of services and/or delay in capital projects that may be required to offset the monetary investment that will be needed to preserve this building.

To learn more about the current opportunities for the redevelopment of Downtown Twinsburg please go to:  www.TwinsburgDowntown.com
 

Sincerely,

Mayor Katherine Procop