Sandusky City Schools and City of Sandusky Agree on Purchase of Osborne School Building
During the October 17, 2023 meeting of the Sandusky City Schools Board of Education, the Board ratified a purchase agreement with the City of Sandusky for the purchase of the Osborne Elementary School building. This agreement is contingent on final approval from the Sandusky City Commission, which is expected to vote at their meeting on Monday, October 23rd, 2023.
“Our community, at all levels, desires to be collaborative and supportive to provide the best possible opportunities for our citizens, families, and students. We appreciate the collaboration to provide a housing opportunity within our community and renovate an amazing historic building”, Sandusky City Schools Superintendent, Mr. Daniel Rambler stated.
Originally built in 1890, Osborne Elementary School holds a special place in the hearts of Sandusky residents as it served as a neighborhood elementary school for over a century. In 2021, Sandusky City Schools opened three new school buildings-- the Early Learning Academy, Primary School, and Intermediate School. Osborne School was permanently closed that same year. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a protected city landmark.
“This is a great win for the community,” said Sandusky City Manager John Orzech. “Osborne School is a beautiful historic building that has been a part of our city for over 130 years and we are excited about the prospect of giving it new life. We look forward to partnering with a developer to rehabilitate the building into affordable housing units, which are greatly needed in Sandusky. I appreciate the Sandusky City Schools working with us to make this happen.”
The School District wanted to ensure its future use would be a positive asset to the surrounding neighborhood and community as a whole. In conversations held between the administration and leadership teams from Sandusky City Schools and the City of Sandusky, it was agreed upon that an affordable senior housing project would achieve those goals. The City has been engaging with developers to determine the feasibility of converting Osborne School into up to 20 affordable senior housing units. The City also intends to keep the playground in place for use by neighborhood residents.
The Schools and the City agreed on a purchase price of $100,000 and the sale is expected to close within 30 days after the execution of the purchase agreement.