The Cedar Rapids Community School District (CRCSD) Board of Education is pleased to announce the plans for the sale and repurposing of the historic Arthur and Garfield Elementary School buildings. This decision highlights the district’s commitment to recognizing the historical significance of these structures, while also giving back to the community and reducing operational costs.
“When we considered selling and repurposing these buildings, we focused on three key objectives: honoring their historical significance, providing value to the entire community, and building partnerships that could give back to the district,” shared Chad Schumacher, CRCSD Director of Operations. “I believe we have achieved all three of those goals with these plans.”
“I would like to thank our community partners for creating innovative solutions for our students, staff, and community. The sale of Arthur will elevate the arts education for so many of our talented students. The sale of Garfield will expand experiences and opportunities for college and career-connected learning to help empower our students to be contributing members of the workforce,” stated Dr. Tawana Grover, Superintendent. “It’s partnerships like these that align to our “Blueprint for ‘Blueprint for Every Learner. Future Ready.’” that helps us fulfill our promise to the community.”
Public Hearing
A public hearing will be held on June 24, 2024, allowing the public to share their thoughts on the proposed sales and repurposing of the buildings. Following the public hearing, the Board of Education will vote to approve or deny the sale agreements. Copies of the sale agreements are available for public viewing at the CRCSD Educational Leadership and Support Center, located at 2500 Edgewood Rd. NW, Cedar Rapids.
Historical Background
Garfield and Arthur Elementary Schools are among the oldest school buildings in operation in Cedar Rapids. The schools, named after the 20th and 21st U.S. presidents, were built in 1914 and officially opened their doors in 1915. Arthur Elementary School, 2630 B Ave. NE, was the first CRCSD elementary school to feature an auditorium. Garfield Elementary School,1201 Maplewood Dr. NE, also had a unique design with a central corridor flanked by classrooms and an auditorium on the second floor. Their architectural styles are historically unique. Arthur exhibits a ‘fortress” of “castle” design, and Garfield features Egyptian-inspired front columns.
This school year marks the last time these buildings will be in use. The district is combining the two schools into the newly constructed Trailside Elementary School, scheduled to open in August 2024. The new school is being built across 27th Avenue NE from Arthur, where the “Little Arthur” annex building once stood.
Arthur Elementary School Sale
The CRCSD Board of Education has come to an agreement to sell Arthur Elementary School to the Eastern Iowa Arts Academy (EIAA), a local nonprofit dedicated to providing equitable arts experiences for all ages and abilities. The agreement reflects the district’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and community enrichment. The sale will be coupled with a cash offer and a 10-year partnership for EIAA to offer additional free arts programming in CRCSD schools, supplementing existing art, music, and physical education classes. The Eastern Iowa Arts Academy plans to repurpose Arthur Elementary to include studio rental spaces for local artists and several arts classroom spaces, fostering a vibrant arts community within the historic building.
“We are thrilled at the Eastern Iowa Arts Academy to repurpose the historical Arthur Elementary School. Our current facilities no longer meet our students’ needs due to the recent influx of new participants. This move will allow us to accommodate more art and music students, reach more underserved children with financial aid and transportation, and provide our families with more access to food and clothing. The new space will also be transformed to provide better accessibility to our students with disabilities. We look forward to creating a new, inclusive, fun, and welcoming space for our entire community,” said Heather Wagner, EIAA Executive Director.
Garfield Elementary School Sale
Steve Emerson, a local developer, has entered into an agreement to purchase Garfield Elementary School and plans to transform the building into several apartments and a community space. Emerson has done similar projects in the community, including at the district’s former administrative building, 346 2nd Ave SW, and warehouse, 605 G Ave NW, that were damaged during the 2008 flood. As part of the agreement, CRCSD high school trade classes will have the opportunity to participate in some of the renovation work of the building. Given the high demand for trade classes, this project offers valuable real-world experience where students will gain valuable hands-on learning opportunities. Also as part of the sale agreement, two apartments within the renovated building will be allocated for District use. These apartments may be leased to District employees, students, or other individuals affiliated with the district.