Stephen Austin, potential buyer of the old Moline Elementary School building, is still working to make the final sale happen, but indicates he has challenges ahead.

Austin said he has every intention to buy the mothballed old elementary and turn it into a recreational vehicle repair business and eventually move in make it also a residence.

He wants to buy the building from the Wayland Union school district for $45,600 and allow Leighton Township to buy about three acres of the surrounding property for $24,000 to ensure the Moline Softball Association will continue and expand use of the softball fields.

The old building was shuttered in 2003 and its roof is in a terrible state of disrepair. Austin has said he wants to begin putting up a new one before the snow makes things even worse. But he can’t do that until he gets affordable financing.

Austin was in the audience Monday when the Wayland Board of Education voted to sign a purchase agreement for the adjoining property, contingent on his buying the building and 5.8 acres. Leighton Township the previous Thursday night signed the same agreement.

However, the entire package, referred to as a “win-win-win” situation for the school the township and Austin, is in a confusing holding pattern.

The school board has indicated the potential deal for the building and 5.8 acres is still on the table.

The Moline Fast-Pitch Association, which will contribute about $4,000 to the township and has promised to take care of maintenance, mowing and upkeep of the softball field.

Austin, co-owner of Happy Camper Mobile RV Service and Retro Rentals of Caledonia with his wife, Shelly, do all phases of repair and restoration to campers, motor homes and vintage campers. They also restore vintage campers for Retro Rentals.

The Austins would like to remodel the old school building into a combination business and residence. He has been told by the Board of Education, the Township Board and Planning Commission that Moline people would be pleased to have the building saved rather than razed.

PHOTOS: Moline Elementary School

Stephen Austin