The on-again, off-again proposed sale o
f the old Moline Elementary School building and 5.6 acres of land is on again after the Wayland Board of Education learned Monday evening that buyer Steve Austin has secured financing.
Austin approached the board last year about buying the mothballed old elementary to turn it into a recreational vehicle repair business and eventually move in make it also a residence. The old building was shuttered in 2003 and its roof is in a terrible state of disrepair.
The Wayland Union school district is selling for $45,600 Leighton Township will buy 3.9 acres of the surrounding property for $24,000 to ensure the Moline Softball Association will continue and expand use of the softball fields already on site.
The school district stands to make $65,018 for the sale of the properties and building
Austin has said he wants to begin putting up a new roof and plans to begin renovations in the ares of the kitchen, gymnasium and stage before tacking the rest of the structure.
The entire project has been referred to as a “win-win-win” situation for the schools, the community of Moline, the township and Austin. The schools will be able to unload a building they no longer want or have use for, the community will see the building spared demolition, the township will have more space for its famous softball program that attracts a lot of people and Austin will be able to establish a business.
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.
PHOTOS: Moline Elementary School
