The Wayland Union school district just might be able to unload the historic, but aging Moline Elementary School building after all.
Superintendent Norman Taylor and Stephen Austin of Happy Camper Mobile RV Service and Retro Rentals of Caledonia explained to the Leighton Township Board pro
spects for the schools to sell the elementary and save it from demolition.
Austin and 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.
In a written statement to the Township Board, Austin said, “We are currently in a space that we have outgrown and feel the Moline Elementary School would be a great location for us and the community. Not only would it bring NEW life to an aging and unsightly building, it may provide job opportunities as we continue to grow and need additional help.
“In addition, on a quick drive through Moline we noticed a good percentage of the homeowners also own an RV of some sort. This would give them an affordable option close to home other than the big dealers to the north and south of us.”
Austin pledged that he would honor all agreements made with the Moline Softball Association for use of the softball fields in back of the school. The long-standing association, now more than 50 years in operation, still is used for softball games, league play and tournaments.
Austin also wrote: “In addition to renovating the school into our shop location, we would like to renovate a portion of the building to become our primary residence over the next year or two. Our primary goal now is to get into the building and get it cleaned up and usable for our shop space and then gradually work on the living quarters as we have time and money.”
Leighton Township Clerk Mary Lou Nieuwenhuis said she is concerned about whether it’s legal or feasible to get the proper zoning for a residence that is also used as a business.
Trustee John Hooker said something could put into writing, such as a variance or ordinance that would accommodate the uses.
Taylor said the schools have wanted to sell the building since it was closed in 2003. Since then, the roof has been shown to be leaking and the building has fallen into a state of disrepair.
“The school district has no plans to reuse this facility, it would be cost prohibitive,” Taylor said. “With the condition of the building we believe it would be more cost effective to raze the building and build new… Our preference is to sell the building and take it off the insurance rolls.”
The superintendent added, “If it’s not addressed, the building would have to come down because it’s a safety issue.”
Austin said he is approaching the township because he had heard it had an interest in the building for a new township hall.
Treasurer Char Troost said, “Our intention years ago was to make it into a township hall, but our plans have changed.”
Austin promised the old building would not be torn down, but instead renovated to accommodate his businesses and serve as a residence.
Nieuwenhuis said, “I think many of the people of Moline would love to have something done for that building and be preserved.”
Austin was told that he needs to come up with specific plans and come before the Planning Commission as a first step. He said he’d like to move on it quickly because he wants to begin some repairs before the snow flies for the next winter.
PHOTOS: Moline Elementary School
Stephen Austin
Regarding the zoning requirements for this buildings use as a combination living and working environment, many communities have a “Live work” Zoning ordinance, which has been used very well in similar situations.