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Developers compete for former Burlington school, present plans

Three developers are competing to transform a long-neglected school building in Burlington.
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BURLINGTON, Iowa (AP) — Three developers are competing to transform a long-neglected school building in Burlington.

The Hawk Eye reports that two developers shared their plans for the former Apollo High School with the City Council last week, and one more is scheduled to present in April.

A Fontanelle middle school teacher, Stephanie Steffens, wants to reopen the school as several arts programs. She plans to pay for the project with donations and grants.

The Ohio-based Miller-Valentine group intends to turn the building into nearly 70 loft-style apartment units. It wants the city to contribute tax increment financing and would apply for historic tax credits.

Illinois-based Landover Corp., along with Indiana-based TWG Development, is planning a similar development and would also angle for historic tax credits.

Community Development and Parks Director Eric Tysland says Burlington should have an idea about the project this summer.

The former high school has changed hands a few times since the district stopped using it in 2002, and the city of Burlington took possession of the poorly maintained building in November 2015.

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