Staff writer
Apartments at the former Bown-Corby school building will be leased to tenants in December, developer Tom George said.
“We’re shooting for December, anywhere from Dec. 1 to the middle of the month,” he said. “People can probably start walking it pretty soon if they’re interested.”
George purchased the building from the city in July 2014 for $40,000 and, after a lengthy registration process with the National Historic Registry, began renovating it in early August. It’s George’s third building to be placed on the registry, the other two being former elementary schools near Wichita.
“Sometimes it happens fast, sometimes it’s slow, but it’s well worth the wait,” he said. “That enables it so now you cannot alter the building legally. That’s what’s cool. That building will be there forever.”
Renovations have gone according to schedule, George said. The 12 apartments are broken down to seven two-bedroom units, two one-bedroom units, and three studio spaces.
“The apartments are coming along beautifully,” he said. “You’ve got high ceilings, giant windows. You’re in this old building, but all your amenities are brand new.”
George has yet to determine what the rates for the apartments will be, but said water, electric, gas, and refuse utilities would be paid so he can charge one, flat rate for his spaces.
An open house will be scheduled for prospective tenants and those who just want to see the results of what’s been billed by the city as nearly $500,000 of renovations.
Plumbing and electrical systems have been completely replaced, with new cabinets and kitchen appliances installed. Bathrooms and closets have been made larger, George said.
The open house will be after renovations are completed, George said, and the exact date will be announced later.