Bown-Corby work set to begin
Staff writer
Developer Tom George is hoping to begin renovations that will turn Bown-Corby school building into an apartment complex Aug. 1 and hopes to begin leasing apartments as early as October.
“Cross your fingers,” he said.
The final hurdle is designation on the federal registry of historic places. The building already has been approved for a state registry. George said he expects to receive approval “within the next couple weeks.”
The two-story complex will feature 12 one- and two-bedroom apartments, with seven on the first floor and five on the second.
George hasn’t set leasing prices yet. He said he’s waiting to see what his final costs are.
Initially billed by Marion officials as an investment of nearly $500,000, George said he has “no idea” how much he’ll wind up putting into the renovations.
“No matter what you think it is, it’ll be more once you get it set up,” he said.
George is pleased with how the project is coming along, saying “it’s taken just a little bit longer” than he anticipated.
“Whenever you deal with historic registration, it’s never a fast process, but it’s a good process,” he said.