Decatur City Council accepts property transfer for Garfield School redevelopment project

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) – The Decatur City Council accepted a property transfer from the Decatur Public Schools District for the former Garfield School site, during Monday nights council meeting.

According to the City, with the help of a private developer, the site at 1077 W Grand Ave is being considered for a catalyst redevelopment project.

The first phase of the project will be repurposing the old school building into affordable senior living apartments. Future phases include adding mixed-income housing and new commercial space.

Additionally, Garfield Park will be undergoing a modern redesign by the Decatur Park District.

The City and the private developer have applied for funding support from the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA). Should the IHDA application fail and the City is unable to secure alternative development plans, the City and School District would share the cost of demolishing the school building 50-50.

The City expects to hear back on the application sometime next month.