On January 14th, an estimated 2,000 northwest Iowa residents braved frigid temperatures to help Community Housing Initiatives celebrate the Grand Opening of the Spencer Schoolhouse Apartments. The result of a three-year community collaboration between CHI, the Spencer Area Activity Center and the Spencer Area Community Schools, over six million dollars was invested conversion of the local landmark. The former school building now houses a new senior center on the first floor, with second and third floors converted to sixteen apartment units.
Guided by the original blueprints, dramatic exterior renovations included preservation of the historic masonry and returning windows and entry doors to original specifications.
Visitors enjoyed tours of the newly created one and two bedroom affordable rental housing units located in the upper stories of the converted historic former high school. Sixteen rental units feature appliances, window treatments, central air and in-unit washers and dryers. Other rental amenities include a computer center, fitness room, community space and storage units.
The Spencer School apartments incorporate several important green strategies to promote a healthly living environment. Importantly, the project selected existing building one block east of Main Street in a walkable neighborhood that promotes local businesses and provides housing for downtown workers. Renovations also incorporated removal of lead and aesbestos hazzards, supplied new energy efficient windows and Energy Star rated appliances throughout. In addition, several green building principals were employed including environmentally friendly materials were used throughout the project to improve air quality and energy saving motion sensor lights in common areas.
Spencer Friends of the Auditorium are working on the second phase of the project, which will preserve and restore the art deco WPA era auditorium added to the school in 1937.