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Mixed-use plan approved for abandoned Williams school
Zoning variance will allow owner to move forward with plans for residential and commercial space

Ryan Williams/WGCN<br>
The old school building located between Hancock and Sheridan avenues will be the future home of apartments and mixed-use lofts. Owner Bruce Bennett was granted a zoning variance last week allowing him to move forward with necessary renovations.

Ryan Williams/WGCN<br> The old school building located between Hancock and Sheridan avenues will be the future home of apartments and mixed-use lofts. Owner Bruce Bennett was granted a zoning variance last week allowing him to move forward with necessary renovations.

WILLIAMS - The old school building at Sheridan and Hancock in Williams may finally become something more than an empty building full of graffiti.

After a short session for public comment, Williams City Council members approved a zoning variance for the 40,000 square foot abandoned property during their Feb. 24 regular meeting allowing the building's owner, Bruce Bennett, to move forward with plans to create apartments along with some commercial space.

Bennett recently applied for a zoning variance for the old school building. Currently the school's location is zoned residential/single family.

Williams Building Inspector Tim Pettit said the public has been notified of Bennett's intent.

"Notification was published in the local paper and on site," Pettit said. "We sent out letters to 300 feet, 58 public notices. At this time we have received no written or verbal comments against it or for it."

Greg Brooks said he purchased property next to the school about two years ago and is certain Bennett will make good on his promise to convert the old school into a functional building while respecting neighbors in close proximity.

"I've seen Mr. Bennett working on the building without a zoning that would allow him to produce the building but doing all the things that he knows needs to be done to make anything happen with this building," he said. "He has been a very good neighbor."

Brooks went on to say he looks forward to seeing the historic building back in use.

"Quite honestly, I don't want to share the block with an empty property," he said. "I do want to share the block with a profitable, Williams friendly property."

A re-zoning request recently went before planning and zoning. According to Pettit, it was determined a variance better fits the property as opposed to a re-zoning.

"It's unique. That is what a variance is for," Pettit said. "Something unique or something different. And this thing can't be used for anything else without tearing it down. It's a historic building."

After the council vote, audience members and council applauded Bennett for his determination.

"We applaud your efforts," Councilman Bill Miller said.

Bennett plans to build five apartment spaces on the buildings back two wings built specifically for seniors. On the top floor, six live/work lofts are planned.

"That would be for artists, sculptors, whatever," Bennett said.

The first two floors are reserved for light commercial use. Bennett said he foresees doctor's offices, gift shops or office service spaces in the building.

"Nothing abrasive like a bar with music all night," he said. "Candidly, it is going to take years to build that thing out because there is no demand right now with all the vacancies in town."

Bennett went on to say he hopes to get the back wing apartments up and running initially while continuing to make improvements to the outside of the building. Bennett said he would like to turn the old gymnasium into a public space for city meetings or public groups.

The building, as it stands, costs Bennett $20-30,000 per year to maintain.

"I want to get the building to where it is generating some income," he said, adding that because he owns the building free and clear, he does believe that goal to be a possibility.

Eventually each classroom will be one unit of live/work space.

Bennett said part of his motivation to try to turn the old school into something useable for the city is his love for Williams, not profit.

"The building has been a blight for so many years," he said. "I think it has some potential. I don't think I'm going to get fat or rich owning that building. If I can get the building to where it just makes sense, I'll be happy with it because I'll probably die owning it because nothing is selling in this market. I'm serious, I haven't sold anything in five years."

In the last eight months, Bennett replaced all of the sewer lines running from the building to the street and gone down the alley to pick up a sewer lateral. New water lines to the building have been installed and underground conduit has been run into the building with the help of APS. Almost all of the crumbling blacktop has been removed and trees around the building have been trimmed. The building was also recently re-roofed.


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