FINDLAY, Ohio (WLIO) — The City of Findlay is moving forward with plans to redevelop a former elementary school, thanks in part to new state funding.
Nearly $664,000 has been awarded to the former Lincoln Elementary School project through the Ohio Brownfield Remediation Program. The funding will help cover asbestos abatement at the more than 100-year-old building, which closed in 2021.
A private developer has purchased the property and plans to transform it into a mixed-use development featuring office space, retail, condominiums and co-working areas. Findlay Mayor Christina Muryn said the state support will help move the project forward more quickly.
"Really, when you're redeveloping such old buildings, there's always a lot of different expenses and as you get into it, more and more things come forward. So being able to help get this project moving and get the asbestos remediated with support from the state, we'll not only get the project done faster, but also make sure that those dollars are being reinvested in our community. So I'm really excited to see the project get done," said Muryn.
City leaders said the Brownfield Remediation Program has already helped advance several redevelopment projects in Findlay.
Officials estimate the Lincoln Elementary project will create 24 jobs and retain 28 existing positions.
