The Noblesville School Board started the chain of events that is intended to lead to the Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville taking possession of an underused property at its monthly meeting on July 15.
Conner Elementary School, which closed in 1989 when Hazel Dell Elementary opened, is known today as the Conner Learning Center. The 7.16 acres at the corner of Conner and North 17th streets was used for several years for various education programs like Head Start, but has been vacant and in a state of disrepair for approximately three years. Officials said that in that time it has only been used for storage.
“The sale of this property has been under consideration for years,” said Superintendent Dr. Libbie Conner. “Now that we have identified appropriate storage needs for the district though our acquisition of the armory and our new administrative center, we are happy to make this property available to the City of Noblesville and ultimately to our partners at the Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville. Their kids are our kids, and this is a positive step for the community overall.”
School attorney David Day said the transaction is being managed through the City of Noblesville to streamline the transfer process, and so that the city can access needed features on the property like curb cuts and entryways to support the new Ivy Tech Hamilton County Campus in Noblesville.
Day said the district will be paid $150,000 for the property by the Boys & Girls Club.
“Money is in hand,” he said, adding that the club will demolish the building at its own expense and build an addition to its facility on the land.
“Our mission is to provide high quality, affordable programs that best serve the children of Noblesville and this site is ideal,” stated Becky Terry, Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville executive director. “We are excited about the opportunity to expand our scope, adjoin with our Community Center to create a full campus, and remain in a centralized, accessible area of the city.”
The Noblesville Common Council, which also met on July 15, is expected to discuss the future of the property at an upcoming meeting.
“We’re certainly looking forward to seeing the Boys & Girls Club take care of this property and add it to their facilities,” School board member Julia Kozicki said.
“I think they are outstanding partners,” said Gary Duvall, school board member.
District eyes campus expansion
The school board also is looking at purchasing property at 1610 Field Dr. The former Church of God property is across from Noblesville East Middle School.
“It’s listed for sale and something we might have interest in for future growth,” said Terry Rich, the district’s business director.
The board will get estimates and appraisals before discussing the land in more detail.
“It’s really the proximity of this property to the middle school and high school that make it so valuable,” Supt. Dr. Libbie Conner said, “and that bring us many opportunities in the future.”
