Bulletin: Major milestone for Fauntleroy Schoolhouse purchase plan

Just last week, we checked in with Kevin Wooley of the Fauntleroy Community Service Agency for this update on the longrunning talks to buy the Fauntleroy Schoolhouse and some or all of its land from Seattle Public Schools, which put it up for sale as surplus property. Tonight, he just forwarded this announcement sent out by Kim Sheridan of Fauntleroy Children’s Center, which is based at the schoolhouse:

We are very pleased to announce that the Fauntleroy Community Service Agency has reached agreement with the Seattle School District on a term sheet for the purchase of the Fauntleroy School Building. The details of the term sheet were presented to the School Board Wednesday morning.

The purchase price for the school building and an additional 32,500 square feet in the existing paved parking lot and playground area is $1.825 million. We expect to secure the funding for the acquisition from a combination of City and State funds. The deal will close no later than August 31, 2009.

We have also agreed to continue discussions on an option to purchase the remaining playground space, as well an exploration of concepts for joint efforts for redevelopment of the back lot.

There are many steps still to come, but we wanted to take a moment and share this exciting news with you. Thank you for all your support.

Cheryl October 9, 2008 (12:01 am)

This is good news! My friend has her oldest son at the pre-school there & she says nothing but wonderful things about the folks there.. My only lament as a new home owner in Fauntlee Hills is that I wish it was still an elementary, how nice it would be to walk my daughter to school (she’s only 2 now).

Thanks for the update!

marty October 9, 2008 (11:27 am)

It only seems natural that the Seattle Schools would sell this prime piece of property for a fraction of the actual value! If the schools need more money, it’s easy to raise taxes. When will the school system finally conduct itself like a business?? Don’t hold your breath…

Jim Clark October 9, 2008 (11:39 am)

I don’t understand why the school district is not compelled to sell surplus property for fair market value.
Jim

Concerned October 9, 2008 (12:11 pm)

Neighbors are wary that the UNSOLD PORTION of this property could end up crammed with townhouses. This could happen if the school district sells the parcel just west of the old schoolhouse to a private developer. The public would lose out on use of this land and its sweeping views of the sound.
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Please note that the school district is only selling a small portion of its land at this site, which has been subdivided. The old schoolhouse is in need of costly but important repairs and maintenance. Maintenance of this building has been deffered for years, and a small community would be stuck with the bill.