UPDATED: Grambau Center could be sold
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ROGERS CITY -- The Grambau Education Center in Rogers City has a prospective buyer who could develop the old school into housing if he acquires it.
Dave Dargis, of Alpena, submitted an offer for the building and addressed the Rogers City Area Schools Board of Education last week to notify board members of his intentions.
It is not known how much Dargis offered the school system for the property that has been vacant and unused for years.
"It needs work, but it has a lot of potential," Dargis said.
School Board President Gregory Zurakowski said he is pleased there is interest in the Grambau Center and hopes a deal can be reached. He said the board will review the offer and either counter it or vote on whether to accept it or not.
Zurakowski said the school board would like to sell the old school and see it put to good use. He said although it is sitting unused, it still costs the school district money.
"We spend money on maintenance, insurance, and other costs on a building we'll never use again," he said. "It would be nice to see it return to being an asset for the people of the community. That building means a lot to a lot of people and if we can help provide it with another generation of life, it would be a good thing."
Dargis said he hasn't reached the point of having detailed plans created or finalized what he 100% intends to do with the building if the board signs off on the sale. He said housing is one idea, but he added no matter what he does, he wants to be sure Rogers City residents benefit from it.
"The school board sounded interested and it wants it to be used for the betterment of the community," Dargis said. That's what I want too. I think senior housing would be great, but I'm open to other ideas too."
The old school was built in 1927 and is two stories tall. It measures out at 41,000 square feet, not including the basement. It has a large gymnasium and is a close walk to downtown Rogers City.
Zurakowski said he is confident local officials in Rogers City will work with whoever purchases the property to help redevelop the facility.
Zurakowski did not give a timeline on when the proposed sale could be addressed by the board, but he left open the chance it could be discussed or action could be taken on it at the June 12 board meeting.
Dargis said it will still take time to complete the transaction.
"We have to go through the proper channels and then it takes time to close the sale," he said. "I'm hopeful I will hear something next month, but right now it is in the hands of the school board."