Future of Everett’s Historic Longfellow Building Uncertain

April 18, 2015

Everett, Everett Schools

Longfellow Building back

The backside of the Longfellow Building

Longfellow Building 2

The entrance to the Longfellow Building

Here’s the latest from the Everett School District on attempts to find someone to buy and preserve the Longfellow building at 3715 Oakes. According to the request for letters of interest, the Everett School District hoped to have the selection of a new owner by early March. That hasn’t happened and it does not appear to be going well…

Since December, the district has been searching for qualified parties interested in leasing or buying the former district administrative building.

“The board opened a 120-day window of opportunity for potential investors to make economically viable proposals to use or acquire the property,” explained Facilities and Operations Director Mike Gunn.

According to Gunn, the search for a qualified buyer resulted in just one party’s interest. The HandUp Project’s letter of interest included an offer to buy and upgrade the building.

“The information provided by The HandUp Project fails to demonstrate either the financial capacity to buy and redevelop this property or sufficient relevant experience to manage a redevelopment project of this size and complexity,” Gunn explained.

As a result, the district will retain ownership of the property while evaluating options for future use. In the meantime, the district plans to survey and test the buildings for hazardous materials and take steps to document Longfellow’s historical character.

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