A vacant school building constructed in 1922 will be redeveloped into housing intended to help address workforce shortages and expand downtown living in Ogallala, Keith County officials and the Keith County Housing Development Corporation announced.
Project scope and timeline
The former Ogallala Middle School, empty since 2015, was bought about three years ago by the Keith County Housing Development Corporation, which now plans to transform the structure into 40 housing units. The development, to be called Schoolhouse Apartments, will include 32 affordable units and eight market-rate units, the corporation said.
- The project preserves the school's historic exterior while renovating the interior for residential use.
- The existing gymnasium is planned to be repurposed as a community space for residents.
- Selective demolition and hazardous-material abatement have been completed and renovation work is ready to begin.
Executive Director Mary Wilson of the housing corporation said safe, affordable and accessible housing is especially needed in Ogallala as the community seeks to grow its workforce and provide options for retirees and families who want walkable, downtown living near a grocery store, library and schools.
Next steps and schedule
The corporation said the property is expected to transfer to a private developer within the next several months. Once construction begins, the build-out is estimated to take 18 to 24 months, with move-in possible within about two years.
The plan calls for retaining the building’s historic character on the exterior while adapting interior spaces to apartments and common areas. The announcement indicated the project aims to serve a mix of newcomers, families seeking affordable housing and retirees.
Keith County officials and the housing development corporation framed the conversion as part of broader efforts in the Ogallala region to increase housing supply and support economic growth by making it easier for employers to recruit and retain workers.
“Safe, affordable, accessible housing is needed nationally, but especially in Ogallala as the community looks to grow its workforce,” Mary Wilson, executive director, Keith County Housing Development Corporation, said.
The redevelopment follows several years of vacancy after the school closed and was used for storage under private ownership before the corporation acquired it to explore housing options.
County and local leaders will monitor the transfer to the developer and construction schedule as the project moves toward permitting and rehabilitation work.
