CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — A developer’s plan to transform the former Garfield Elementary School into apartments is moving forward after the Cedar Rapids City Council gave early approval to rezone the property.
According to the Cedar Rapids Gazette, the council voted 8-0 Tuesday to approve the first reading of a rezoning request for the site at 1201 Maplewood Drive NE. Two additional readings are needed before the change becomes official.
Developer Steve Emerson purchased the historic 1914 building from the Cedar Rapids Community School District last year for $160,000. He plans to renovate the former school into 30 market-rate apartments, including 10 one-bedroom and 20 two-bedroom units. Two apartments will be provided rent-free to school district employees or student teachers under the terms of the sale agreement…