Cochise County is looking for creative proposals for the use of the Old Bisbee High School. After months of preparation, including a public neighborhood meeting about the future sale, renovation, and redevelopment, the County has released a Request for Proposals (RFP).
Following the recent rezoning approval by the City of Bisbee, the property has been rezoned from a Residential (R-1) to Commercial Mixed Use (CM-2), which allows for a range of potential allowable uses for redevelopment, including retail, professional office, assisted living, and multifamily residential.
Located at 100 Clawson Avenue, the three-story, 45,000 square foot building is a notable landmark in the downtown historic district of Bisbee. The building was originally constructed in 1914 by architect Norman F. Marsh. It functioned as a regional high school until 1959, and since that time, it has served as a working space for Cochise County employees.
“There are many successful examples of historic school conversions to apartments, condos, and senior living facilities,” says Christine McLachlan, Planner II for Cochise County Development Services. “And it makes sense because schools are constructed in residential areas. Classroom space can be converted to living quarters while gyms and auditoriums may be used as common space or provide room for amenities for tenants,” McLachlan added. “At the same time, this building could also support non-residential uses. Because of this building’s prominent location, history, and size, its transformation will be significant for Bisbee’s future. The County is excited to see the potential of the building fully realized.”
The conveyance of the property to the successful proposer may be subject to a permanent Historic Preservation Easement to protect the historic exterior of the building. Additionally, the County expects to enter into a mutually acceptable land development agreement with the successful proposer, which will govern the subsequent rehabilitation of the building and the redevelopment of the property.
Learn more information about the Old Bisbee High School project by visiting the project webpage at https://www.cochise.az.gov/822/Old-Bisbee-High-School-Redevelopment.
