Redevelopment project set for former Lemoyne Middle School

The Real Estate Collaborative LLC is moving into the next phase of a redevelopment project at the former Lemoyne Middle School.

The collaborative, a subsidiary of the Cumberland Area Economic Development Corp. (CAEDC), entered into an agreement Monday with Silver Spring Township-based contractor Mowery to purchase the property set to be developed into an apartment complex called The Lofts at 701 Market Street.

Mowery’s proposed plan calls for retaining most of the existing school building and preservation of the street facade. Anticipated additions and renovations to the complex include a new park pavilion and play space, outdoor patios, new apartments in the existing auditorium and gymnasium and a car ramp from Walnut Street to a lower parking level.

The development plan also includes a proposed commercial space for a coffee shop or a community kitchen, lawn space, short term parking and upper and lower level patio spaces.

“The Borough of Lemoyne is delighted that the former Lemoyne Middle School will soon have some new life breathed into it,” said Gale Gallo, Lemoyne Borough council president. “Mowery has proposed a unique apartment community, which we believe will bring a new dimension to the heart of our town.”

CAEDC created the Real Estate Collaborative (REC) in 2016 with a mission to create opportunities for investment in underutilized or blighted properties around Cumberland County.

REC was able to acquire the property and identify partners and resources to allow for the adaptive reuse of the building. The group was able to secure $1 million in funding from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) to go towards the project.

A total cost of the project was not available.

The West Shore School District closed the Lemoyne Middle School at the end of the 2012-13 school year in an effort to cut costs. The school district sold the property to REC in 2017 for $450,000.

“REC’s behind-the-scenes work to get this site ready for redevelopment is nearly complete,” said Mason McClellan, CAEDC’s director of real estate development. “REC’s mission is to take on challenging sites that need expensive remediation and environmental work and get them ready for development, which is exactly what was achieved for the former Lemoyne Middle School.”