Mixed Housing is set to replace Central High School in Duluth
Recently, Saturday Properties purchased Central High School in Duluth for $7.4 million. It had been on the market for the past seven years. Central High School sits on 76.84 acres. The Duluth School Board approved the sale in hopes that it will have long term benefits for their schools and community. Saturday Properties’ goal is to create a multi-density, mixed-income housing project called Saturday Central Heights. Saturday is only purchasing two-thirds of the property, the last third will be used by the school district.
There is a desire to create public space within the complex. The property has amazing views and Saturday wants people to be able to enjoy what Duluth has to offer. A need for mixed-housing and a willingness from the school district to assist in the development is a recipe for success; however, Saturday has an opportunity to get out of the purchase agreement if preliminary master plans are not approved. The district has offered to reimburse Saturday Properties for certain fees, which should help make the development possible.
As of now, the School Board has approved the $2 million demolition of Central High School. In June, the School Board also unanimously approved a general obligation bond for $31.5 million that will be used to build a new administrative building and transportation center. This is all very exciting for Duluth residents who have been longing for more accessible housing.