Aside from the fact that the school had to close in the first place, I love this story.
Speaking from the unique new home of his electronic business TAB Funkenwerks, [Oliver Archut] tells his story in a deep European accent: “On CNN I saw a documentary that the heartland of the United States is bleeding out. The schools are empty, the hospitals are empty. And they pretty much said that they were giving it away. That’s when I told my wife, find me a school.â€
So with a few keystrokes, Oliver’s wife and business partner Gwen went to the place to people go when they’re looking to get a deal on something totally random.
“I just threw in school on e-Bay and there it was,†says perky Gwen from her office. “I was shocked. I had to speak with people three times before I actually believed the price they had said.â€
The price for the 30-thousand square foot former school: 25 grand. Too good to pass up. So the Archuts packed up their shop in Seattle, headed east, and didn’t stop until they were in Gaylord, Kansas.
“There was no way you’re going to find a 30-thousand square foot anything in Seattle for 25 thousand dollars,†Gwen says. “That’s a minimum three million dollar investment.â€
So they bought the school and relocated their business from Seattle, Washington (Population 600,000) to Gaylord, Kansas (Population 145). They say that they have everything that they need in Gaylord: high speed internet, UPS service, potential employees, and a very low cost of doing business.
Gwen and Oliver aren’t the only ones buying old rural schools for new business ventures. There’s others too.
And now for the best part. Have a business idea? You too can buy an old rural school on ebay. There is about half a dozen for sale right now. Gaylord, Kansas set a trend though because schools are bringing more than $25,000 these days.
Imagine the great irony that would be if a school closed, and a subsequent purchase of the school by a business resulted in an increase in the number of school aged children in a rural district.
WHERE ARE OTHER RURAL SCHOOL BUILDINGS?
The City of Shelby Iowa has a 3 story 42,000 sq. ft. school building for sale.
check out their web site for more details.
My family has an old school building 32,000 sf for sale in rural southwest Oklahoma. Email me if intersted (tgaden@stillwaterpm.com
My family has an old school building 32,000 sf for sale in rural southwest Oklahoma. Email me if intersted (tgaden@stillwaterpm.com)
Dear Tami Gaden: Hello!!! Would you please email about your family’s school building For Sale/ please describe, location, condition, size or acres of property, proximity to large towns, population, terms, purchase price, ect. I look forward to your reply. Thanks. Sincerely, Carman S. Tighe Isaiah 54:17 PS. And if possible/ would you Email me several Photos.
Dear Tami Gaden: Hello!!! Would you please email me about your family’s school building/ For Sale/ please describe, location, condition, size or acres of property, proximity to large towns, population, terms, purchase price, ect. I look forward to your reply. Thanks. Sincerely, Carman S. Tighe Isaiah 54:17 PS. And if possible/ would you Email me several Photos.
Ms. Tighe
Hello – Thanks so much for your post. Would you please email me at tgaden@stillwaterpm.com. I cannot seem to send you email through the website, I think my filters are too strong. :). I would be glad to visit with you about the property, as well as share information and photographs. Thanks so much.
I would love to find a school for my family so if anyone has one available please send me information about it. Including location, size, price, condition and pictures if available.
Send to sharon@walkersquawker.net Thanks
I would love to find an old school for sale in the Midwest. Preferably WI, MN, or IN. I saw a really nice school building in a recent trip to Indiana. It had several broken windows, but I loved the brick and detailing. If anyone knows of any, please send me a note at etfbs@yahoo.com. THANKS!
I am interested in finding an old school building somewhere in the north/south west…So if anyone has or knows of one please e-mail me at seybolddebbie@hotmail.com
Thank-you..
I have always wanted to buy an old school house, and I am very interested in finding an old school building somewhere in the north/south west…So if anyone has or knows of one please e-mail me at seybolddebbie@hotmail.com
Thank-you..
There is a 19,000 square foot, 3 story plus the basement gymnasium in central Iowa for sale in a small town near Des Moines. It sits on 6 acres, in a town with a population of around 14 people. It is listed at http://www.IowaRealty.com under acreages.
Hello all. I just read this blog and emailed a couple of you the information. I have an old schoolhouse for sale, its 22,000 sq. ft and sits on 1.2 acres, it is very close to downtown Indianapolis and IUPUI. This is a great development project for someone who loves history and architecture and is looking for a building.
You can email me at sjarvis@urbanspaceusa.com or call me at 317.423.1111 x 3. There is also information on this website http://listing.loopnet.com/14827916
THANK YOU!
I am not sure if my earlier post will publish so here it is again. I have a schoolhouse for sale in Indianapolis, IN. Its an amazing larger school, built in 1922. 22,000 sq. ft on 1.2 acres, great for a condo or office conversion. Student housing or mixed use.
Please contact me for additional information. 317.423.1111 x 3 or sjarvis@urbanspaceusa.com
Below is a link to the listing website, it has photos, etc.
http://listing.loopnet.com/14827916
Want a Canadian K-12 school for sale (mostly)in a tiny (10-500)community? The schools range from small to large… 8000-30,000 sqft We just bot one 21,000sqft on 14.3 acres… but heating cost alone is $1/sqft/yr. 2-5 more schools will be available this month coming and I think I know where they will be listed but if you write I can tell you when they are listed. manager @pacificway.org
We are looking for an old school house in TN. Thanks. lauraleigh55@hotmail.com
My wife would like to sell her 17,000 sq ft school in Rapid City, South Dakota. Original building was built in 1912, with an addition in the 1920’s and another addition in the 1930’s. The exterior is all brick with large windows. 2/3 of the floors are maple. call 605 394 0011 for details.
We have been looking for a former school building for sale. Should be in good phsical condition and include gymnasium. Prefer small town property with close proximity to larger town or city. Have cash. Serious properties only. Please respond to aj_1926@yahoo.com. Pictures and contact information preferred.
Elite tumbling and trampolist is looking for a school or building for sale or lease that has a large space and high ceiling in eastern Nebraska/western Iowa area. Minimum size 150 by 50 ft. Please contact dnara58342aol.com. Thanks
Elite tumbling and trampolist is looking for a school or building for sale or lease that has a large space and high ceiling in eastern Nebraska/western Iowa area. Minimum size 150 by 50 ft. Please contact dnara5834@aol.com. Thanks
There is a 11,500 squre foot school building for sale in southeastern Ohio near a small town called Hackney. The building sits on about 5 acres and is in good condition. It has a gymnasium, cafeteria, three classrooms, offices, and a library. It is going to be sold at a public auction on January 26, 2008. It was part of the Fort Frye School District in Beverly, Ohio. You can Google the school name and get a number to call for questions concerning the sale. The school was closed because of the low number of students attending, not because the building was in bad shape.
my sister and i are thinking of buying an old school to live in and build our business in any tips!
I have a Nice school house for sale 1200sf. all brick it is located in curryville missouri on hwy 54 which is 70 north of saint louis call bob 317-694-2187
Hi my family is looking for a school in Kansas. If anyboday knows of a possibility please let me know. My email is bjl.martin@hotmail.com
Thanks,
Jill
I am looking for School property for sale/lease in Wisconsin.Working condition.
I am looking for School Building for sale/lease
in Wisconsin. My e-mail is nyc888@aol.com
Thanks.
Mike
I have a 47000 SF school builing on 14.5 acres for sale or lease in Western Ky. All offers considered. Nice rural area just 60 minutes north of Nashville. No restrictions & low taxes. If interested, please call me at 813-965-2157. e-mail: pmawc@tampabay.rr.com
Brian
I have an old (1845) brick school building, at one time the largest college in Ohio. It is located in Hayesville, Ohio about 10 miles south of Ashland, 60 miles south of Cleveland near I71. See a PICTURE at “Vermillion Institute – Irishgeneology” site. Inside much of the floors and beams would need replacing as for years the building had roof problems not fixed by a prior owner. Would be sold “as is” No bathrooms, no running water….relatively untouched by progress. On the national historic register… would qualify for tax credits. Mike @ Michaelalcox@yahoo.com
Anyone know of a school for sale in northern california anywhere let me know. email to kennyg4626@aol.com
I am interested in finding an old school house, fire house, or library to buy in Oklahoma. Please email me if you have any information christina-eichstedt@hotmail.com
We are looking for a campus for our Bible School and an old school building would be perfect. If you have one please let us know.
Thank You
Our web site is streamofgod.com & our e-mail address is info@streamofgod.com
Our contact info is http://www.streamofgod.com & e-mail at ralphcotterill@gmail.com
Looking for an old one room school house in Iowa. Summers@netins.net.
We are looking for a school in Tennessee for sale and will consider anything …call Derek 615-567-6708
Looking for old school in Northern Alabama to convert to a residence. Email me at Ladyluv2003_1@yahoo.com
Looking for old school in Northern Alabama to convert to a residence. Email me at Ladyluv2003_1@yahoo.com
I have a 47000 SF school builing on 14.5 acres for sale or lease in Western Ky. All offers considered. Nice rural area just 60 minutes north of Nashville. No restrictions & low taxes. If interested, please call me at 813-965-2157. e-mail: pmawc@tampabay.rr.com
Looking for retired school building in north west missouri. email at: stevefinkey@hotmail.com
Hello all…. we are looking for a school in east tn or western nc. thanks so much for any help……
peace jonathan
Hi All,
I have a school building for sale in Kansas, near the Joplin, Mo airport. It has a very nice 50ftx80ft gymnasium in very good shape. The classroom space is about 13,000 square feet. The lot is 7 acres, with about 850 feet of paved road frontage. You could turn this into a business. Please email me at admin@nwamarket.com or call me at 479-215-9366. We are asking $125,000 or best offer. The gym alone is worth more than that. I have pictures.
I’d really like to find an old school house in WI. If anyone knows of any please email me. Thanks Cinaminst6@aol.com
I’m looking for a church or school for sale in NC, VA, WV, PA or OH. Prefer with land of 5 acres or more. bevpasternak@gmail.com
Great post. Good quality reading. I’ll drop by later:-)
Hello Everyone! I am looking for an old school house or an old church to buy in Colorado. North Denver Metro area would be best but will consider anywhere in Colorado.
Thanks in advance for you help!
If anyone is still intereted in an old school building I have one for sale in Kincaid KS. In good shape planned to make a boys home out of it but plans fell through please email if any questions
proudheeler@netscape.net
I have a school for sale in Stella Nebraska, 49,868 sq. ft. on one level and 5,600 on a lower, great shape, had classes till May of ’09 built in 1969. If interested go to web site, http://www.mid-continentproperties.com or call 402-334-0256 ask for Eric. Thanks. Make an offer.
Hey everyone! I am looking for a school building in Ohio. Preferably with a gymnasium. Please e-mail: clarinetdude2011@yahoo.com. Thanks for your help!
Hello, I would love to buy a school (to be conversted/added on for a bed and breakfast) in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky or Western North Carolina area. Ideally, with over 5 acres of land. Do you know of any available?
Thanks for your help,
Kim
still have the 1845 3 story brick school building for sale in hayesville, ohio. near Mansfield. on national register. floor, window and beam damage, but walls and metal roof ok. Untouched by improvements. no electricity, water, or bathrooms.. See Vermillion institute hayesville ohio on internet for old picture.
Good Morning. I am looking for an inexpensive school in the NE to upper SE. If you have a need to unload yours, you have someone who would like to own it. Sorry, limited budjet.
Looking for old church or school (with character) in midwest to make into a home for my husband and I and our grandchildren – Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, Kentucky, Tennessee.
We own a 40,000 square foot former school in a very small town in South Dakota that we are thinking about selling. If anyone is interested, please email us at TeriCrosby@gmail.com. Thanks.
Seeking an old school building for sale that would be used as a Bible College 770-354-3774 ralphcotterill@gmail.com
Looking for a former school building for sale. Should be in good phsical condition, no major structural damage or repairs needed and include cafeteria area and gymnasium. Must be asbestos free and able to pass asbestos testing. Prefer small town property with close proximity to larger town or city. Serious properties only. Please respond to ajd1926@yahoo.com. Pictures and contact information preferred
Need to find former school with gymnasium, cafeteria surrounded by farmland that we can put our livestock. This is for family/ We adopted 17 children and really needed the space for them.
For Sale: Old school building in small town outside of Carroll, Iowa. 5,976 square feet of living space plus over 2,000 square feet of garage and shop area. All new plumbing and electrical in finished areas. New rubber roof in 2007, new kitchen in 2006 with stainless steel appliances. New heat pump/CA with back up forced air, and water heater in 2009. All but 4 windows replaced, and the remaining 4 are purchased and will be left onsite. Original woodwork will be left onsite for use also. 2 drive ways on property. Finished areas are well insulated. Many possibilities: Home, apartments, business, offices, or combination of uses.
Price: $120,00 (only $21.00/square foot of living space). Contract available. Serious inquiries only please. E-mail for more information or pictures. More pictures available at http://s1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc436/cjunderhill/?albumview=slideshow
For Sale: Handyman’s dream. Old school building in small town outside of Carroll, Iowa. 5,976 square feet of living space plus over 2,000 square feet of garage and shop area. All new plumbing and electrical in finished areas. New rubber roof in 2007, new kitchen in 2006 with stainless steel appliances. New heat pump/CA with back up forced air, and water heater in 2009. All but 4 windows replaced, and the remaining 4 are purchased and will be left onsite. Original woodwork will be left onsite for use also. 2 drive ways on property. Finished areas are well insulated. Many possibilities: Home, apartments, business, offices, or combination of uses.Contract available.
More pictures available at http://s1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc436/cjunderhill/?albumview=slideshow
E-mailcontact: collin_underhill@yahoo.com
Any large schoolhouses available? Send info please.
Hi, The last two posters did not leave a way to contact them. Our old H.S Circa 1937, 18″ brick walls, including gym, cafeteria, auditorium is for sale. Please contact Bliss for more information.
the prior post did not pick up my email with it’s text.. thanks .. re: 19,00 sq foot H.S.
Let’s try a last time mister underscore bliss at msn dot com for inquiries
regarding the last two posts. thanks
mister underscore bliss at msn dot com
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I am looking for a small scaled school or church that is empty and can be turned into a small retirement home. I wish I was a millionaire I would build a huge place for seniors to go and they wouldnt have to pay thousands of dollars to stay there. I started a small business to help seniors the best I can. So please I am looking for a small school or church with some land in Northern Kentucky.
Looking for a school house, library or firehouse in Kansas. Please contact me at swbus@aol.com
looking for an empty school bldg in WI or MN for $20,000 or less-run-down eature ok! Deb
E0mail debcerna_IFS@yahoo.com with pictures please!
There isn’t a replacement appropriate analysis about your getaway location .