Nonprofit plans community hub, apartments at former Robberson building

A Springfield nonprofit has emerged as the buyer of the former Robberson Community School building after Springfield Public Schools announced the property was under contract with an undisclosed entity last month.

Elevate Lives closed March 10 on the roughly 40,000-square-foot property for $500,000, according to an SPS news release issued this morning.

An organization that works to reduce poverty in Springfield, Elevate Lives is planning a mixed-use community hub at the 1100 E. Kearney St. property. Planned uses include affordable housing via new apartments and community services such as child care and educational programs, as well as space for the Robberson Neighborhood Association.

“This building holds so many memories for the neighborhood, and we’re excited to build on that history by creating a space where lives can be transformed and people can discover how to thrive,” said Russ Gosselin, CEO and founder of Elevate Lives, in the release.

SPS received proposals from seven entities, with the majority offering $400,000-$500,000 for the building, according to the release. SPS officials say they considered proposed uses in addition to cost.

“We are happy that Elevate Lives sees the potential for this former elementary school to continue to serve residents of the Robberson neighborhood,” SPS Superintendent Grenita Lathan said in the release. “While it no longer meets the needs of SPS, we are excited that it will be repurposed into a place that will support future generations of students and their families.”

A copy of the Elevate Lives proposal, provided by the district, states that initial interior remodeling would begin within 30 days of closing under Phase 1 of the project. Phase 2, to be conducted in the spring and summer, would renovate and upgrade the property's exterior and enhance playground areas, and Phase 3 would further build out interior areas starting in the spring through the end of 2025.

Phase 4 of the project calls for a January 2026 groundbreaking for over 20 "midscale townhome-like apartments for low-income families." The fourth phase of the project will be operated by Elevate Lives' Progressive Housing Program.

The SPS Board of Education declared the former Robberson building as surplus property last year. The SPS board voted in January 2024 to close Robberson and the K-5 elementary section of Pershing School, a K-8 facility, according to past reporting.