BAXTER SPRINGS ? Jocellynn Tumbleson moved from LaHarpe to Baxter Springs, population of about 4,400, about a year ago because it was closer to her new job in Joplin, Mo. She stayed at a local hotel at first, until someone told her about a new senior living complex, Baxter Springs Residences.
From the outside, the building looks like a turn-of-the-20th-century school ? which is exactly what it was until 2014.
But inside, only a few details reveal its past: wide hallways with bluish-gray concrete floors, thick concrete stairs at either end of the hallway, an old-school style gymnasium and locker room.
The former classrooms have been turned into spacious one- or two-bedroom apartments. Each features a relaxing neutral color scheme with modern amenities.
Does it feel like you?re living in an old school?
Jocellynn Tumbleson moved from LaHarpe to Baxter Springs about a year ago.
?No, not at all,? Tumbleson said. ?It?s very nice.?
Tumbleson rents a two-bedroom unit for $550 a month. Residents pay only for electricity. A laundry facility is on site. Tumbleson said she enjoys the interaction with other residents.
The building was renovated by Prairie Fire Development, a Kansas City-based company that specializes in using federal tax credits to renovate historic buildings into affordable housing.
Rudy Manes, a co-owner of Prairie Fire, has proposed doing something similar to two of Iola?s three existing elementary schools if voters approve building a new elementary school Tuesday. Although much remains to be decided before that might happen, The Register visited Baxter Springs to see how the facility fits into the community.
The former high school building and the 1970s era industrial arts building, at right, were renovated for senior living in 2014.
LIKE IOLA?S schools, the former Baxter Springs High School sits smack dab in a residential area. Single-family houses surround all sides. Parking is limited, but it?s enough for residents. Sometimes, when a church or other community group uses the school?s gymnasium for an event, it can be difficult to find an available parking spot.
Each morning and afternoon, a school bus pulls up to the north side of the former school. It?s still used as a bus stop to transport middle and high school students to the new school campus just north of the city.
