Land Betterment finding reuse for vacant school
FISHERS, Ind. (Inside INdiana Business) – A Fishers-based company has announced plans to repurpose a former elementary school in Kentucky. Land Betterment Corp., which is currently redeveloping the former Landree Mine in Green County, says it plans to transform the school and surrounding property into an ag-tech center with a focus on vertical and greenhouse farming.
Land Betterment is in the process of acquiring the Willard Elementary School building in the city of Hazard, which closed in 2018. The building sits on nearly four acres of land, and the company says its Vertical and Groh subsidiaries will work with Hazard Technical College to “upcycle” the property into a local agricultural tech center.
“Most schools’ architectural design and footprint are a really good fit to repurpose into ag-tech facilities,” said Thomas Sauve, chief development officer for Land Betterment. “The Willard School will require some rehabilitation and development, but we are really excited to work with the community and Hazard Technical College to foster innovative opportunities and build on the regional momentum in ag-tech.”
The company says the acquisition is expected to be complete within 30 days.