LOUISA COUNTY, IOWA

Photo of the former Grandview School, now Grandview Complex. Also pictured is Frances Fry, Grandview Complex resident, at home in her kitchen.

There could be no other name as fitting for this place – what a “grand view” from inside the building, especially from the third floor. Residents and their guests can see for miles out of this historic structure.

The Grandview School, constructed in 1918, is now known as Grand View Complex, an apartment building. It was bought by sealed bids in August 1993, by local residents Lawrence and Betty Rowe, and Earl and Nancy McGill, with Wes and Betty Hochgraber of Quincy, Illinois.

According to Lawrence Rove, the partnership that has been formed has created a “win-win,” situation for all involved. “We (the Rowes and McGills) have been able to retain local ownership of the old school. Wes and Betty have renovated other school buildings, so their knowledge and experience is valuable,” he says,“ and affordable housing is something that this county needs.”

The Rowes and McGills attended school here, and the Rowes graduated from Grandview High School. With this purchase, a piece of family history is being preserved.

The last seniors to graduate from Grandview was the Class of 1959. The school was used as an elementary school for Louisa-Muscatine Community School District, and was closed in 1993 when a new elementary was built.

Construction began on the Complex in the fall of 1993, and continues on a unity-by-unit basis. The partners do most of the work themselves, using as much of the existing materials as possible, especially the woodwork. The project has been a “family affair”- there seems to be enough work to go around for all, women and children included. Among others, duties include planning and purchasing materials, insulating, plumbing, wiring carpentry, painting, staining, and los of cleaning.

The rental units, a total of 18 possible, become available for occupancy as they are completed. Each unit includes carpet throughout, a stove and refrigerator and its own heating and central air units. There is also laundry facility on the property.

No two units will be alike, however, as the layouts of the apartments change from room to room depending upon the existing structure. Colors and décor will also vary.

There are currently two tenants at Grand View Complex. One such resident is Frances Fry, who moved in just before Thanksgiving last year. A former Grandview student, Fry is thrilled with her decision to move into the renovated school. “I came from a ten room farmhouse, so I wasn’t sure how it was all going to fit,” she says. “But I’m getting along real well. It feels just like home to me.”

“My family was here for the holidays, and they were impressed,” she continued. “I have a sister who now plans to move here too.” Fry said that her family especially enjoyed the use of the gym, which remains just as it was when the building housed students. Row state that the gym has been used by the community, for tae kwon do lessons and horseshoe pitching, for example, and will continue to be available for such uses.

The wooden floors have been covered with carpet, the ceilings are lower, and the chalkboards are no longer visible.

But every once in a while, someone still pounds a basketball on the gym floor, the aroma of fresh-baked food fills the hallways, and the faint sound of children’s laughter can be heard from the playground. At first glance, the appearance may be different, but once a school always a school at heart.