Developer Sought to Transform Former School Building into Mixed-Use Community Asset

The SDCSC Board voted to close Moores Hill Elementary School in 2021.

Photo provided.

(Moores Hill, Ind.) - The Town of Moores Hill Redevelopment Commission, in partnership with One Dearborn Economic Development, is officially accepting proposals from qualified developers to reimagine the former Moores Hill School property. This Request for Proposals (RFP) offers a rare opportunity to lead a catalytic adaptive reuse project in the heart of Moores Hill’s downtown core.

The 7.5-acre site, located at 14733 Main Street, includes the 50,254 square foot former school building, driveways, and adjacent greenfield space. Moores Hill is seeking a development partner to repurpose the vacant facility into a mixed-use space that aligns with the Town’s long-term vision, emphasizing housing, community use, and quality-of-life enhancement.

RELATED: SDCSC Board Votes 7-0 To Close Moores Hill Elementary

“The Town’s goal is to revitalize this central property into something that both honors the past and looks toward the future,” said Lynn Allen, Moores Hill Town Council President. “We’re looking for a developer who shares our commitment to small town quality of life and sees the potential to create something transformative.”

Key Project Highlights:

• Offering Price: $667,500
• Redevelopment Site: 7.5 acres total, including the 1987 school building and approximately 3.3 acres of adjacent greenfield
• Preferred Uses: Senior or affordable housing, community center, mixed-use (small business, workforce training, arts, etc.)
• Incentives Available: Potential TIF, tax abatement, CDBG, LIHTC, and access to local and state financing resources

Proposals incorporating senior housing and publicly accessible community spaces will receive strong consideration. The Town will support rezoning if necessary to accommodate adaptive reuse.

“This is an excellent fit for a developer looking to combine mission-driven investment with economic return,” said Jeff Gnoose, member of the Moores Hill Redevelopment Commission. “We believe this project will become a cornerstone for Moores Hill’s future.”

A Phase I environmental assessment has been completed and is available upon request. The school building is not historically designated but is located adjacent to the historic Carnegie Hall—originally home to what is now the University of Evansville.

Proposal submissions are due by 2:00 p.m. EST on Friday, October 3, 2025.
To download the full RFP and learn more about the opportunity, visit www.1dearborn.org/moores-hill-school-rfp.

For questions or site tours, contact:

Lynn Allen
Town Council President
lynn@mooreshill.in.gov, 812-744-6213 (office), 812-584-3911 (mobile)