July 9, 2023 9:40p
(WGTD)---A tentative deal has been reached on a property swap between Racine Unified and the City of Racine.
Under the agreement, the city will hand over control of Franklin Park to RUSD for use as athletic fields for the under-construction Red Apple K-8. In return, the city will receive three school buildings that are either closed or scheduled for closure. They are Winslow and Janes elementary schools and the existing Red Apple Elementary.
According to documents sent to a Racine City Council committee, the city intends to redevelop those properties now and in the future, although specifics weren't included.
The school district is eager to obtain the park site because the new Red Apple on Center St., while spacious in its interior, is hemmed in by existing development.
Both historic Winslow and Janes schools were built in the 1850s. While Winslow has been closed for some time, Janes was among those schools targeted for closure in the 2020 facilities downsizing and modernization referendum. Red Apple on Patrick St. will close when the new K-8 Red Apple is ready for occupancy.
The proposed land swap will be discussed Monday night.
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