Schoolhouse Apartments Receives LIHTC Award, Moving Historic Ogallala Redevelopment Forward!
A major milestone has been reached in the redevelopment of the former Ogallala Middle School!
The Keith County Housing Development Corporation (KCHDC), in partnership with Big Red Development, recently announced that Schoolhouse Apartments has received a Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) award through the Nebraska Investment Finance Authority (NIFA).
The award provides a critical piece of financing for the nearly $16 million redevelopment, which will transform the historic school into 40 new apartments — 32 affordable units and 8 market-rate units.
“Large, impactful projects rarely happen quickly, and I think sometimes it is difficult to see just how much work happens before there is ever anything visible to show for it,” said Mary Wilson, Executive Director of KCHDC. “There are years of conversations, meetings, applications, setbacks, problem-solving and moments when you simply have to keep believing that something this important is worth pursuing.”
Originally constructed in 1922 as Ogallala High School, the building later served generations of students as a junior high and middle school before becoming vacant in 2015. Plans call for preserving the historic exterior while creating modern apartments inside. The existing gymnasium is also planned for renovation as a healthy-living and community activation space.
For KCHDC, the project represents both a significant investment in housing and an opportunity to preserve an important piece of Ogallala’s history.
“We know how badly our community needs housing, and adding 40 new residential units at one time will have a tremendous impact,” Wilson said. “But there is something especially meaningful about meeting that need by breathing new life into a building that holds so many memories for generations of people from Ogallala. We aren’t just creating housing—we are giving an important piece of our community a new chapter.”
The Keith County Housing Development Corporation (KCHDC), in partnership with Big Red Development, recently announced that Schoolhouse Apartments has received a Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) award through the Nebraska Investment Finance Authority (NIFA).
The award provides a critical piece of financing for the nearly $16 million redevelopment, which will transform the historic school into 40 new apartments — 32 affordable units and 8 market-rate units.
“Large, impactful projects rarely happen quickly, and I think sometimes it is difficult to see just how much work happens before there is ever anything visible to show for it,” said Mary Wilson, Executive Director of KCHDC. “There are years of conversations, meetings, applications, setbacks, problem-solving and moments when you simply have to keep believing that something this important is worth pursuing.”
Originally constructed in 1922 as Ogallala High School, the building later served generations of students as a junior high and middle school before becoming vacant in 2015. Plans call for preserving the historic exterior while creating modern apartments inside. The existing gymnasium is also planned for renovation as a healthy-living and community activation space.
For KCHDC, the project represents both a significant investment in housing and an opportunity to preserve an important piece of Ogallala’s history.
“We know how badly our community needs housing, and adding 40 new residential units at one time will have a tremendous impact,” Wilson said. “But there is something especially meaningful about meeting that need by breathing new life into a building that holds so many memories for generations of people from Ogallala. We aren’t just creating housing—we are giving an important piece of our community a new chapter.”
KCHDC purchased the former Middle School property in November 2023 after years of conversations about its future. Support from local individuals, businesses and organizations, along with the City of Ogallala’s investment through LB840, helped fund early demolition and environmental work needed to prepare the property for redevelopment.
KCHDC Chairperson Charlie Wortman said the LIHTC award is the culmination of years of work and community support.
“While the wheels of progress sometimes turn slowly, the results are often well worth the wait,” Wortman said. “I cannot think of a better use for this property, and we look forward to the start of construction and the transformation of the site into a beautiful development that will benefit our community for years to come.”
Located at 205 E. 6th Street, Schoolhouse Apartments will be within walking distance of a grocery store, public library, Ogallala Senior High School and the historic downtown area, providing future residents convenient access to community amenities.
With the LIHTC award secured, the project will now move into the next stages of development as the team prepares for construction — bringing a long-discussed vision one step closer to reality.
This project is a reminder of what is possible when a community comes together around a shared vision and stays committed to seeing it through!
KCHDC Chairperson Charlie Wortman said the LIHTC award is the culmination of years of work and community support.
“While the wheels of progress sometimes turn slowly, the results are often well worth the wait,” Wortman said. “I cannot think of a better use for this property, and we look forward to the start of construction and the transformation of the site into a beautiful development that will benefit our community for years to come.”
Located at 205 E. 6th Street, Schoolhouse Apartments will be within walking distance of a grocery store, public library, Ogallala Senior High School and the historic downtown area, providing future residents convenient access to community amenities.
With the LIHTC award secured, the project will now move into the next stages of development as the team prepares for construction — bringing a long-discussed vision one step closer to reality.
This project is a reminder of what is possible when a community comes together around a shared vision and stays committed to seeing it through!
