Roosevelt plan OK'd by schools

By Shannon Joyce Neal
Dayton Daily News

DAYTON | Dayton Public Schools has authorized a local development company lead by Dunbar High School graduate and professional football player Dan Wilkinson to move forward with its plans to turn the Roosevelt Center into a senior housing complex and community center.

On Tuesday, the school board approved a proposal submitted this year by Karrington-Wilkinson to turn the former high school at 2013 W. Third St. into senior citizens housing, offices for the Dayton Police Department's Third District, medical offices and classroom space for YMCA programs. Many of the building's features would be turned into community facilities, including the building's two swimming pools, auditorium and cafeteria.

One of the factors that will be studied under the proposal is the placement of a new school for students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grades.

Mark Parks, Wilkinson's partner, said the company is eager to begin work on the project. The first step, he said, is to complete plans for 90 senior apartments with the help of local government agencies.

The company also plans to work with Sinclair Community College to develop educational programs for seniors on the site.

In its proposal to the school district, the company estimated the project would cost $25 million and be completed by 2008.

Karrington-Wilkinson, run by Detroit Lions player Wilkinson and Parks, opened its Dayton office this year. The Roosevelt development would be its first major project in the area. The company is working with architect Jeff Wray and the local development company Miller-Valentine Group on the plans for the site.

Contact Shannon Joyce Neal at 225-2436.