By: NICOLAS FIERRO
Salina Post
The former Roosevelt-Lincoln Junior High School, now turned apartment complex in downtown Salina is currently under a $20 million renovation.
According to management company Van Binsbergen & Associates (who used to manage the complex), the former "Pioneer President's Place" apartment complex on 220 S. 7th St., is currently undergoing renovation to improve livability.
The complex was recently bought by Flint Hills Holdings Group (FHHG) from Pioneer Property Group, who initially owned the complex and named it "Pioneer President's Place."
The former Pioneer President's Place, was an apartment complex that housed 61 units only available for 55 and older residents.
According to Tony Krsnich of FHHG, the now under renovation apartment complex that will be named "RL Lofts," will include renovations to all 61 units, windows, roof, flooring and much more other amenities.
Krsnich stated they acquired the complex from Pioneer Property Group about a year ago. According to Krsnich, about 5 years ago, the owner of Pioneer Property Group passed away and the complex since then has been experiencing 'deferred maintenance.'
When FHHG purchased the property, they made an application to keep the complex at affordable housing and to also open the apartment complex for all ages.
"The problem you have with an apartment complex that is for 55 and older only, is 2 out of 3 people who apply, you have to say no to them," said Krsnich. "There can be someone who is 54 years old that works at the hospital and you have to say no to them, but instead we are opening it up to everyone."
Krsnich added that the renovation should have been done 5 years ago.
According to Krsnich, FHHG was awarded $17 million in tax credits by the Kansas Housing Resource Corporation (KHRC) for renovation. The City of Salina also awarded FHHG with a 95% tax rebate, making this project to be around a $20 million investment.
Krsnich stated the reason they received these funds was to keep the complex at affordable housing, with 80% of it being affordable for an additional 30 years, once the renovation is complete.
FHHG is known to perform state and federal historic tax credit developments and affordable housing tax credit developments across the Midwest.
When the renovation was originally initiated, each of the residents were informed and updated about it by FHHG.
According to Vans Binsbergen & Associates, they have a list of the residents who are wishing to come back once the renovation is completed. Once the renovation happened, each of the residents were relocated to other living sites across the Salina area.
The residents also received incentives and their full security deposit back by FHHG, when the residents were moved out.
Krsnich said they coordinated with the Salina Housing Authority and the City of Salina during the move out process. He added they gave residents extra time stay if necessary when the renovation was about to take place as well.
"We went above and beyond to make sure everyone in the building had a place to go," said a Vans Binsbergen & Associates representative.
OCCK Transportation also assisted the residents during the relocation.
"I wish I can fast forward a year and see what I believe is going to be national award winning project," said Krsnich.
Salina Arts & Humanities will also be curating the artwork that will be displayed at "RL Lofts" once completed.
A completion date for "RL Lofts" is anticipated for October 2026.