SPS finalizes sale of Robberson Elementary School

March 12, 2025

Elevate Lives, a non-profit group, is the new owner of the former Robberson Elementary School property. The group purchased the former school campus from Springfield Public Schools for $500,000. 

The Board of Education declared the Robberson property, located at 1100 E. Kearney St., as surplus in August 2024, following the transition of Robberson students to Boyd Elementary School. This step initiated the process for SPS to accept proposals from interested buyers. 

A total of seven entities submitted proposals to purchase the property, with the majority offering between $400,000 and $500,000. When selecting the successful bidder, SPS considered the proposed use of the facility and how it might positively impact the neighborhood in addition to the purchase price.

In its proposal, Elevate Lives said it would collaborate with several other organizations to create a mixed-use facility that will serve as a hub for community revitalization and development of the neighborhood, including providing affordable housing and community services like childcare and educational programs for youth, adults and families throughout Springfield. It would also like to provide space for the Robberson Neighborhood Association.

“This building holds so many memories for the neighborhood, and we’re excited to build on that history by creating a space where lives can be transformed and people can discover how to thrive,” said Russ Gosselin, CEO of Elevate Lives.

“We are happy that Elevate Lives sees the potential for this former elementary school to continue to serve residents of the Robberson neighborhood,” said Superintendent Grenita Lathan. “While it no longer meets the needs of SPS, we are excited that it will be repurposed into a place that will support future generations of students and their families.”

For more information about Elevate Lives, visit www.elevatelives.org.