Sale of former elementary school offers new beginning to North Side

SIDNEY-- A sad chapter in Sidney history occurred in May of 2024 with the closing of the North Ward Elementary School in Sidney. It was the oldest existing building owned by the Sidney Public Schools, with construction having been completed in 1930. At the time of its opening, it was described in a Sidney Telegraph article from October 27, 1931 as, "the building embodies every new architectural innovation and is the last word in school accommodations. Ample ventilation and light, better class rooms and additional office space have been created. The fire menace, of course, has been entirely eliminated from the structure with the use of as little lumber as possible in construction."

It was an impressive structure that served Sidney well for many years, but due to budget cuts and other considerations, the North Ward Elementary School was shut down, and its students reassigned to other elementary schools in the Sidney Public School system. Although it was a sad chapter that ended the school, a new and possibly very happy chapter for the building and its property could be right around the corner. There is a sense of excitement in finding out what could be made of the property and the buildings.

City Manager David Scott said, "Hopefully, something good is done with the property, like maybe an entertainment venue. Something that will benefit the entire community."

Mayor Brad Sherman said, "There's several possibilities for this property that would be great. Perhaps a Children's Museum or affordable housing for the community. We need something beneficial for the entire community and it will be exciting to see what happens."

The first of two auctions, of all of the school's equipment will take place on November 21, 2024.

The auction is online only, but bidders can preview the equipment at the school on November 21 from 9 am until 5 pm. Furniture, desks, a Baldwin piano and several vehicles will be up for bids, as well as the outdoor playground equipment.

The North Ward building and property will be auctioned on December 12 at 5:35 pm. The property is located at 1600 Elm Street in Sidney and will be sold to the highest qualified bidder with absolutely no reserve or buyers premium.  

Local favorite Dickey and Associates Auctioneers will be conducting both sales, and full information is available at http://www.daauctioneers.hibid.com/auction/592906/north-ward-elementary-school-equipment-liquidation and daauctioneers.hibid.com/catalog/595733/north-ward-elementary-property-auction

To make an appointment to view the property and pick up a copy of the real estate contract, call Dave Dickey at at 308-249-4141 or Aly at 308-250-2054.