Strategic Move Supports Long-Term Growth and Operational Efficiency While Creating Opportunities to Sell Older Buildings
[Peru, IN] – [July 7, 2025] — Peru Community Schools is pleased to announce the recent decision to move forward with the purchase of the Roxy property near the school’s north athletic complex. The property will be repurposed to serve as a new transportation and maintenance facility, as well as provide office space for the district’s administrative team. This purchase also provides restroom facilities and parking for athletic practices and games.
The Roxy has struggled in recent years, especially since 2020. “Covid killed the theater business. During the pandemic, more than 50% of movie theaters closed and never reopened. We’ve been looking for an exit strategy for a very long time. We could have sold the property for light manufacturing or a similar business, but that doesn’t serve the community as well as the school having it,” said Dave VanBaalen, Managing Partner of The Roxy LLC.
Purchasing the property under the appraised value will support the district’s commitment to fiscal responsibility. By transitioning to the new facility, the district will be able to sell several aging properties currently in use, lowering maintenance costs, and potentially generating revenue.
“The opportunity provided to our school district to purchase The Roxy property could not come at a better time,” said Trent McCormick, Superintendent of Peru Community Schools. “This project will allow the district to button up the North Tiger Complex vision that was started several years ago.”
This acquisition represents a strategic investment in the future of the district which will centralize operations, increase efficiency in transportation services, and improve working conditions for staff.
The new location consolidates three departments into a central location while providing a stronger presence at our north campus. The transportation and maintenance departments, which are currently spread across multiple facilities, will benefit from improved equipment access and a central location. Additionally, moving our administrative center to the north campus will allow more accessibility to staff, students, and families, fostering transparency and trust. The school district is also developing a plan to continue the summer and holiday movie programs provided by The Roxy.