Securing our Future
Exciting developments lie ahead for Limestone. One key move towards a more stable future involves acquiring our current building and the adjacent 3.5 acres of land.
Our target is to secure the building by Summer 2025, and we have already started collaborating with the award-winning architectural firm Multistudio to outline potential renovation and expansion plans for the space.
There are numerous reasons why this location is perfect. It’s uncommon to come across a place in Lawrence that is suitable for a school and offers ample land to enrich student education. Due to its proximity, a lot of our students can easily bike to school. Other sites either lie on the outskirts of town or exceed our requirements in size. We are excited about the opportunity to purchase this building to strengthen our work.
One of Limestone’s cornerstones is being “earth-centered.” Keeping this principle at the forefront, we are exploring actionable measures to convert our building into a “Living Building.” The idea of a Living Building is organized into seven performance areas: place, water, energy, health and happiness, materials, equity, and beauty. The planning phase will include perspectives from our staff, students, parents, and other interested stakeholders.
Space for Play
Limestone boasts 3.5 acres of outdoor space, including a massive playground with dozens of mature trees.
The Perfect Location
Properties with a suitable school building and acres of land within city limits are exceedingly rare. We must purchase this property to secure the future of our school and its mission!
Outdoor Learning
Limestone learners use our outdoor spaces as extensions of their classrooms, whether they are climbing trees in the forest walk, investigating seasonal changes in our prairie patch, or helping our chef plan out the garden.
Looking Ahead
Once the building is secured, we will turn our efforts towards renovation and expansion, partnering with architecture firm Multistudio.
The Plan
Limestone Community school was granted rights of first refusal for the sale of 2141 Maple Lane in the Fall of 2024.
In early 2025, families and friends of Limestone Community School pledged to raise $15,000 towards the down payment for the building. This grassroots effort will show private donors and granting organizations that our community is committed to the future of our school and its mission.
In Spring 2025, Limestone’s community will pursue funding from private donors, businesses, and granting organizations for the down payment on our building.
In late spring or early summer of 2025, Limestone Community School will obtain a mortgage from a local credit union to purchase the building.
In Summer 2025, Limestone Community School will become the official owner of the building and property at 2141 Maple Lane, securing the future of our school.
In Fall 2025 and beyond, LCS will pivot our fundraising efforts to the renovations and expansion of the building, in partnership with Multistudio.
Initial estimates for renovations, based on information from architectural plans and construction costs:
- Library – $500,000
- Each Classroom Addition – $500,000
- Each Renovated Classroom – $250,000
- Multipurpose Room – $400,000
We would like to thank the following donors for their contributions!
Jeanne Andersen
Anonymous
Elena and David Brown
Laura Canelos
Caitlin Castelaz
Victoria DeLaughder
John Druzba
Beverly D. Findlay
Teri Grunthaner
Nabil Hanke
Jepson-Pike Family
Cooper & Lynda Nickel
Wanda Philibert
Cindy Puett
Marilyn Ray
Katherine Siegfried
Hope Steinle