Commissioners told most of LSI campus is for sale; city to consider planning implications

A Planning and Zoning commissioner reported on July 3 that Lutheran Services in Iowa (LSI) has listed most of its Waverly campus for sale, dividing the property into up to six parcels and marketing it with Vine Valley Real Estate.

Commissioner John Meyer said he was told by Mike Knipp of LSI that the organization plans to market the campus in parcels and that the first parcel to be offered is about 15 acres on the north side between the middle school and the existing campus. Meyer said LSI indicated it intends to retain a presence on part of the property while selling other parcels; staff confirmed the campus has been divided into multiple parcels for marketing and that the property’s comprehensive-plan designation is currently institutional.

Commissioners noted that some portions of the campus near the middle school may be developable and observed that portions of the site include detention basins rather than wetlands. Staff said any redevelopment or change of use would require review against the comprehensive plan and appropriate public hearings. Commissioners asked for advance notice and public engagement if developers bring proposals, because the city’s comprehensive plan does not specifically address conversion of institutional campus land to other uses.

No formal action was taken; commissioners requested staff track future submissions and prepare to review site plans and any proposed rezoning or platting.