Ownership of Former Greenbelt High School Building (Springhill Lake Elementary)
Greenbelt, MD
Summary
Council introduced a resolution stating the city wants to buy the Springhill Lake Elementary building — the historic 1938 Greenbelt High School — once the county decommissions it. The new right-of-first-refusal resolution could help, though school surplus rules differ.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 8
- Last 30 days
- 4
Discussed at 2 meetings in the last 60 days; most recently Oct 26, 2026.
Impact analysis
No spending authorized yet; acquisition costs to be mapped before any vote.
The city and community, if the historic building is repurposed for municipal and community use.
Potentially taxpayers, if the city later accepts a building with expensive structural and historic-designation burdens.
Mentions & discussions (6)
City Council - Oct 26, 2026
If the county decommissions the Springhill Lake Elementary building (the historic original Greenbelt High School), the city has said it wants first refusal on taking it. Supporters see a rare chance to preserve a landmark; opponents warn the building has serious structural problems, historic-trust restrictions, and could cost a fortune like the armory situation.
City Council - Oct 12, 2026
Council introduced a resolution stating the city wants to buy the Springhill Lake Elementary building — the historic 1938 Greenbelt High School — once the county decommissions it. The new right-of-first-refusal resolution could help, though school surplus rules differ.
General - Jul 15, 2026
Students are moving to a new school and 90-95% of them currently walk. The Council brainstormed crossing guards, possible bus service, safe walking routes, and coordination with the Franklin Park at Greenbelt Station development.
City Council - Jun 22, 2026
Councilmember Pope asked staff to tell the Board of Education the city wants a seat at the table for planning the new Springhill Lake Elementary School.
City Council - Feb 23, 2026
The Council sent comments to the county about rebuilding Springhill Lake Elementary at 6060 Springhill Drive. The school serves families on Greenbelt's west side.
City Council - Feb 9, 2026
The Advisory Planning Board flagged the new 850-student Springhill Lake Elementary — badly needed since the school is 133% over capacity — with concerns about pedestrian safety, future growth from Beltway Plaza development, and limited outdoor space.
Related development
Acquisition of Former Greenbelt High School / Springhill Lake Elementary
Could preserve a historic building for community or municipal use; no money committed yet and a vote comes later.
Springhill Lake Elementary School Reconstruction (MRF-2023-012)
Families near the school will see a modernized campus; the city's comments shape county planning decisions.
We'll email you when it's on an upcoming agenda and when it's voted on, at most once a day.
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