Sandy Buys School for $17M, Funds Innovation Center

A shuttered middle school in Sandy, Utah is getting a second life serving the public good, thanks to a creative deal that benefits students and residents alike.

Canyons School District unanimously approved selling the former Crescent View Middle School to Sandy City for $17 million. The city plans to transform the 17.8-acre property into a civic asset, though specific plans are still being developed.

"There's a lot of potential there," said Sandy City Mayor Monica Zoltanski. "Right now, it's in the early phases where we're assembling ideas."

The school closed in 2013 when a newer building opened, but the property stayed busy. For years, it housed students temporarily while their schools underwent renovations. Since 2024, it's been home to the Life Skills Academy, a program for post-high school students with differing abilities.

The district received competing offers from private developers who wanted to build on the prime location. Instead, Canyons chose Sandy City's proposal because it keeps the property in public hands.

"They want it to stay an asset for the community and that's what we, as a board prefer, it's the best-case scenario," said Amber Shill, Canyons Board of Education president. Sandy City matched the highest private offer to make it happen.

The Ripple Effect

The sale creates wins across the community. Revenue from the property will fund renovations at the district's new innovation center, set to open in August 2027. That facility will give students cutting-edge learning opportunities in science, technology and career skills.

The Life Skills Academy gets a full year to find a better permanent home. District leaders are looking for a location near businesses for student internships and accessible to public transportation, both crucial for teaching independence.

"We're preparing our students for independent living and having transportation to help them with pre-job readiness will help prepare them for life after school," said LSA Principal Stacey Nofsinger.

Meanwhile, the Crescent View building served its purpose well. The district has rebuilt or remodeled all eight of its middle schools and has enough capacity to handle future projects without needing the aging facility.

Sandy City has nine months to finalize its vision for the property, which sits next to Crescent Park. Whatever emerges will serve residents rather than becoming private development.

Sometimes the best deals happen when everyone puts community first.