05/04/2026
Work continues at the RL Lofts in downtown Salina, KS, where two century-old former middle school buildings are being reimagined for a new chapter of residential life. Known originally as Roosevelt and Lincoln schools, the historic structures give the project its name and ground the renovation in the site’s long-standing role in the community.
Built in 1915 (Lincoln) and 1925 (Roosevelt), these buildings have given back to the community time and time again. They once held several hundred students, and then were home to 61 residential units as they served as affordable housing for individuals 55 and above.
Hutton architects designed the renewed historic buildings around many original features, which will continue to be preserved throughout the process of the renovation, including the original exterior brick, limestone and notable stone features. Residents will notice the stone busts of unnamed children, a sculpture of a teacher instructing students and original stone mosaics both inside and outside of Lincoln. On Roosevelt, notable original features include a decorative namesake of Teddy Roosevelt with his engraved name and initials, and a checkered stone and brick exterior pattern.
The updated buildings will soon serve Salina residents with affordable housing open to all ages. This design-build renovation includes building envelope updates, brick cleaning and restoration, new windows and complete reroofing, structural repairs in the basement plus waterproofing, and mechanical system upgrades.
Residents will see interior renovations like updated finishes with new cabinets, trim, new paint, plaster wall restoration, new doors, new floors and historical-styled light fixtures.
These apartments will be move-in ready with new appliances, while modernized elevators reshape the living experience, honoring the history of the buildings and preparing them for decades of continued service to the Salina community.
Salina Downtown, Inc.
