DeKalb Developer Revives Apartment Plans for Former St. Mary’s Hospital

UPDATE: After years of delays, developer Jon Sauser is set to present a revised plan to transform the century-old former St. Mary’s Hospital into a new apartment complex. This urgent meeting will take place on Monday at 6 p.m. at the DeKalb Public Library, located at 309 Oak St.

The vacant hospital, situated at 145 Fisk Ave., has been unoccupied since its closure in 1965. Sauser, operating as Fisk DeKalb LLC, received initial City Council approval in November 2022 to rezone the property for the development of 32 apartments. However, progress has stagnated, and the previous plan has now expired due to inaction.

City officials confirm that Sauser will need to seek City Council approval again. The urgency of the situation is heightened as developers have consistently struggled to bring this longstanding project to fruition. Numerous plans have been proposed over the years, but none have succeeded.

In recent months, city officials have reported that Sauser failed to follow through with essential city code processes, including timely extensions or resubmissions of his development plans. The City Council had previously granted multiple extensions, with the most recent occurring in December 2022, allowing Sauser additional time to finalize his proposal.

Notably, the property’s status has improved, as the owner has resolved issues regarding the building’s vacant status under city code, including settling any outstanding fines. Additionally, Sauser has coordinated with the DeKalb Fire Department to enhance site access for emergency vehicles, addressing vital safety concerns.

The upcoming meeting is crucial as it marks a potential turning point for a project that has been stalled for years. Community members and stakeholders are urged to attend and voice their opinions on the proposal that could finally breathe new life into this historic structure.

Sauser’s commitment to reviving the site could not only reshape the landscape of DeKalb but also provide much-needed housing options for residents. As the city continues to grow, the importance of development projects like this becomes increasingly significant, making the outcome of Monday’s meeting imperative for the community.

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as the City Council reviews the new plans for the former St. Mary’s Hospital.