Rott School Could See New Life as Sunset Hills Man's Home

A Sunset Hills man is hoping to convert the former Rott School/Judevine Center for Autism into a single-family home.

Anthony Garavaglia purchased 9455 Rott Rd., for $275,000 a year and a half ago, he said. During Tuesday’s Board of Aldermen meeting, Garavaglia shared his plans to complete a historic renovation on the building. The school is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and he has received preliminary approval for historic tax credits to restore the school as a single-family residence.

Tuesday Garavaglia sought board approval to rezone the property so he can divide the green space on its south half into two smaller lots. There is already interest to build homes, creating a 'minor subdivision' on the property. (It was speculated when the property was purchased in 2011 that the plot would be used for three single-family homes.)

The sale of the smaller lots is detrimental to financing the renovation, he said.

Neighbor Mike Morris spoke against the zoning change and presented a petition with 47 signatures of residents in and around the Tapawingo subdivsions who were also against Garavaglia's proposal.

“These acre-lots we have are a source of pride, pleasure and privacy. Reducing these lots sizes to R-2 will take away all the reasons we chose to live here,” Morris said.

The board approved the rezoning 5-3, with aldermen Richard Gau, Thomas Musich and Dee Baebler voting against.

Garavaglia secured the building with cameras and alarms shortly after purchase, though the old school remains a favorite spot for trespassers. Motion sensors were taken from the building last September. Dealing with the break-ins and vandalism has become a burden to his family, Garavaglia said.

Will you be happy to see someone turn the building into a home, or should there be a different use for the property? Tell us in the comments.

Catch up on the latest Sunset Hills and Crestwood news:

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• Lindbergh Ranks Among Missouri's Top Ten Best High Schools