The long-quiet Washington School site in Midtown Ventura is finally back in the spotlight. This 5.35-acre property at 96 MacMillan Avenue, home to a century-old school building that’s part of Ventura’s history, could soon be transformed into something entirely new.
In September 2025, the Ventura Unified School District (VUSD) officially released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the property, inviting qualified developers to submit plans to buy, lease, or redevelop the site. And while nothing has been decided yet, the ideas on the table could significantly shape Midtown’s future.
A Historic Campus with a New Chapter Ahead
Built in 1925, the former Washington Elementary School has deep roots in Ventura’s story. The campus served local families for generations before closing in 1982 due to declining enrollment. It later became home to Ventura County Christian School, which operated there until 2023.
The main school building spans more than 38,000 square feet, sitting on a 5.35-acre parcel zoned R-3-5 (multi-family residential). In 2024, the property earned a place on the National Register of Historic Places, recognizing its architectural and cultural significance. That historic designation means any future developer will have to preserve key features of the existing structures while integrating them into new plans.
Washington School.
Ventura Unified’s Goals for the Site
According to the RFP, Ventura Unified is looking for proposals that achieve one or more of the following goals:
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Maximize revenue for the district through a sale or long-term lease
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Provide workforce housing for Ventura Unified employees
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Benefit the broader community while maintaining responsible stewardship of district assets
The district has made clear it’s open to a variety of creative ideas—from housing developments to mixed-use projects to educational or community uses. Proposals must be submitted electronically by December 4, 2025, with final selection and Board of Education approval expected by February 2026
Washington School.
Community Input: Affordable Housing, Trade Schools, and Open Space
At a town hall meeting held on October 7, more than 100 Ventura residents, teachers, and community leaders gathered to discuss potential uses for the Washington School site, along with other surplus VUSD properties.
Speakers shared passionate ideas:
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Affordable housing for teachers and school staff struggling to live in the city where they work
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Trade schools or vocational programs to support local workforce development
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Public park space or community facilities to enhance neighborhood life
One longtime Ventura resident and teacher summed it up best: “My daughter wants to teach for Ventura Unified, but she’ll never be able to afford a home in our neighborhood. Housing for educators is more important than ever.”
That sentiment struck a chord. Ventura’s high housing costs continue to make it difficult for educators, first responders, and young professionals to live locally. Projects like this could help bridge that gap—if done thoughtfully.
A Complex Balancing Act
Redeveloping a historic school site isn’t simple. The property’s current land use designation under Ventura’s 2005 General Plan is Parks and Open Space, but the upcoming 2050 General Plan proposes to reclassify it as School, giving the district more flexibility to consider adaptive reuse or partial redevelopment
Washington School
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Any new proposal will need to address not only historic preservation but also zoning compatibility, traffic impact, neighborhood character, and community benefit. Developers will likely need to hire a historic preservation consultant and work closely with city planners to meet local and state requirements.
Why This Matters for Midtown Ventura
The Washington School site sits in the heart of Midtown, a neighborhood defined by tree-lined streets, vintage homes, and a strong sense of identity. Redevelopment here could influence the area’s direction for decades to come.
Handled well, the project could:
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Provide attainable housing for teachers and local workers
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Preserve an important architectural landmark
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Introduce green space or community amenities
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Serve as a model for adaptive reuse across Ventura
Handled poorly, it could trigger neighborhood opposition or risk losing a piece of the city’s cultural fabric.
That’s why this process matters—not just for the district’s finances, but for the broader conversation about growth, affordability, and community character in Ventura.
What Happens Next
Here’s the current timeline, according to the district and DCG Strategies:
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September 30, 2025 – RFP released
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October 22, 2025 – Guided property tour (optional)
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October 23, 2025 – Pre-proposal conference (virtual)
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December 4, 2025 – Proposal deadline
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February 2026 – Target for Board of Education approval
Washington School
Until then, it’s a waiting game. Developers, architects, and community members will have their say—but the final decision will rest with the Ventura Unified School Board.
Final Thoughts
Ventura is at a crossroads. The city needs housing, but it also values history, neighborhood character, and public engagement. The Washington School site is a test case for how Ventura can balance all of those priorities at once.
Whether it becomes affordable teacher housing, a mixed-use community hub, or something entirely different, one thing’s certain: this project will shape the next chapter of Midtown Ventura’s story.
Stay tuned to the Ventura Real Estate Report for updates as proposals come in and the district’s decision approaches.
