Peru Community Schools Considers Plan to Purchase Roxy Property for New Transportation, Maintenance, and Administrative Facility
Impending Closure of The Roxy Presents Opportunity for School District Improvement
[Peru, IN] – [July 1, 2025] — Peru Community Schools is considering a plan to purchase the property currently occupied by The Roxy movie theater. The property will be repurposed to serve as a new transportation and maintenance facility, as well as provide office space for the district’s administrative team. The property, surrounded by Peru Schools athletic fields, will also provide restroom facilities and parking for athletic practices and games.
The Roxy has struggled in recent years, especially since 2020. “Covid killed the theater business. During the pandemic, more than 50% of movie theaters closed and never reopened. We’ve been looking for an exit strategy for a very long time. We could have sold the property for light manufacturing or a similar business, but that doesn’t serve the community as well as the school having it,” said Dave VanBaalen, Managing Partner of The Roxy LLC.
Purchasing the property under the appraised value will support the district’s commitment to fiscal responsibility. By transitioning to the new facility, the district will be able to sell several aging properties currently in use, lowering maintenance costs, and potentially generating revenue.
“The opportunity provided to our school district to purchase The Roxy property could not come at a better time,” said Trent McCormick, Superintendent of Peru Community Schools. “This project will allow the district to button up the North Tiger Complex vision that was started several years ago.”
Consolidating these three departments into a single location at the Tiger North Complex will allow more accessibility to staff, students, and families, fostering transparency and trust. The school district also hopes to continue the summer and holiday movie programs previously provided by The Roxy.