"I think your plan is very good, for another location. Some place closer to a grocery store," said Aaron Edwards of Community First, Inc.

Aaron Edwards criticizes James McClinton with Pioneer Group, who would like to renovate Sumner School for senior housing.

But McClinton fires back at Edwards about Community First's plans to put a charter school within Sumner's walls, a proposal rejected by the 501 school board.

"You can't keep waiting for new school boards. What if they say no again?" said James McClinton of the Pioneer Group.

The Pioneer Group says it would like to model its efforts for senior living after what the group has done with the former Curtis Jr. High. Apartments surrounded by townhomes.

"We would bring in housing for seniors and also restore the historic piece of this structure," McClinton said.

In addition to the charter school proposal, Community First wants to add a pre-school, health clinic, senior center and a performing arts center. It's a proposal neighbor Deborah Edwards has gotten on-board with.

"What the community wanted was a multi-tenant use facility that was available to the community," Deborah Edwards said.

The city council started paperwork in a move toward demolition, and told each side they'd have to come up with the money to buy the building, or it would be torn down.

"We've already proposed to put $6.5 million into the project," McClinton said.

"How much do you want for the building? We've never been told that."

While they may differ on their missions, both sides agree on one thing.

"But we don't want to demolish it. I think we all agree on that."

The state Historical Preservation Society is hoping to meet with the City to discuss the terms of the covenant.