The old Albert Lea High School building has sat empty for two years. After the new high school was built, the old one was sold by the district for a nominal cost to Hastings real estate developer Ed Rymer, who is still looking for a new use for the building.

Rymer said he is planning on some sort of housing but isn’t sure what kind.

Assisted living is one possibility, among others.

&uot;I’m looking for a co-developer to do some assisted-living housing,&uot; Rymer said.

He said he has found some interested parties, and added that, &uot;if everything goes well,&uot; the project could be underway within a year.

Rymer’s experience is in retail development, so he said he will definitely need outside help for the project. But despite what appears to be inaction, he maintained that he isn’t giving up on the high school project.

He said he would know much more about the project within the next 30 days.

Albert Lea Mayor Jean Eaton said she is supportive of the project.

She also said she hopes the project can get underway soon.

&uot;We don’t want to see it empty for much longer,&uot; she said. &uot;We’d like to see the project proceed.&uot;