When Temple University’s rural dental clinic is up and running in Tamaqua, students will live nearby.

Earlier this week, the Tamaqua Zoning Hearing Board approved a zoning change for the proposed housing at the former site of the Schied’s Department Store.

Zoners unanimously approved a special exception to convert the commercial space at 24 W. Broad St. into a multiple-residential apartment.

The property has been vacant for years and last housed Tire Pros.

The building will be renovated and Temple will pay an annual lease of $316,800 for at least 15 years for the space. Ten third-year and 10 fourth-year dental school students will live at the site and train at the school, which will be at the former Rite Aid pharmacy, 205 Center St.

Contractors are renovating the space into a 24-chair education center and clinic.

Plans are to have the Maurice L. Kornberg School of Dentistry branch open in the fall.

Temple University collaborated with the Tamaqua Area Community Partnership on plans for its first-ever rural dental school, which officials say will help address the critical need for dental services in the region.

— Jill Whalen