The Jackson (Michigan) district wants to demolish a historic building on school property to make way for a new school building, but its plan is criticized by historians.
Mlive.com reports that the Jackson County Historical Society has asked Jackson district officials not to demolish Reynolds Hall. The district wants to raze the facility and build an innovation center that would also house the district administration offices.
“While we recognize the need for modern facilities and innovative learning environments, we cannot support the destruction of yet another of Jackson’s historic structures, particularly when viable alternatives exist that involve reinvestment and thoughtful adaptation of our existing buildings,” the statement from the Historical Society says.
Reynolds Hall is a brick building constructed in the 1930s that sits next to Jackson High School.
The demolition plans are part of a $126 million bond proposal the district has placed on the Nov. 4 ballot.
The historical society argues the building is still viable and should be preserved. District officials disagree and intend to move forward with the plan.
School Superintendent Jeremy Patterson says the building is a long way from what it once was; it doesn’t serve students and is too costly to maintain.
Reynolds Hall is officially designated as a “historic” building in Jackson.
“This designation underscores its cultural and historical importance not only to Jackson, but to Michigan history as a whole," the Historical Society says. "Demolition of this building would set a troubling precedent, disregarding our shared heritage for the sake of convenience."
