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Future uses pondered for Groveport Elementary and Junior High
(by Rick Palsgrove, Southeast Editor - August 12, 2010)
Groveport Madison school officials are pondering what the future might be for Groveport Elementary and Groveport Madison Junior High School.
If voters approve the school district's $113.7 million bond issue on Nov. 2, the two historic schools would be repurposed for non-school uses. The bond issue calls for replacing the eight other schools in the district. If the bond issue fails, the two historic buildings would continue to serve as schools.
Groveport Elementary and the junior high were both placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2009. The buildings are located side by side on Main Street in downtown Groveport.
"Our goal is to see these buildings remain viable contributors to the community once they are no longer used as schools," said Superintendent Scott McKenzie at the Groveport Madison Board of Education's Aug. 11 meeting.
At that meeting, architect Robert Loversidge Jr., of Schooley Caldwell Associates, gave an assessment of the buildings and their possible future uses.
"This is not a formal proposal," said Loversidge. "It's an initial assessment on what the buildings could be used for. These schools are pretty adaptable. They're sturdy and in good shape. Their bones are intact. They're well located and their grounds are elegant."
Loversidge noted Groveport Elementary's "beautiful wood floors," natural light, and stated the well preserved gym and auditorium are "tremendous assets to the community." He added the junior high's large gymnasium is "spectacular."
Loversidge listed 13 preliminary, potential future uses for the old schools: historic museum/gallery; community theater; recreational center; recreational leagues; government administrative offices; professional business offices; senior housing; senior center social services facility; community technological center; corporate retreat center; professional development training; or hotel.
"The buildings can continue to be a central gathering space for the community," said Loversidge.
McKenzie said school officials want to talk with other community leaders and members of the community soon to get their thoughts and ideas on how the buildings could be used in the future.
| Comments (1) |
On August 25, 2010 Shannon said:
If both the Elementary and Junior High Schools within the Village of Groveport are in such good shape, sturdy and well located with elegant grounds and natural light,why can they not be used as schools rather than multi purpose community buildings? We need more schools for our children. Why are we not proposing to keep the good schools we have and also build new schools in addition to these schools? |
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