| 7/6/2026 | 0 |
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
| ADOPTED
Minutes note: Staff Tim Askin reported that the school, located at 1817 West Lincoln Avenue, suffered a devastating fire that caused a total collapse of the roof and extensive interior destruction, rendering it unsafe and essentially uninhabitable.
State law requires Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) approval for demolition of schools over 50 years old. Although the fire created an emergency situation, the city’s legal staff chose to formally process the demolition review to "cover all bases."
Department of Neighborhood Services (DNS) Commissioner Jezamil Arroyo-Vega reported that the building threatened neighborhood safety due to the risk of collapse (four-story masonry walls with no lateral support) and hazardous materials like asbestos or lead possibly being released if not properly abated.
The City Attorney's Office Mary Schanning, clarified that the law applies if the school board formally votes for demolition, but emergency orders make the building's fate essentially unavoidable. Still, the paper trail ensures legal compliance if later actions by MPS require another commission decision.
Michael Turza (MPS Interim Chief Operations Officer) and Principal Damaris Ayala said MPS would prioritize salvaging any architectural brickwork or stonework if it can be done safely and pending contamination testing; their first priority is public safety and regulatory compliance.
The motion to approve the demolition, as required by state statute, passed unanimously. | Pass | 7:0 |
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