Danforth Elementary faces closure amid mounting repair costs

In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the pressing challenges facing Danforth Elementary School, which may face closure due to its deteriorating physical condition and significant accessibility issues. Unique among district schools, Danforth was originally built by the Archdiocese of St. Louis as a parish school, resulting in a design that includes larger common areas but fewer classrooms, limiting its capacity to just 325 students compared to other schools that accommodate up to 600.

The building's accessibility is a major concern, with officials noting that it has five levels and lacks essential features such as elevators and wheelchair lifts. Upgrading the school to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards would require an estimated $1.6 million investment. Currently, students with accessibility needs are reassigned to other schools, highlighting the urgent need for improvements.

In addition to accessibility challenges, Danforth Elementary is facing various structural issues. The building has deferred maintenance problems, including spalling concrete columns, deteriorating sidewalks, and crumbling retaining walls, which would cost approximately $250,000 to address. The presence of old carpet glued over asbestos floor tiles poses health risks and would require a costly abatement process, estimated at $170,000, to remove.

Furthermore, the school's original 1950s windows are poorly insulated, leading to significant energy loss, with replacement costs projected at $1.5 million. As discussions continue, the future of Danforth Elementary remains uncertain, with officials weighing the pros and cons of potential closure against the backdrop of substantial financial and logistical challenges.